Simple Italian Meatballs

Name: Simple Italian Meatballs
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 3 tablespoons parmesan cheese; 1-2 cloves garlic (minced); 3 tablespoons bread crumbs; 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon parsley (or ½ tablespoon chopped fresh); ½ teaspoon salt; 1-2 dashes black pepper; ¼ cup milk; 2 tablespoons olive oil; ⅓-½ cup broth (vegetable or beef)

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Simple Italian Meatballs are a delicious, easy meatball recipe made with ground beef, bread crumbs, Parmesan, and herbs. They are cooked on the stove in olive oil and lightly simmered in a little broth, so they are tender and moist. Serve them alone or with pasta or rice for a hearty, savory dinner.

Meatballs in a silver frying pan with a spoon.

I have several meatball recipes, and this is my favorite simple one. They’re the ones I make when I don’t have a lot of time because they are ready in about 35 minutes. Add a favorite marinara sauce and pasta, and dinner is ready in no time.

With this recipe, you don’t have to worry about dry or dense meatballs. Milk and egg in the mixture add a lot of moisture, so you get a batch of tender meatballs with lots of flavor. I’m also sharing tips for making them, so they turn out exactly right for you every time.

They are great on their own, with pasta, or serve them in some tomato sauce with crusty bread on the side. Or, use them to make meatball stuffed crescent rolls which remind me of meatball subs!

Table of Contents

Ingredients

Ground beef
Parmesan cheese
Bread crumbs
Large egg
Minced garlic cloves
Dried herbs like parsley or oregano or fresh herbs like parsley
Salt
Black pepper
Milk
Olive oil
Vegetable or beef broth – either homemade or store bought, if using store bought check the salt content.

Recipe Instructions

Mix the ground beef, egg, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Slowly add the milk and mix until you have a soft, compact meat mixture.

Scoop the mixture and form it into small balls (a cookie scoop makes this easy). You should get approximately 36 meatballs.

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or pan over medium heat. Place the meatballs in a single layer and brown them on all sides for about five to six minutes. Turn them often so they cook evenly.

Cooked meatballs in a silver frying pan.

Add the broth and cover the pan and adjust the heat to medium or low. Cook the meatballs in the broth for 10 to 15 minutes or until they are cooked through. Take the lid off and cook them on high heat for two to three minutes longer or until the broth has reduced and thickened.

FAQ

Can you use something besides beef?

Yes, you can use ground pork, veal, or Italian sausage. I prefer meat with a higher fat content because the meatballs are more flavorful and tender. If you prefer something lean, you can use ground turkey for this recipe, too. Or, do a mix of different ground meat.

How do you make tender meatballs?

The best meatballs are made with meat that has some fat in it. It makes them more tender. Also, when you mix the meat mixture, be sure to use a light hand. Mix only until the ingredients are combined. When you roll the meatballs, don’t pack them too tight. They should hold together, but if you squeeze or roll them too tightly, they will be dense once cooked.

Can you bake them in the oven?

If you want baked ones, you might like my baked Italian meatballs.

Can you freeze homemade meatballs?

Yes, they freeze great. I like to freeze them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper until they are frozen and then transfer them to a freezer container. They will keep for several months. You can warm them in sauce or broth when you are ready to serve them.

How long do meatballs keep in the refrigerator?

Cooked meatballs will keep for up to four days in the refrigerator. Keep them in an airtight container.

How do Italians serve meatballs?

Maybe it’s a surprise, but you won’t find a lot of spaghetti and meatballs in Italy. That is an Italian-American thing and not a common dish here. Italians like to serve meatballs just as they are or simmer them in a sauce or broth with some bread or a vegetable on the side.

Homemade Italian meatballs have never been so easy to make. This is a great recipe to have on hand when you want a quick and easy dinner when it’s busy. I hope you give these simple Italian meatballs a try – Enjoy!

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