Garlic Italian Meatballs for a Crowd
Treat your guests to a classic crowd-pleaser with these Garlic Italian Meatballs for a Crowd. Juicy and flavorful, this recipe combines the perfect blend of ground beef and pork with aromatic garlic, fresh parsley, and a medley of Italian seasonings like oregano and basil. Parmesan cheese and Italian breadcrumbs lend a rich, cheesy texture, while a drizzle of olive oil ensures a golden, crispy exterior. Baked to perfection and optionally simmered in marinara sauce, these meatballs are ideal for entertaining, whether served as an appetizer, over pasta, or tucked into a warm, crusty sandwich. With easy prep and enough to serve a dozen, this hearty dish is the ultimate make-ahead solution for family meals or festive gatherings.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 pounds Ground beef
- 1 pound Ground pork
- 1.5 cups Italian breadcrumbs
- 3 large Eggs
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 0.5 cup Milk
- 6 cloves Garlic cloves, minced
- 0.5 cup Fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon Dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon Dried basil
- 1.5 teaspoons Salt
- 1 teaspoon Black pepper
- 3 tablespoons Olive oil
- 6 cups Marinara sauce (optional, for serving)
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line two large baking sheets with parchment paper or lightly grease them.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, eggs, Parmesan cheese, and milk. Mix gently with clean hands or a spatula until just combined.
Add minced garlic, parsley, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper to the mixture. Continue mixing until the ingredients are evenly distributed, being careful not to overmix to avoid tough meatballs.
Using a medium cookie scoop or your hands, form the meat mixture into 1.5-inch meatballs (about the size of a golf ball). Place them on the prepared baking sheets, leaving a little space between each meatball.
Drizzle the olive oil over the meatballs or brush each one lightly with oil to help them brown evenly in the oven.
Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should read 160°F/71°C). Rotate the baking sheets halfway through cooking for even browning.
If serving with marinara sauce, warm the sauce in a large pot over medium heat. Once the meatballs are cooked, add them to the sauce and simmer for an additional 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Serve the meatballs hot with your favorite pasta, on rolls as meatball sandwiches, or on their own as a delicious appetizer.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
6481 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 380.8 g | 488% | |
| Saturated Fat | 137.9 g | 690% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4.1 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 1659 mg | 553% | |
| Sodium | 14135 mg | 615% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 413.9 g | 151% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 41.1 g | 147% | |
| Total Sugars | 125.0 g | ||
| Protein | 390.5 g | 781% | |
| Vitamin D | 4.4 mcg | 22% | |
| Calcium | 2365 mg | 182% | |
| Iron | 56.5 mg | 314% | |
| Potassium | 8858 mg | 188% | |
*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.
