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Italian Meatballs

Classic Italian meatballs made with ground beef, breadcrumbs, and Parmesan, simmered in a rich tomato sauce. Perfect served over pasta or with crusty bread.

Total time
40 min
Servings
4
Calories
385
Protein
28g
Italian Meatballs
italianbeefcomfort foodweeknight dinnerpastamain course

Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1

    Soak breadcrumbs in milk in a small bowl for 2 minutes until softened.

  2. Step 2

    In a large bowl, combine ground beef, soaked breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, minced garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix gently with your hands until just combined—do not overmix.

  3. Step 3

    Roll mixture into 16 meatballs, about 1.5 inches in diameter. Place on a plate.

  4. Step 4

    Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Working in batches, brown meatballs on all sides, about 8 minutes total. Transfer to a plate.

  5. Step 5

    In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and sugar.

  6. Step 6

    Return meatballs to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 15 minutes until meatballs are cooked through and sauce thickens.

  7. Step 7

    Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Serve warm over pasta, with crusty bread, or as an appetizer.

Tools you’ll need

  • 12-inch stainless steel skillet
  • large mixing bowl
  • small bowl
  • wooden spoon
  • measuring cups
  • measuring spoons
  • meat thermometer
  • spoon or ice cream scoop

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