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meatball recipe - A plate of juicy meatballs smothered in red marinara sauce and topped with fresh parsley.

Classic Juicy Italian Meatballs

A foolproof meatball recipe using a traditional panade for maximum moisture and a blend of beef and pork for rich flavor.

  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb Ground Beef (80/20 blend)
1/2 lb Ground Pork
1/2 cup Plain Breadcrumbs
1/4 cup Whole Milk
1 Large Egg, beaten
1/2 cup Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese
1/4 cup Fresh Flat-leaf Parsley, chopped
2 cloves Garlic, minced
1 tsp Salt
1/2 tsp Black Pepper
2 tbsp Olive Oil (for searing)

Instructions

Step 1: In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and milk. Let the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes until a thick paste (panade) forms.
Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, Parmesan cheese, parsley, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and the beaten egg.
Step 3: Add the milk-soaked breadcrumbs to the meat mixture. Using your hands, gently mix until the ingredients are just combined, being careful not to overwork the meat.
Step 4: Scoop about 2 tablespoons of the mixture and roll between your palms to form a ball about 1.5 inches in diameter. Repeat until all meat is used (makes about 18-20 meatballs).
Step 5: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add meatballs in batches, making sure not to crowd the pan.
Step 6: Brown the meatballs on all sides for about 8-10 minutes. They do not need to be fully cooked through if you plan to simmer them in sauce.
Step 7: Transfer the browned meatballs into a simmering pot of marinara sauce and cook for an additional 20 minutes, or finish cooking them in the skillet until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Notes

For the best results, chill the meat mixture for 30 minutes before rolling to help the meatballs hold their shape better.

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Main Dishes
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 3 meatballs
  • Calories: 285 kcal
  • Sugar: 1g
  • Sodium: 420mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 7g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 11g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 8g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 22g
  • Cholesterol: 95mg

Keywords: meatball recipe, Italian meatballs, juicy meatballs, homemade meatballs, dinner ideas

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