Authentic Italian meatballs are a classic dish that is beloved around the world for their savory flavor and tender texture. Made with a blend of ground meats, breadcrumbs, and herbs, these meatballs are perfect for serving with pasta, in sandwiches, or on their own as a tasty appetizer. In this recipe, we’ll show you how to make easy and delicious authentic Italian meatballs that will impress your family and friends.
Ingredients for Authentic Italian Meatballs:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 pound ground pork
- 1/2 pound ground veal (or substitute with additional ground beef or pork)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Olive oil, for cooking
How to Make Authentic Italian Meatballs:
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, ground veal, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, garlic, milk, eggs, salt, pepper, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Mix until well combined.
- Shape the mixture into meatballs, about 1-2 inches in diameter. Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- In a large skillet, heat a few tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Working in batches, add the meatballs to the skillet and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes per batch. Remove the meatballs from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add your favorite marinara sauce. Return the meatballs to the skillet and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and the sauce has thickened slightly.
- Serve the meatballs hot, with pasta, in a sandwich, or on their own as an appetizer. Garnish with additional Parmesan cheese and parsley, if desired.
About the Main Ingredients:
- Ground Beef: Ground beef provides a hearty base for the meatballs and adds a rich flavor.
- Ground Pork: Ground pork adds tenderness and juiciness to the meatballs.
- Ground Veal: Ground veal adds a subtle flavor and delicate texture to the meatballs. If you prefer, you can substitute with additional ground beef or pork.
- Breadcrumbs: Breadcrumbs help to bind the meatballs together and add texture. Use plain breadcrumbs for this recipe.
- Parmesan Cheese: Parmesan cheese adds a salty and savory flavor to the meatballs. Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor.
- Parsley: Fresh parsley adds a fresh and herbaceous flavor to the meatballs. Use flat-leaf Italian parsley for the best results.
- Garlic: Garlic adds a pungent and aromatic flavor to the meatballs. Use fresh garlic for the best flavor.
- Milk: Milk helps to keep the meatballs moist and tender. You can use any type of milk for this recipe.
- Eggs: Eggs help to bind the meatballs together and add structure. They also help to keep the meatballs moist.
- Seasonings: Salt, pepper, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes add a variety of flavors to the meatballs. Adjust the seasonings to suit your taste.
These authentic Italian meatballs are easy to make and are sure to become a family favorite. Serve them with pasta, in a sandwich, or on their own for a delicious and satisfying meal.
