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–+ servings
Italian Meatballs

Savory Italian Meatballs: Easy Comfort Food in 30 Minutes

Quick and easy Italian meatballs in savory tomato sauce, perfect for busy weeknights.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 meatballs
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 250
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Meatballs
  • 1 lb Ground Beef opt for a lean blend for a lighter option
  • 1 cup Breadcrumbs gluten-free works if needed
  • ¼ cup Milk use non-dairy for dairy-free
  • 1 large Egg
  • 2 cloves Garlic (finely chopped) can substitute with garlic powder
  • ¼ cup Fresh Parsley (finely chopped) can swap for basil
  • ½ cup Parmesan Cheese (freshly grated) use pecorino for sharper taste
  • 1 tablespoon Italian Seasoning oregano can substitute
  • 1 teaspoon Salt sea or kosher can be used
  • ½ teaspoon Ground Black Pepper can switch to white pepper
  • 2 tablespoon Olive Oil for pan-searing
For the Sauce
  • 1 medium Onion (finely chopped) can be omitted if necessary
  • 2 cloves Garlic (minced) fresh or powdered options work
  • 28 oz Crushed Tomatoes diced tomatoes are a substitute
  • 2 tablespoon Tomato Paste can omit or use extra crushed tomatoes
  • 2 leaves Bay Leaves remove before serving
  • 1 teaspoon Salt season to taste
  • ½ teaspoon Ground Black Pepper season to taste

Equipment

  • skillet
  • Mixing Bowl
  • measuring cups
  • spoon
  • Plate

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Prepare the Meatball Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, chopped garlic, parsley, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until combined.
  2. Shape the Meatballs: Scoop portions and shape into 1.5-inch meatballs, placing them on a plate.
  3. Sear the Meatballs: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and add meatballs, searing for 6-8 minutes until golden brown.
  4. Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, sauté onions and garlic until soft, then stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, bay leaves, and season with salt and pepper.
  5. Simmer the Meatballs: Return meatballs to the skillet, cover, and simmer for 10-15 minutes until cooked through.
  6. Serve: Remove bay leaves and serve hot, over spaghetti, or in sandwich rolls.

Nutrition

Serving: 1meatballCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 15gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 200IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Don’t overmix the meatball mixture to ensure tenderness. Customize ingredients as preferred.

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