Description
These juicy and tender Italian Meatballs are a family favorite and perfect for a cozy night in. With a panade base that keeps them ultra-moist, this easy dinner idea blends classic Italian flavors with a no-fuss oven-baked technique. Serve them over pasta, in subs, or as a hearty appetizer—great for meal prep, quick weeknight dinners, and holiday food ideas.
Ingredients
1/2 pound ground beef
1/2 pound ground pork
2 slices white bread
1/4 cup milk
1/4 cup grated onion
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
1 egg
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
1 teaspoon dried basil or a few fresh leaves
Instructions
1. Tear the bread and soak in milk until mushy to create the panade.
2. In a large bowl, mix ground beef, pork, soaked bread (squeezed), onion, garlic, parmesan, egg, parsley, salt, and pepper.
3. Form into golf ball-sized meatballs and place on a baking sheet.
4. Roast at 400°F for 18–20 minutes until golden.
5. In a pot, heat olive oil and sauté garlic, then add crushed tomatoes, salt, pepper, and basil.
6. Let sauce simmer 10 minutes, then add meatballs and simmer another 15 minutes.
7. Serve hot with spaghetti or in subs.
Notes
Don’t skip the panade—it’s key for moisture.
Grate the onion instead of chopping for better texture and flavor distribution.
For freezer meals, portion meatballs with sauce into containers before freezing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 meatballs
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 29g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: easy recipe, italian dinner, weeknight dinner, meatball recipe, quick meatballs, dinner ideas