Go Back

Melt-In-Your-Mouth Italian Meatballs

Tender, juicy Italian beef meatballs simmered in rich marinara sauce — the ultimate comfort dish for pasta nights or hearty meals.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 minute
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 340
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Meatballs
  • 1.5 lb ground beef (80/20)
  • 0.75 cup breadcrumbs Italian seasoned
  • 0.5 cup whole milk
  • 2 eggs large
  • 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese grated
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 0.5 onion grated or finely chopped
  • 2 tbsp parsley fresh, chopped
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper
  • 0.5 tsp crushed red pepper flakes optional
Sauce
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 28 oz crushed tomatoes
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 0.5 tsp sugar
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Baking sheet
  • Large skillet
  • Saucepan

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Soak breadcrumbs in milk for 5 minutes until soft.
  3. Combine beef, eggs, Parmesan, garlic, onion, parsley, oregano, salt, pepper, and soaked breadcrumbs in a bowl.
  4. Mix gently until just combined. Roll into balls and place on baking sheet.
  5. Bake 18–20 minutes until golden, or pan-sear for deeper flavor.
  6. For sauce: heat olive oil, sauté garlic, add crushed tomatoes, salt, sugar, and Italian seasoning. Simmer 15 minutes.
  7. Add meatballs to sauce and simmer 20–30 minutes on low heat.
  8. Serve over pasta and top with basil and Parmesan.

Notes

For extra tenderness, avoid overmixing. Store leftovers in sauce to retain moisture. Freeze up to 3 months.