Step 1: In a small bowl, combine the fresh breadcrumbs with milk. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until the breadcrumbs have fully absorbed the liquid and softened. This creates a panade, key for tender meatballs.
Step 2: In a very large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, and ground veal. Add the grated onion, grated garlic, finely chopped fresh parsley, finely chopped fresh basil, grated Parmesan cheese, eggs, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Add the soaked breadcrumb-milk mixture, gently squeezing out any excess liquid before adding it to the bowl.
Step 3: With clean hands, gently mix all the ingredients until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough meatballs. A light touch ensures a tender texture for your homemade meatballs recipe.
Step 4: Prepare a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Lightly moisten your hands with water to prevent sticking. Scoop out about 2 tablespoons of the meat mixture for each meatball and gently roll into uniform, golf-ball-sized spheres. You should get approximately 24-30 meatballs.
Step 5: Heat 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, carefully add the meatballs in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Brown the meatballs on all sides, turning gently, until a nice golden-brown crust forms. You don’t need to cook them through at this stage.
Step 6: Once all meatballs are browned, carefully remove any excess fat from the pan. Pour in your marinara sauce, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan to incorporate all that delicious flavor. Gently nestle the browned homemade meatballs into the sauce.
Step 7: Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let the meatballs simmer for at least 30-45 minutes, or up to 1-2 hours for even more tenderness and flavor infusion. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
Step 8: Serve your classic homemade meatballs recipe hot with your favorite pasta, in subs, or as an appetizer. Garnish with extra fresh parsley or Parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy!