Homemade Italian Meatballs is a traditional Italian meatball recipe that was handed down to my family from my grandma. They are so easy and beyond delicious.
These easy Italian meatballs are so simple to make with an unexpected cooking step. The final result is juicy and tender meatballs that are perfect with pasta.
Confession time friends. I used to use frozen meatballs all the time but then I made my grandma’s Italian meatballs and I haven’t bought the frozen ones since.
This easy recipe make the absolute BEST spaghetti and meatballs – every time I make them I am transported back to my childhood when my grandmother would make that classic pasta dish for me.
Grandma was known for her spaghetti and meatballs, and she always told us to marry an Italian because that was her dream until she met my German grandfather. I remember her teasing him all the time for not being Italian, and he would then pretend to be one, talking in an accent it would always make her laugh.
I love sharing this story with my kids now whenever I make a batch of her delicious classic Italian meatballs. If you think homemade meatballs are a big fuss, you are going to love this recipe.
Recipe Notes
- The meatball recipe is simple with lean ground beef, egg, breadcrumbs, and cheese. It’s the cooking method that really makes them special.
- Instead of browning the meatballs in oil on the stove, my grandma microwaved them. This step par cooks the meatballs so they hold together before you add them to the sauce. It’s also a lot easier than browning and makes less of a mess.
- Once you’ve microwaved them, you can freeze them for later, bake them in the oven, or simmer them in marinara sauce on the stove. Once cooked, they’re juicy and tender – the perfect batch of Italian meatballs.
- We love spaghetti and meatballs, but meatball sandwiches are a close second!
Just 20 minutes of prep, an hour to simmer, and you’ll have the perfect meatballs ready to go.
How to make italian meatballs
In a large bowl combine all the ingredients and mix together using your hands until seasoning, bread crumbs and cheese are all very well mixed in.
Make meatballs using a cookie scoop, I found this makes a perfect size. My grandma always told us “golf ball” sized meatballs.
Place meatballs in a glass pie plate, per grandma’s directions or 9×13 glass pan, which I find easiest.
Fill the pan 1/3 full of water. Cover plate or pan with wax paper and place in the microwave and heat on high for 3 minutes.
Then turn over the meatballs and cover again with wax paper and heat again on high for 3 minutes.
Two Ways to Cook Them
How to Bake Meatballs: Drain the water from the 9×13″ pan and cover meatballs with marinara sauce. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake the meatballs at 300°F for one hour.
Stovetop Method: Transfer the meatballs to a large pan and cover them with marinara or tomato sauce. Bring the sauce to a simmer over medium heat and then adjust the heat to low. Cover and simmer the meatballs for an hour.
How to Freeze Italian Meatballs
Why settle for frozen when you can make these Easy Italian Meatballs at home? Trust me, skip the store-bought ones. With just a little effort, you’ll have the most flavorful, delicious meatballs that are absolutely worth it.
Pair this With…
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Easy Italian Meatballs
Ingredients
- 2 pounds lean ground beef I use 93%
- 2 eggs
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup Italian bread crumbs
- 1/4 cup fresh chopped parsley or 1 Tbsp dried
- 1 teaspoon basil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- In a large bowl combine all the ingredients and mix together using your hands until seasoning, bread crumbs and cheese are all very well mixed in.
- Roll into balls, each weighing about 1 oz. I use a 3 tablespoon cookie dough scoop and find this to make the perfect consistent size My grandma always told us “golf ball” sized.
- Place meatballs in a 9"x13" glass pan. My grandma used a glass pie plate but I find the larger pan works for me.
- Fill the pan 1/3 full with water, about 2 cups. Cover pan loosely with parchment paper and place in the microwave and heat on high for 3 minutes.
- Then turn over the meatballs and cover again, then heat on high for another 3 minutes.
- At this point you have two options:
- Option 1: Drain water from pan, sprinkle with salt, and cover with sauce. Cover pan with foil and place in oven at 300°F for 1 hour.
- Option 2: Plate meatballs in a large pot on stove and cover with sauce. Simmer on low for an hour and.
- Serve with your choice of pasta and optionally garnish with fresh herbs or parmesan. Enjoy!
These are delicious and made for a great dinner and leftovers. I love these with Pasta Jay’s sauce. It’s my go to jarred sauce.
These are perfect meatballs! We had them with spaghetti and everyone loved them.
These look fantastic! I love making homemade meatballs like these. I make a mean meatball sub with them.
Love all of these Italian Meatballs ingredients!
These are seriously the BEST meatballs!
My whole family will love these meatballs! A must try recipe!
I’ve made these meatballs and everyone loved them! They are so juicy and delicious!
My go to for making subs. I’ll never use another recipe again.
YUMMY!! These are the best meatballs ever!!
Oh my goodness, these meatballs are incredible!! YUM!
By far the best meatball recipe I have ever tried. I recommend this to everyone!
Looks incredibly delicious! I would love to make this!