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Home » Course » Main Dish » Simple Italian Meatballs

Simple Italian Meatballs

By: Rosemary Published: January 3, 2022

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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
  • Recipe Instructions
      • Never Miss a Recipe!
  • FAQ
  • More Recipes You Might Like
  • Simple Italian Meatballs
    • Ingredients US CustomaryMetric 1x2x3x
      • Meatballs
      • EXTRAS
    • Instructions 
    • Notes
    • Nutrition

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. 

Ingredients in a white bowl and mixed.

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

Formed meatballs on a black plate.

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.

Meatballs in a bowl and 2 on a spoon.
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    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.

    Meatballs in a white plate.

    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!

    More Recipes You Might Like

    • Mini Meatball Bake
    • Beef with White Wine Sauce
    • Creamy Cheesy Baked Pasta
    • Best Meatloaf
    Meatballs in a silver frying pan with a spoon.

    Simple Italian Meatballs

    Rosemary Molloy
    The best easy meatballs that are tender & full of flavor. Simple Italian meatballs are made with beef, Parmesan, and breadcrumbs & ready in 35 minutes.
    5 from 5 votes
    Prevent your screen from going dark
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 20 mins
    Cook Time 15 mins
    Total Time 35 mins
    Course Main Dish
    Cuisine Italian
    Servings 36 meatballs
    Calories 47 kcal

    Ingredients
     
     

    Meatballs

    • 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

    EXTRAS

    • 2 tablespoons olive oil
    • ⅓-½ cup broth (vegetable or beef)

    Instructions
     

    • In a large bowl mix together the ground beef, egg, bread crumbs, parmesan cheese, minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt and pepper.  Slowly add the milk until you have a soft compact mixture. Form the mixture into small balls.
    • In a large pan add the olive oil and the meatballs, brown on all sides turning often. Cook for approximately 5-6 minutes. Add the broth, cover and cook on medium/low heat for approximately 10-12 minutes or until cooked through. Stir occasionally to make sure the meatballs don't burn. Remove the lid and cook 2-3 minutes on high to thicken slightly. Serve immediately. Enjoy!

    Notes

    Cooked meatballs will keep for up to four days in the refrigerator. Keep them in an airtight container.
    To freeze them, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper until they are frozen and then transfer them to a freezer safe container. They will keep for several months. You can warm them in sauce or broth when you are ready to serve them.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 47kcalCarbohydrates: 1gProtein: 3gFat: 4gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 15mgSodium: 65mgPotassium: 41mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 19IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 12mgIron: 1mg
    Keyword Italian meatball recipe, Italian meatballs, meatball recipe, simple meatballs
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      1. Tom says

        March 20, 2022 at 12:29 am

        Your web site is so wonderful. I’ve used several recipes, and I’ll be making them again. Delicious, and very easy. And clear directions! Thank you!!

        Reply
        • Rosemary says

          March 20, 2022 at 6:26 pm

          Hi Tom thanks so much, so glad you enjoy the recipes. Take care.

          Reply
      2. Maria Salpietro' says

        January 30, 2022 at 12:25 am

        Dear Rosemary,

        I don’t know how to thank you enough for these amazing recipes. It is food I grew up on and thought all was lost til I found your blog. Your recipes are super tasty, full of flavour and most of all very easy to make. My family absolutely love everyone of your recipes.

        You are simply “The Best”

        Thank you again and keep them coming.

        Maria

        Reply
        • Rosemary says

          February 2, 2022 at 11:15 pm

          Hi Maria, thanks so much, what a wonderful comment. Take care.

          Reply
      3. Doris says

        January 5, 2022 at 3:00 pm

        5 stars
        Good day Rosemary!
        A very Happy New Year to you and yours! This is always how I have made my meatballs. I never use the veal, pork and beef mix like a lot of gal use. A while back, I had seen a recipe that used sour cream instead of milk as one of the binding ingredients. I have been using this in mine and I think it makes a nice tender meatball. Cheers and have a blessed and safe 2022!

        Reply
        • Rosemary says

          January 7, 2022 at 8:48 pm

          Hi Doris, thanks so much, I will have to try with sour cream. Happy New Year to you and yours also.

          Reply
      4. LINDA BUBLICK says

        January 4, 2022 at 1:39 pm

        5 stars
        THESE meatballs are fabulous!!!!!!!! I made them and quick and easy!!!!! We really enjoyed them in a great sub with light sauce and melted cheese!!! YUM!!!!!

        Love all of your recipes.

        LINDA B.

        Reply
        • Rosemary says

          January 4, 2022 at 8:31 pm

          Hi Linda, thanks so much, what a great idea. Happy New Year.

          Reply

      Hi, I'm Rosemary.

      Living in Italy I learned to cook authentic Italian dishes using whole ingredients, fresh veggies and delicious spices. So take a seat and have a taste! Read More

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