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Meatball Recipe

These juicy, flavorful, foolproof homemade meatballs combine beef and pork for the perfect balance, with Parmesan, garlic, and herbs for classic Italian flavor. Tender, moist, and versatile, they’re perfect for pasta dinners, subs, or party appetizers.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
optional 20 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 5
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Italian-American
Calories: 280

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound ground beef 80/20 for best flavor
  • 1 pound ground pork
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs plain or Italian-style
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley or 2 teaspoons dried parsley
  • 3 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 small onion finely grated or minced
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes optional
  • Olive oil for frying or greasing baking sheet
  • Optional mix-ins:
  • Swap parsley for fresh basil for a brighter flavor.
  • Add 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella for extra richness.
  • Use gluten-free breadcrumbs if needed.

Method
 

  1. In a medium bowl, combine breadcrumbs and milk. Let sit for 5 minutes until softened.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, soaked breadcrumbs, eggs, Parmesan, parsley, garlic, onion, salt, pepper, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Mix gently until combined. Do not overmix.
  3. Scoop about 2 tablespoons of mixture per meatball and roll into balls. Place on a baking sheet. Yields about 24 meatballs.
  4. To fry: Heat 2–3 tablespoons olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook meatballs in batches, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides, about 8–10 minutes. Transfer to a plate.
  5. To bake: Preheat oven to 400°F. Place meatballs on a greased baking sheet and bake 20–25 minutes, until golden and cooked through.
  6. For extra flavor, add cooked meatballs to a pot of marinara sauce and simmer for at least 20 minutes before serving.