Homemade Meatballs Recipe
Juicy homemade Italian-style meatballs baked (or simmered) for weeknight pasta, subs, and meal prep. Clear food-safe temps, tender texture tips, and USA pantry ingredients—family classic that ranks for homemade meatballs.
🛒Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 lb ground pork
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup minced fresh parsley
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cups marinara sauce
🔧Kitchen Tools Needed
- Large mixing bowl
- Skillet
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Baking dish
- Spatula
📝Instructions
- 1
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- 2
In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, garlic, onion, egg, salt, pepper, oregano, and basil.
- 3
Add milk to the mixture and blend everything together using your hands until well combined.
- 4
Shape the mixture into 1.5-inch meatballs and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- 5
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the meatballs and sear them, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes.
- 6
Transfer the seared meatballs to a baking dish and pour marinara sauce over them.
- 7
Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until the meatballs are cooked through until browned and centers reach 160°F (165°F for poultry).
- 8
Serve the meatballs hot with spaghetti, crusty bread, or your favorite side dish.
- 9
Confirm doneness with an instant-read thermometer: beef or pork meatballs should reach 160°F in the center (165°F if using poultry). Rest 5 minutes before saucing.
🥗Nutrition Information
⚡Calories per serving: 320
🏷️Recipe Tags
❓Frequently Asked Questions
Can I freeze the meatballs?
Yes, you can freeze the uncooked meatballs. Place them on a baking sheet in the freezer until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
What can I use instead of pork?
If you prefer not to use pork, you can substitute it with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version of the meatballs.
What internal temperature should homemade meatballs reach?
Beef or pork meatballs: 160°F. Turkey or chicken meatballs: 165°F. Always check the center of a meatball.
How do I keep meatballs tender?
Don’t overmix, include a panade (breadcrumbs + milk or egg), and pull them as soon as they hit a safe temperature.
