Classic comfort coming right up 😌🍝 Here’s a juicy, tender homemade meatball recipe that works for spaghetti, subs, or appetizers.
Classic Homemade Meatballs
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (or ½ beef + ½ pork for extra flavor)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (or panko)
- 1/3 cup milk
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 tbsp dried)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for browning)
Instructions
- Make the Panade
Mix breadcrumbs and milk in a large bowl. Let soak 1–2 minutes. - Mix Meatballs
Add egg, Parmesan, garlic, parsley, salt, pepper, and seasoning to panade.
Gently mix in ground meat just until combined (don’t overmix). - Form
Roll into 1½–2 inch balls. - Cook
- Pan + simmer (best flavor):
Brown meatballs in olive oil on all sides (they don’t need to cook through).
Transfer to marinara sauce and simmer 15–20 minutes. - OR Bake:
Bake at 400°F (205°C) for 18–22 minutes.
- Pan + simmer (best flavor):
- Serve
Serve with pasta, in subs, or as appetizers.
Secrets to Tender Meatballs
- Milk-soaked breadcrumbs = juicy texture
- Don’t overmix or pack tightly
- A mix of meats beats beef alone
Easy Variations
- 🧄 Garlic-heavy Italian style
- 🧀 Mozzarella-stuffed
- 🌶️ Spicy with red pepper flakes
- 🇸🇪 Swedish-style with cream sauce
If you want, I can also give you:
- Slow cooker meatballs
- Frozen meatball–style party recipe
- Low-carb / keto meatballs
- School-cafeteria style meatballs
Just say the word 😄
