Best Homemade Italian Meatballs

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Tender, juicy, and perfectly seasoned, these Best Homemade Italian Meatballs are a comforting classic that never goes out of style. Whether simmered in marinara sauce or served straight out of the oven, they burst with flavor in every bite. These meatballs strike that sweet spot between rustic Italian tradition and easy weeknight dinner.

Made with a blend of ground meats, fresh herbs, and just the right touch of cheese, these meatballs are incredibly versatile. Serve them with spaghetti, pile them onto a sub roll, or tuck them into a cozy casserole—they’re always a hit. It’s a recipe worth mastering, and once you taste the homemade difference, you’ll never go back to frozen.

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What Kind of Ground Meat Should I Use?

Traditional Italian meatballs shine when made with a combination of ground beef and ground pork. The beef adds heartiness while the pork lends rich flavor and tenderness. If you want a leaner option, ground turkey can be used, but the texture may be slightly firmer. Mixing meats helps balance fat and flavor—a key to juicy meatballs that don’t dry out during cooking.

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Ingredients for the Best Homemade Italian Meatballs

Ground Beef & Ground Pork: This combo creates a flavorful and moist base. Use an 80/20 beef mix if possible.

Breadcrumbs: Classic binding ingredient. Opt for plain or Italian-style for extra seasoning.

Milk: Softens the breadcrumbs and adds moisture to the mix.

Eggs: Essential for holding the meatballs together.

Parmesan Cheese: Adds a nutty, salty flavor that deepens the overall taste.

Fresh Garlic & Onion: For a savory base with a touch of sharpness. Grated or finely chopped helps them blend in better.

Italian Seasoning: Dried herbs like oregano and basil bring that familiar Italian flavor.

Fresh Parsley: Brightens the dish with a pop of color and freshness.

Salt & Pepper: Don’t skip these—they pull all the flavors together.

Olive Oil (for pan-frying): Helps give the outside a crisp golden crust.

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How To Make the Best Homemade Italian Meatballs

Step 1: Make the Breadcrumb Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and milk. Let the mixture sit for about 5 minutes so the crumbs can soak up the liquid. This step is key for soft, tender meatballs.

Step 2: Add the Flavor Base

Grate or finely chop the onion and garlic, then add them to the breadcrumb mixture along with the eggs, grated Parmesan, parsley, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Stir everything together until well combined.

Step 3: Mix in the Meats

Add the ground beef and ground pork to the bowl. Use your hands to gently mix everything together until just combined. Avoid overmixing, which can make the meatballs tough.

Step 4: Shape the Meatballs

Scoop about 1 1/2 tablespoons of the mixture and roll it into balls. You can use a cookie scoop for even sizing. Place them on a baking sheet or plate.

Step 5: Sear the Meatballs (Optional but Recommended)

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the meatballs in batches and sear them until browned on all sides. This adds flavor and locks in juices. Don’t worry about cooking them all the way through yet.

Step 6: Finish Cooking

Transfer the seared meatballs to a simmering pot of marinara sauce. Let them cook gently for about 20-25 minutes, until cooked through and infused with sauce flavor. Alternatively, you can bake them at 400°F for 20 minutes on a parchment-lined sheet.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Serve warm over pasta, in a sub, or however you like. Garnish with extra parsley or Parmesan if desired.

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How to Serve and Store These Meatballs

These homemade Italian meatballs are incredibly versatile. Serve them over spaghetti for the ultimate comfort food dinner, or tuck them into toasted hoagie rolls for irresistible meatball subs. They also shine in casseroles, grain bowls, or even as party appetizers with toothpicks and marinara on the side.

If you’re planning ahead, these meatballs store beautifully. Let them cool completely, then refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days. They also freeze well—just spread them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to 3 months and reheat like a dream in sauce or in the oven.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the best way to keep meatballs moist?

The trick is soaking your breadcrumbs in milk and not overworking the meat mixture. Cooking them in sauce also helps retain moisture.

Can I bake these instead of pan-frying?

Absolutely. Bake at 400°F for 20 minutes on a parchment-lined baking sheet. They won’t have the same seared crust but still turn out delicious.

Can I use all beef or all pork?

You can, but using both gives the best texture and flavor. All beef will be a bit firmer, while all pork will be softer and richer.

Are these gluten-free?

To make them gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs and double-check your Parmesan and marinara sauce ingredients.

How do I know when the meatballs are fully cooked?

They should reach an internal temperature of 165°F. If you don’t have a thermometer, cut one open—it should be no longer pink in the center.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the meatball mixture a day in advance and store it covered in the fridge until you’re ready to cook.

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Want More Dinner Ideas with a Comforting Twist?

If these Best Homemade Italian Meatballs are your kind of meal, you’ll want to check out these other savory favorites from the blog:

• One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta for a cozy, rich dinner.
• Cheesy Baked Tortellini with Meat Sauce that’s bubbling with comfort.
• Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders with Creamy Mustard Dip perfect for dipping or stuffing into sandwiches.
• Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole for those who love baked pasta with all the layers.
• Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet if you’re craving a creamy skillet-style dish.

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Save This Pin + Share Your Results

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it whenever meatball cravings strike.

And I’d love to hear how your batch turned out. Did you try a different meat combo? Add a little spice?

Leave a comment with your tips or questions—your ideas help others make the recipe their own too.

👉 For more daily comfort food ideas, follow me on Pinterest at Life with Jam.

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