Dinner Favorite: Grandma’s Italian Meatballs
There is nothing quite like the mouthwatering aroma of authentic meatballs simmering in a rich tomato sauce to make a house feel like a home. This traditional Italian-American classic delivers that old-fashioned comfort that has been loved by generations.
These meatballs turn out incredibly tender, juicy, and packed with traditional seasonings. This hearty recipe brings the cozy, heartwarming magic of Grandma’s Sunday kitchen straight to your family dinner table!
Why You’ll Love Grandma’s Italian Meatballs
Melt-in-Your-Mouth Tenderness: Handling the meat mixture gently ensures that every single bite stays incredibly soft, juicy, and tender instead of tough or dense.
Authentic Italian Flavor: A perfect blend of savory herbs, garlic, and freshly grated cheese gives these homemade meatballs their deep, traditional flavor.
The Ultimate Comfort Main: Whether piled high on a giant platter of spaghetti or tucked into crusty rolls for subs, these meatballs are an instant family crowd-pleaser.
Tips for the Perfect Italian Meatballs
Use a Panade for Moisture: To keep your meatballs from drying out as they cook, make a quick panade by soaking fresh breadcrumbs in a splash of milk for a few minutes before mixing. This simple trick locks in the juices and guarantees a perfectly tender texture every single time.
Do Not Over-Mix the Meat: When combining your ingredients, use your hands to gently mix everything together just until it is combined. Over-working the ground meat will pack it down too tightly, which leads to tough, heavy meatballs instead of light and fluffy ones.
Simmer Gently in the Sauce: After lightly browning the outside of your meatballs, let them finish cooking directly inside a simmering pot of your favorite marinara sauce. This allows the meat to absorb the delicious tomato flavor while keeping them incredibly moist.
To turn these delicious meatballs into a complete, comforting feast, you need the right sides. This crisp salad is the perfect fresh starter to serve right before a heavy, comforting Italian meal like Grandma’s Five-Cheese Rigatoni or a giant platter of Grandma’s Italian Meatballs. You can also serve them alongside a basket of warm garlic bread to soak up every last drop of sauce.
Can You Freeze Homemade Meatballs?
Yes, this recipe is excellent for meal prep! You can easily make a double batch of these meatballs and freeze them for later. Simply roll the meatballs and freeze them raw on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer bag, or cook them completely in the sauce and freeze the entire meal together. When you are ready to eat, just let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm them up on the stove.
Dinner Favorite: Grandma’s Italian Meatballs
Equipment
- 1 small skillet
- 1 spoon
- 1 grater
- 1 knife
- 1 whisk
- 1 large bowl
- 1 13×9 inch baking pan (with rack)
- cooking spray
Ingredients
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 tsp olive oil
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 lb lean ground turkey
- ¾ cup seasoned bread crumbs
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- ¾ tsp salt
- 1 tsp each of dried parsley flakes, dried oregano, and dried basil
- optional: cooked pasta and pasta sauce.
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°,
- In a small skillet, heat oil over medium high heat. Add the onions. Cook and stir them until tender about 4 minutes.
- Add the garlic and cook about 1 minute longer. Cool slightly.
- In a large bowl, combine the cheese, eggs, seasonings, bread crumbs and the onion mixture.
- Add the beef and turkey, mix lightly but be sure to mix thoroughly. Shape into 1 ½-inch balls.
- Place the meatballs on the greased wire rack inside the baking pan.
- Bake until lightly browned and cooked thoroughly about 18 to 22 minutes.
- If desired serve with hot pasta and pasta sauce.
Nutrition
We Want to Hear From You!
Are you ready to fill your home with the incredible aroma of simmering garlic and savory tomato sauce? Grab your favorite heavy skillet and let’s start rolling Grandma’s favorite!
Did these old-fashioned Italian meatballs bring your family together for a wonderful meal? Please leave a comment down below and give this recipe a star rating! Hearing from you always makes my day. Be sure to hit that share button and pin this recipe to your favorite Pinterest dinner boards!
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