Spread the love

Savor the timeless delight of Italian Meatballs, a juicy meatballs dish that’s tender, flavorful, and paired with rich marinara sauce. This Classic Comfort Food features a soft, cheesy center and a crispy exterior, perfect for family dinners or gatherings. Whip up this easy recipe on Food and Tips for a savory polpette treat everyone will love!

Why You’ll Love Italian Meatballs

Tender and Juicy: Italian Meatballs melt in your mouth in this easy recipe.
Rich Flavors: Parmesan and marinara shine in this savory polpette dish.
Versatile: Serve with pasta or as a sub in this juicy meatballs recipe.
Family-Friendly: A hit for all ages with this easy recipe.
Quick Prep: Ready in 35 minutes for a savory polpette meal.

Ingredients for Italian Meatballs

Here’s what you’ll need for this juicy meatballs dish (makes ~4 servings):

For the Meatballs:

1 lb (500 g) ground beef (80% lean)
½ cup (60 g) breadcrumbs
¼ cup (25 g) grated Parmesan cheese
¼ cup (15 g) fresh parsley, chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
1 large egg
½ tsp kosher salt
¼ tsp ground black pepper
¼ cup (60 ml) milk
2 tbsp olive oil (for frying)
1 jar (24 oz/680 g) marinara sauce

Equipment

Large mixing bowl
Large skillet
Tongs
Measuring cups and spoons

Ingredient Tips

Ground Beef: 80% lean for juicy meatballs in this savory polpette dish.
Breadcrumbs: Fresh for a soft texture in this easy recipe.
Parmesan: Adds richness to this juicy meatballs dish.
Milk: Keeps the mixture moist for this savory polpette meal.
Marinara: Choose a quality sauce for this easy recipe.

Directions for Italian Meatballs

Let’s make this delicious savory polpette dish!

Mix the Meatballs

In a large bowl, I combine 1 lb ground beef, ½ cup breadcrumbs, ¼ cup Parmesan, ¼ cup parsley, 1 minced garlic clove, 1 egg, ½ tsp salt, ¼ tsp black pepper, and ¼ cup milk, mixing gently until just combined for this juicy meatballs dish.

Form the Meatballs

I roll the mixture into 1-inch balls, yielding about 12–16 meatballs, and let them rest for 5 minutes to hold their shape for this easy recipe.

Fry the Meatballs

In a large skillet, I heat 2 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. I fry the meatballs in batches, turning occasionally, until golden brown on all sides, about 8 minutes, for this savory polpette dish.

Simmer in Sauce

I add 1 jar marinara sauce to the skillet, covering the meatballs. I simmer for 15 minutes until cooked through (165°F/74°C) for this Italian Meatballs dish.

Serve

I serve the meatballs hot with pasta, garlic bread, or on a sub roll for this juicy meatballs meal.

Nutrition

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: ~35 minutes
Servings: ~4 servings (3–4 meatballs each)
Calories: ~295 kcal per serving
Macros per Serving: 20g carbs, 20g protein, 18g fat

Variations for Italian Meatballs

Try these twists on this juicy meatballs dish:

Mixed Meats: Add ground pork for a richer savory polpette flavor.
Spicy Kick: Include ¼ tsp red pepper flakes in this easy recipe.
Cheese Swap: Use Pecorino Romano for a sharper juicy meatballs taste.
Gluten-Free: Swap breadcrumbs for gluten-free versions in this savory polpette dish.
Herb Boost: Add fresh basil or oregano for an aromatic easy recipe.

Serving Ideas:

Pair with Food and Tips’ spaghetti for a classic meal.
Serve with Food and Tips’ green salad for a fresh contrast.
Enjoy with Food and Tips’ red wine for a refined touch.

Storage

I store this savory polpette dish in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
I freeze cooked meatballs in sauce for up to 3 months, thawing in the fridge before reheating.
I reheat in a skillet over low heat with extra sauce for a moist easy recipe.

Serving Tips

Presentation: Serve Italian Meatballs in a rustic bowl for a cozy look.
Garnish: Sprinkle extra Parmesan and parsley for this juicy meatballs appeal.
Pairing: Enjoy with garlic bread or Food and Tips’ pasta recipes for a savory polpette meal.
Portion Size: 3–4 meatballs per person for a satisfying serving.
Occasions: Perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or cozy nights in.

FAQs About Italian Meatballs

Here are answers to common questions about this juicy meatballs dish:

Can I use ground pork instead of beef?
Yes, pork or a beef-pork mix works for this savory polpette dish.

How do I keep meatballs tender?
Mix gently and don’t overwork the mixture for this easy recipe.

Can I bake the meatballs?
Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15 minutes before simmering in sauce for this juicy meatballs dish.

Can I make this gluten-free?
Use gluten-free breadcrumbs for a gluten-free savory polpette meal.

How do I store leftovers?
Refrigerate for 4 days or freeze for 3 months for this easy recipe.

Try More Quick Dinners

Conclusion

Italian Meatballs are a juicy meatballs dish with a tender, cheesy center and rich marinara sauce. This easy recipe is ideal for comforting dinners or gatherings. Make this savory polpette dish on Food and Tips for a classic comfort food everyone will love!

Italian Meatballs

Italian Meatballs are a juicy meatballs dish with a tender, cheesy center and rich marinara sauce. This easy recipe is ideal for comforting dinners or gatherings.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 25

Total Time 35

Course Dinner

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4 servings

Calories 295 kcal

Ingredients

1 lb 500 g ground beef (80% lean)
½ cup 60 g breadcrumbs
¼ cup 25 g grated Parmesan cheese
¼ cup 15 g fresh parsley, chopped
1 clove garlic minced
1 large egg
½ tsp kosher salt
¼ tsp ground black pepper
¼ cup 60 ml milk
2 tbsp olive oil for frying
1 jar 24 oz/680 g marinara sauce