Meatballl Recipes – Juicy, Flavorful & Easy to Make
When it comes to comfort food, few dishes are as universally loved as meatballl recipes. These juicy, flavorful bites have a rich history, from Italian kitchens to Swedish dining tables, and even classic American dinners. What makes meatballs so special is their versatility—you can simmer them in marinara, serve them with creamy gravy, or even tuck them into subs.
This recipe gives you a foolproof way to make the best meatballs at home—tender on the inside, golden on the outside, and packed with flavor. Perfect for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or meal prep!
Ingredients (Serves 6–8)
- 1 ½ lbs (700 g) ground beef (80/20 blend)
- ½ lb (225 g) ground pork (adds juiciness, optional)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (plain or Italian seasoned)
- ½ cup whole milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 small onion, finely grated
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for frying or baking prep)
For sauce (optional):
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Step by Step Cooking Guide
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) if baking.
- Soak breadcrumbs – In a small bowl, combine breadcrumbs with milk. Let them soak for 5 minutes to soften.
- Mix ingredients – In a large bowl, combine beef, pork, soaked breadcrumbs, eggs, onion, garlic, Parmesan, parsley, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix gently with hands (don’t overmix).
- Shape meatballs – Roll into 1 ½-inch balls and place on a baking sheet.
- Cook options:
- Baking: Arrange on a greased baking sheet, bake for 18–20 minutes until golden.
- Pan-Fry: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a skillet, cook meatballs in batches until browned on all sides, about 8–10 minutes.
- Simmer in sauce (optional): Add cooked meatballs to marinara sauce and let simmer for 10 minutes for extra flavor.
- Serve hot with pasta, rice, or bread.
Cooking Time & Serving Size
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20–30 minutes
- Total Time: 35–45 minutes
- Serving Size: 6–8 servings (about 24 meatballs)
Tips & Variations
- Juicy Meatballs: Don’t skip soaking breadcrumbs in milk—it keeps them moist.
- Cheesy Twist: Stuff each meatball with a cube of mozzarella before cooking.
- Swedish Style: Serve with creamy gravy instead of marinara.
- Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for heat.
- Meal Prep Tip: Double the recipe and freeze half for quick future meals.
Nutrition Info (Per Serving – Approx. 4 meatballs)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 290 kcal |
| Protein | 19 g |
| Carbohydrates | 8 g |
| Fat | 20 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 2 g |
Healthy Alternatives
- Low-Fat: Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef and pork.
- Gluten-Free: Replace breadcrumbs with almond flour or gluten-free oats.
- Keto-Friendly: Use pork rinds instead of breadcrumbs.
- Dairy-Free: Skip Parmesan or use nutritional yeast for cheesy flavor.
- Low-Sodium: Reduce added salt and use fresh herbs for flavor.
Serving Suggestions
These meatballl recipes are incredibly versatile. Serve them over spaghetti for a traditional Italian dinner, pair with mashed potatoes for comfort food heaven, or tuck them into sub rolls for a game-day classic. They’re also fantastic for meal prepping since they reheat beautifully.
Once you try these, you’ll realize just how easy it is to make restaurant-quality meatballs at home.
FAQ’s
Q1: Can I freeze meatballs?
Yes! Freeze uncooked meatballs on a tray, then transfer to a bag. Cook directly from frozen or thaw overnight.
Q2: How do I keep meatballs from falling apart?
Make sure you use enough breadcrumbs and eggs as binders. Don’t overmix the meat.
Q3: Can I cook meatballs without frying?
Absolutely—baking is a healthier, hands-off method and works perfectly.
Q4: What meat is best for meatballs?
A mix of beef and pork gives the best flavor and juiciness, but turkey and chicken work for lighter versions.
Q5: How do I know meatballs are cooked through?
Check that the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C).
