Ingredients
– 1 pound ground beef
– 1/2 pound ground pork
– 1 cup breadcrumbs
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 large egg
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1 teaspoon dried basil
– 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
– 1/4 cup milk
– Marinara sauce (for serving)
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create your homemade Classic Italian Meatballs:
1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Combine Meats: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef and ground pork, mixing them gently.
3. Add Ingredients: Add breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, minced garlic, egg, salt, black pepper, oregano, basil, and, if desired, red pepper flakes.
4. Pour in Milk: Drizzle in the milk to keep the meatballs moist and bind the mixture.
5. Mix Gently: Use your hands to mix the ingredients together until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the meatballs tender.
6. Form Meatballs: Using your hands, form the mixture into 1 to 1.5-inch meatballs and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
7. Bake Them: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes or until the meatballs are browned and cooked through.
8. Heat Marinara: While the meatballs are baking, heat marinara sauce in a separate pot over medium heat.
9. Simmer Together: Once the meatballs are done, gently add them to the simmering marinara sauce to soak up its rich flavor.
10. Serve: Allow the meatballs to simmer in the sauce for a few minutes before serving.
Following these steps will lead you to a batch of Classic Italian Meatballs bursting with flavor!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Fat: 25g
- Protein: 28g