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4.5 from 33 votes

Meatballs

The best Italian Meatball recipe is tender and flavorful. Made with beef, soaked bread, chopped parsley, and Parmesan cheese. This easy meatball recipe has amazing flavor and served over your favorite pasta.

Prep Time
25 mins
Cook Time
25 mins
Servings: 18 meatballs
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

  • 2 lices white bread, stale or barely toasted (or sub 1/2 cup breadcrumbs)
  • 1/3 /3 cup whole milk
  • 1 lb ground beef (85% lean beef)
  • 1/2 /2 cup Parmigiano Reggiano cheese (see note)
  • 1/4 /4 cup grated yellow onion (a food processor also works well to make it fine)
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tablespoon chopped Italian parsley
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon salt (more or less to taste)
  • 1/2 /2 teaspoon ground pepper
  • 1/4 /4 teaspoon crushed red pepper (optional)
  • 26 ounces Marinara sauce for serving (I like Rao's)

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Preheat oven to 400℉ and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a medium bowl, add the bread and pour the milk over it. Let it sit for 5 minutes.
  3. In a large bowl, add the rest of the meatball ingredients. Mash the bread a fork or with your hands until it's a paste and add it to the meatball mixture. Mix meatball mixture until combined. Do not overmix or meatballs will be tough.
  4. Scoop meatball mixture into 1½ inch balls and place on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until internal temperature is 165 ℉.
  5. In a large skillet or pot, pour the marinara in and heat to a simmer. Place cooked meatballs in the marinara, simmer until warm, and serve. Garnish with basil if desired.

Notes

  • Parmigiano Reggiano adds so much flavor but grated Parmesan is a substitute that can be used.
  • Parmigiano Reggiano adds so much flavor but grated Parmesan is a substitute that can be used.