Dinner

Classic Italian Meatballs Recipe

Name: Classic Italian Meatballs Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1/2 cup seasoned breadcrumbs; 2/3 cup milk of your choice; 1 lb. ground beef or preferred meat; 1/4 medium onion, finely chopped or grated; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 large egg, lightly beaten; 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste; 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (ideally Parmigiano-Reggiano); 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley or 1 teaspoon dried parsley

BySimon Carel November 22, 2025November 22, 2025

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Introduction

Classic Italian meatballs are a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for any meal. Made with simple ingredients and baked to juicy perfection, these meatballs pair wonderfully with your favorite sauce or pasta.

The image shows a white oval bowl filled with a bed of light brown spaghetti noodles at the bottom. On top of the noodles, there are five large, round meatballs covered in a thick, bright red tomato sauce. The meatballs have a rough, slightly crumbly texture, and the sauce looks smooth and shiny. The dish is sprinkled with small green herb flakes and a light dusting of grated white cheese, adding a bit of texture and color contrast. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface, and a woman's hand is gently holding the edge of the bowl from the right side. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1/2 cup seasoned breadcrumbs
2/3 cup milk of your choice
1 lb. ground beef or preferred meat
1/4 medium onion (finely chopped or grated)
2 cloves garlic (minced)
1 large egg (lightly beaten)
1 teaspoon salt (or adjust to taste)
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (ideally Parmigiano-Reggiano)
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley or 1 teaspoon dried parsley

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or a baking mat.
Step 2: In a large bowl, mix the seasoned breadcrumbs and milk together. Let them soak for at least 5 minutes while you prepare the other ingredients.
Step 3: Add the ground beef, onion, garlic, egg, salt, black pepper, Parmesan cheese, and parsley to the breadcrumb mixture. Gently combine by hand without overmixing to keep the meatballs tender.
Step 4: Using a cookie or ice cream scoop, portion the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. Wet your hands with water and roll each portion into 2-inch meatballs.
Step 5: Bake the meatballs for 18-20 minutes or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Drain any excess fat before serving with your favorite sauce.

Tips & Variations

For extra moisture, swap half the ground beef for ground pork or veal.
Try adding Italian seasoning or crushed red pepper flakes for additional flavor.
Use fresh parsley if available for a brighter herb taste.
Cook meatballs in a skillet instead of baking for a crispier exterior.

Storage

Store cooked meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet or microwave. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months—thaw overnight before reheating.

How to Serve

A white oval plate filled with light brown cooked spaghetti noodles at the base, topped with a rich red tomato sauce. On top of the spaghetti, there are five large, round meatballs covered in the same red sauce, sprinkled with grated white cheese and small bits of green herbs. The plate is placed on a white marbled surface with a soft cloth partially visible. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use different types of meat?

Yes, you can use ground pork, veal, turkey, or a mix of meats to adjust flavor and texture according to your preference.

How do I prevent meatballs from drying out?

Soaking breadcrumbs in milk adds moisture, and avoiding overmixing keeps the meatballs tender. Baking at the right temperature also helps retain juiciness.