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Classic Italian Meatballs

Classic Italian Meatballs That’ll Make You Feel Right at Home

Classic Italian Meatballs are tender, juicy, and a comforting dish that feels like home.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 meatballs
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 300

Ingredients
  

For the Meatballs
  • 1 cup Fresh Breadcrumbs Use fresh breadcrumbs for the best results; substitute with 1/3 cup dried breadcrumbs if necessary.
  • 0.5 cup Milk Can substitute with water if needed.
  • 2 large Egg Yolks
  • 0.5 cup Pecorino Romano Cheese Parmesan cheese can be used instead.
  • 2 cloves Garlic Cloves Fresh garlic is best.
  • 1 teaspoon Salt Use 2 teaspoons if using Diamond brand kosher salt.
  • 0.5 teaspoon Ground Black Pepper
  • 0.75 pound Ground Beef Chuck
  • 0.75 pound Ground Pork Replacing with ground veal can provide a different taste experience.
  • 0.25 cup Chopped Parsley or Basil Consider using basil for a different herbal profile.
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil

Equipment

  • Mixing bowl
  • Skillet
  • baking sheet
  • Meat thermometer

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions for Classic Italian Meatballs
  1. Soak the Breadcrumbs: Begin by soaking 1 cup of fresh breadcrumbs in ½ cup of milk for about 5 minutes.
  2. Mix the Meatball Base: In a mixing bowl, combine soaked breadcrumbs, 2 egg yolks, ½ cup of grated Pecorino Romano cheese, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon of salt, and ½ teaspoon of ground black pepper.
  3. Combine the Meats and Herbs: In a separate bowl, blend ¾ pound of ground beef chuck and ¾ pound of ground pork. Add ¼ cup finely chopped onion and ¼ cup chopped parsley or basil.
  4. Shape the Meatballs: Using a ¼-cup measuring cup, scoop portions of the mixture and roll them into balls, aiming for 20-24 meatballs.
  5. Brown the Meatballs: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and sear the meatballs for about 5-7 minutes.
  6. Cook through: After browning, cover the skillet and lower the heat, cooking for an additional 8-10 minutes, checking for an internal temperature of 165°F.
  7. Finish in Sauce (Optional): Transfer browned meatballs to a pot of simmering marinara sauce and cook for an additional 10-12 minutes.
  8. Bake as Alternative: Preheat your oven to 425°F, arrange meatballs on a greased baking sheet, and bake for 20-25 minutes.
  9. Serve and Enjoy: Serve hot with marinara sauce, spaghetti, or in a sub.

Nutrition

Serving: 2meatballsCalories: 300kcalCarbohydrates: 15gProtein: 25gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 75mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 500mgFiber: 1gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 3mg

Notes

These Classic Italian Meatballs are perfect for family dinners and can be frozen for quick meals later.

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