Homemade Italian Meatballs

# **Homemade Italian Meatballs – A Classic Comfort Food** 🍝🍽️

There’s nothing quite like the aroma of **Homemade Italian Meatballs** simmering in a rich tomato sauce. These meatballs are tender, juicy, and packed with the perfect blend of savory seasonings. Whether served over pasta, on a sub roll, or simply on their own, these meatballs are a true crowd-pleaser.

Making homemade meatballs from scratch is easier than you might think, and the results are far superior to store-bought versions. The combination of **ground beef**, **herbs**, **garlic**, and a touch of **parmesan cheese** makes these meatballs burst with flavor. Let’s dive into the recipe for **Homemade Italian Meatballs** that will make your family and friends ask for seconds.

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## **Ingredients**

### For the Meatballs:
– 1 lb **ground beef** (or a mix of beef and pork for extra flavor)
– ½ cup **fresh breadcrumbs** (preferably from Italian bread)
– ¼ cup **milk**
– 1 large **egg**
– 2 cloves **garlic**, minced
– ¼ cup **parmesan cheese**, grated
– 2 tablespoons **fresh parsley**, chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried)
– 1 teaspoon **dried oregano**
– 1 teaspoon **dried basil**
– ½ teaspoon **salt**
– ½ teaspoon **black pepper**
– 2 tablespoons **olive oil** (for frying)

For the Marinara Sauce (Optional but recommended):
– 2 cups **canned crushed tomatoes**
– 2 cloves **garlic**, minced
– 1 tablespoon **olive oil**
– 1 teaspoon **dried basil**
– 1 teaspoon **dried oregano**
– ½ teaspoon **salt**
– ¼ teaspoon **black pepper**
– 1 tablespoon **fresh basil**, chopped (optional)

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## **Instructions**

### **1. Make the Meatball Mixture:**
1. In a large bowl, soak the **breadcrumbs** in **milk** for a few minutes until softened. This will help keep the meatballs tender.
2. Add the **ground beef**, **egg**, **minced garlic**, **parmesan cheese**, **parsley**, **oregano**, **basil**, **salt**, and **pepper** to the bowl with the breadcrumbs.
3. Mix everything together gently using your hands or a spoon. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough meatballs.
4. Once the mixture is well combined, use your hands to form the meatballs into 1 ½-inch balls. You should get about **20-24 meatballs** depending on the size.

### **2. Brown the Meatballs:**
1. Heat **olive oil** in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Carefully add the meatballs to the pan, making sure not to overcrowd them. Brown the meatballs on all sides, about 4-5 minutes. This helps to create a nice crust and lock in the flavor.
3. Once the meatballs are browned, remove them from the skillet and set them aside. You can continue to cook them in the sauce or freeze them for later.

### **3. Prepare the Marinara Sauce (Optional):**
1. In the same skillet, add a bit more **olive oil** and sauté the **minced garlic** until fragrant, about 1 minute.
2. Add the **crushed tomatoes**, **oregano**, **basil**, **salt**, and **pepper**. Stir to combine.
3. Bring the sauce to a simmer and then return the browned meatballs to the skillet. Cover the pan and let the meatballs cook in the sauce for about **20-25 minutes** until they are fully cooked through and the sauce is thickened.
4. If desired, stir in some **fresh basil** just before serving for extra flavor and freshness.

### **4. Serve:**
– Serve the **Homemade Italian Meatballs** over your favorite pasta (spaghetti is a classic choice) with a generous spoonful of sauce.
– Alternatively, serve them on a sub roll for a delicious **meatball sandwich**, topped with melted mozzarella cheese.

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## **Why You’ll Love These Homemade Italian Meatballs**

✔ **Simple Ingredients** – With basic pantry staples and fresh herbs, you can create a flavorful and satisfying meal without needing any special ingredients.

✔ **Juicy & Tender** – Thanks to the combination of **milk-soaked breadcrumbs** and careful mixing, these meatballs turn out juicy, tender, and not at all dry.

✔ **Perfect for Any Meal** – Whether served with pasta, on a sandwich, or as an appetizer, these meatballs are versatile and perfect for any occasion.

✔ **Customizable** – Feel free to adjust the herbs and spices to your liking. You can add **red pepper flakes** for a bit of heat or **fresh garlic** for an extra punch of flavor.

✔ **Freezer-Friendly** – These meatballs freeze beautifully, so you can make a large batch and save some for later. Simply freeze the uncooked meatballs on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer bag, or freeze the cooked meatballs with sauce for a quick and easy meal.

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## **Storage Tips**

🧊 **To Store** – Leftover meatballs can be stored in an **airtight container** in the fridge for up to **4 days**. Be sure to store the meatballs in the sauce to keep them moist.

🧊 **To Freeze** – Freeze the meatballs in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to **3 months**.

🧊 **To Reheat** – Reheat the meatballs in the sauce over low heat on the stove until heated through, or bake them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 15 minutes.

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## **Final Thoughts**

These **Homemade Italian Meatballs** are the perfect addition to any meal. They are incredibly flavorful, juicy, and versatile, making them ideal for family dinners, casual gatherings, or meal prep for the week. The combination of **garlic**, **herbs**, and **parmesan** in the meatballs, paired with a rich tomato sauce, creates a satisfying dish that everyone will love.

Next time you’re craving a comforting and hearty meal, try making these meatballs from scratch – they’ll soon become a family favorite!

Let me know how they turn out, and feel free to share any creative variations you make to suit your taste! 🍝