Introduction
Few things bring the family together like a hearty plate of homemade Italian Meatballs. Juicy and simmered to perfection in a rich tomato sauce, they capture the essence of warmth and togetherness, perfect for any family dinner or a special occasion. Let’s dive into creating this classic dish that will fill your kitchen with the comforting aroma of Italian cooking.
Recipe Summary
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Servings: 4-6
- Skill Level: Intermediate
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 lb ground pork
- 1/2 cup bread crumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 large egg
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- Fresh basil, for garnish
- Extra Parmesan cheese, for garnish
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix together the ground beef, ground pork, bread crumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, chopped parsley, egg, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Form the mixture into 1-inch meatballs, placing them on a baking sheet as you go.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the meatballs in batches and brown them on all sides, about 5 minutes. Transfer browned meatballs to a plate.
- In the same skillet, pour in the marinara sauce and bring to a simmer. Add the browned meatballs back into the skillet, cover, and let them simmer in the sauce for 30 minutes, until cooked through.
- Serve the Italian Meatballs hot, garnished with fresh basil and extra Parmesan cheese. Pair with spaghetti and garlic bread for a complete meal.
Helpful Tips
For beginners, invest in a good meat thermometer to ensure your meatballs are cooked all the way through to 165°F. If you’re short on time, you can prepare the meatballs a day in advance and refrigerate them until you’re ready to cook.
Storage Instructions
Store any leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months for a quick and delicious meal on a busy night. Reheat them in the sauce on the stovetop until warmed through.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you prefer a different meat blend, ground turkey or chicken can be substituted for the beef and pork. Gluten-free bread crumbs can also be used to make this recipe celiac-friendly.
Pairings
These Italian Meatballs are perfectly complemented by a side of spaghetti tossed in olive oil and herbs, and a slice of warm garlic bread. A crisp green salad and a glass of red wine or sparkling water with a splash of lemon would complete the meal beautifully.
Conclusion
We hope you enjoy creating and sharing these delicious Italian Meatballs with your loved ones. Remember to share your creations on social media using #ZynahzRecipes or tag Zynahz on Instagram. We can’t wait to see your versions! Head over to Zynahz to leave your feedback and don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter for the latest recipes and updates. Follow Zynahz on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter for more culinary inspiration!
