Perfectly tender and packed with flavor, these Easy Basic Meatballs are a must-try for any home cook looking to elevate their weeknight dinners. Made with a rich combination of ground beef and pork, these meatballs are infused with Parmesan cheese, fresh parsley, and garlic for a burst of Italian-inspired goodness. The use of milk-soaked breadcrumbs ensures a moist, melt-in-your-mouth texture, while browning them in olive oil adds a beautiful golden crust. This versatile recipe goes from stovetop to oven in just 40 minutes, making it ideal for busy schedules. Serve these classic meatballs over spaghetti with marinara, in a hearty sub sandwich, or as a scrumptious appetizer for your next gathering. Easy to make, endlessly versatile, and utterly delicious, this is the ultimate go-to recipe for a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and milk. Let the mixture sit for 2-3 minutes until the breadcrumbs absorb the milk.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, soaked breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, and black pepper. Mix the ingredients gently with your hands until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the meatballs tender.
Using your hands or a small scoop, form the mixture into meatballs about 1.5 inches in diameter and place them on a plate or baking sheet.
Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the meatballs in a single layer. Brown them on all sides for about 5-6 minutes total. Work in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan.
Transfer the skillet with the browned meatballs to the preheated oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the meatballs reaches 165°F (74°C).
Remove the meatballs from the oven and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving. They can be enjoyed as-is, with pasta and marinara sauce, or in a meatball sub sandwich.
Calories |
2346 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 172.5 g | 221% | |
| Saturated Fat | 60.8 g | 304% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 770 mg | 257% | |
| Sodium | 4126 mg | 179% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 48.0 g | 17% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.6 g | 9% | |
| Total Sugars | 7.0 g | ||
| Protein | 159.5 g | 319% | |
| Vitamin D | 2.0 mcg | 10% | |
| Calcium | 483 mg | 37% | |
| Iron | 13.5 mg | 75% | |
| Potassium | 1358 mg | 29% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.