Go Back

Melt-In-Your-Mouth Italian Meatballs

Tender, juicy Italian meatballs simmered in rich marinara sauce — soft, flavorful, and irresistibly melt-in-your-mouth delicious.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 20 meatballs
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 280
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Meatballs
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 0.5 lb ground pork
  • 0.75 cup breadcrumbs
  • 0.5 cup milk
  • 2 eggs large
  • 0.75 cup Parmesan cheese grated
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 0.25 cup parsley chopped
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper
  • 0.5 tsp onion powder
  • 0.5 tsp dried oregano
  • 0.25 tsp red pepper flakes optional
Sauce
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 onion finely diced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 28 oz crushed tomatoes
  • 15 oz tomato sauce
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • 1 tsp dried oregano

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Large skillet
  • Dutch oven or saucepan
  • Tongs

Method
 

  1. Soak breadcrumbs in milk for 5–10 minutes.
  2. Mix all meatball ingredients together until just combined.
  3. Shape into 1½-inch balls and place on parchment-lined tray.
  4. Sear meatballs in olive oil until browned on all sides.
  5. In a large saucepan, sauté onion and garlic, then add tomatoes, sauce, and seasonings.
  6. Simmer sauce for 10 minutes.
  7. Add meatballs to sauce and simmer 25–30 minutes on low heat.
  8. Garnish with fresh basil and Parmesan before serving.

Notes

Use a mix of beef and pork for tenderness and flavor. Don’t overmix to keep meatballs light.