Homemade Meatballs

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There’s something undeniably comforting about a plate of homemade meatballs. Whether they’re simmering in marinara sauce or piled onto spaghetti, they have a way of turning an ordinary meal into something special. The juicy interior, the golden-brown crust, the aromas of garlic and herbs—it all comes together in a way that’s as nostalgic as it is satisfying.

This recipe takes you back to the basics of good cooking: fresh ingredients, a little love, and a lot of flavor. You don’t need a fancy restaurant or a complicated list of ingredients to make meatballs that wow. All it takes is a few simple pantry staples and some hands-on time in the kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Homemade Meatballs Recipe

These meatballs are the perfect balance of tender and flavorful, thanks to a mix of ground meats, breadcrumbs, and spices. They’re versatile enough for pasta, subs, or even served on their own with a side of veggies. You’ll love how easily they come together and how crowd-pleasing they are. Plus, they freeze beautifully, making them a great option for meal prep.

What Kind of Meat Should I Use for Meatballs?

The best meatballs start with a combination of meats. Using both beef and pork gives a rich flavor and juicy texture that you can’t quite get from one type alone. If you prefer leaner options, ground turkey or chicken can also work, but you might want to add a bit of extra fat or moisture to keep them from drying out. Look for ground meat with a bit of fat marbling—around 80/20 is ideal for beef.

Ingredients for the Homemade Meatballs

To build meatballs that are juicy on the inside and golden on the outside, each ingredient has a specific role to play. Think of it like assembling the perfect team—each component adds flavor, texture, or moisture to the final result.

• Ground beef
• Ground pork
• Breadcrumbs
• Milk
• Eggs
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Minced garlic
• Chopped parsley
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Italian seasoning
• Olive oil

The ground beef and ground pork work together to create a meatball that’s flavorful and tender. Breadcrumbs soaked in milk help hold everything together while keeping the meatballs moist. Eggs act as a binder, and Parmesan cheese adds a salty, nutty depth. Garlic, parsley, and Italian seasoning infuse each bite with classic Italian flavor. A sprinkle of salt and pepper is essential, and olive oil helps get that beautiful sear when pan-frying.

How To Make the Homemade Meatballs

Step 1: Prepare the Mixture

In a large bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and milk. Let them soak for a few minutes until the breadcrumbs absorb the liquid. Add in the ground beef, ground pork, eggs, Parmesan, garlic, parsley, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Mix everything together gently with your hands or a spoon until just combined—don’t overmix.

Step 2: Shape the Meatballs

Form the mixture into evenly-sized balls, about the size of a golf ball. You can use a cookie scoop or just eyeball it for consistency. Place them on a tray or plate as you go.

Step 3: Sear the Meatballs

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs in batches, being careful not to crowd the pan. Sear them until all sides are browned, turning gently with tongs.

Step 4: Simmer or Bake

Transfer the seared meatballs to a simmering pot of marinara sauce and let them cook through for about 20 minutes. Alternatively, you can bake them in a 375°F oven for 20-25 minutes until fully cooked.

How to Serve and Store Homemade Meatballs

These homemade meatballs are ideal for feeding a crowd or prepping meals for the week. This recipe comfortably serves about 6 people, making it great for family dinners or gatherings. Leftovers? Even better. The flavor intensifies as they sit, making next-day meals something to look forward to.

To store, let the meatballs cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. They can stay in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. They’ll keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months.

To reheat, simply simmer in sauce on the stove or warm them in the oven at 350°F until heated through. If frozen, let them thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

What to Serve With Meatballs?

Spaghetti and Marinara

A classic pairing for a reason. The rich tomato sauce clings to both the noodles and the meatballs, creating a comforting bite every time.

Garlic Bread

Crunchy on the outside and soft inside, garlic bread is perfect for soaking up all that flavorful sauce.

Mashed Potatoes

Creamy mashed potatoes and savory meatballs make an unexpected but delicious combo, especially when drizzled with a bit of pan gravy.

Zucchini Noodles

If you’re looking for a low-carb option, zucchini noodles are a great way to lighten up the meal without sacrificing satisfaction.

Caesar Salad

The crisp romaine, tangy dressing, and parmesan offer a refreshing counterbalance to the richness of the meatballs.

Polenta

Velvety and buttery, polenta makes an excellent base for serving meatballs and sauce.

Crusty Italian Bread

For a no-fuss meal, serve the meatballs in a bowl with some crusty bread to scoop up every last bit of sauce.

Roasted Vegetables

Roasted broccoli, carrots, or bell peppers add a colorful and healthy touch to your plate.

Want More Dinner Ideas?

If you love these homemade meatballs, here are a few more hearty recipes you should definitely try:

• Cajun Potato Soup for a creamy and spicy one-pot meal.
• Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini that blends Tex-Mex flavors with cheesy pasta.
• Mom’s Signature Macaroni Salad for the perfect picnic or potluck side.
• Creamy Chicken and Broccoli if you’re craving something comforting yet balanced.
• Tex-Mex Beef Enchiladas for an oven-baked dish full of spice and flavor.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go with the stovetop simmer or try baking them instead? Did you mix meats or stick to one?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other cook better.

Explore beautifully curated dinner recipes and comfort food favorites on Zoe Recipes on Pinterest and discover new go-to meals for your weekly rotation!

Conclusion

Homemade meatballs are timeless for a reason—they’re flavorful, flexible, and deeply satisfying. With this easy recipe, you’ll have a batch ready to serve or store in no time. Whether you’re preparing a cozy dinner for loved ones or just meal prepping for the week ahead, these meatballs are sure to hit the spot.

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