Best Homemade Italian Meatball Recipe – So Good, It’ll Make You Slap Your Mama

There's something truly irresistible about homemade Italian meatballs, and this recipe will have you craving more with every bite! These meatballs are rich, flavorful, and filled with the perfect blend of beef, pork, and veal, combined with two types of cheese and seasoned to perfection. Imagine sinking your teeth into a tender, juicy meatball with hints of garlic, onion, and basil, fried until golden brown and finished in the oven for that melt-in-your-mouth texture. This recipe, inspired by the one I found on This Silly Girl's Kitchen, is a showstopper, perfect for impressing family and friends or just treating yourself to a truly delightful meal.

Photo bythissillygirlskitchen.com

I remember the first time I made these, the savory smell filled my kitchen, and it was like a trip to a cozy Italian bistro. This recipe has become a staple in my home, whether paired with pasta, stuffed into a hearty sandwich, or served on its own with a rich marinara sauce. If you’ve been searching for the best homemade Italian meatballs, look no further – these will satisfy every meatball craving you’ve ever had!

Follow me for more amazing recipes like this, and don't forget to give a shout-out to This Silly Girl's Kitchen for the inspiration behind these mouthwatering meatballs.

A Taste of Italian Tradition

Italian meatballs, known as polpette, have a storied history in Italian-American cuisine. While traditional Italian meatballs tend to be smaller and served as a side dish or appetizer, this recipe embraces the larger, American-Italian style – perfect for pairing with spaghetti or enjoying as a main dish. Did you know that Italian meatballs were originally made with whatever ingredients were on hand? Families would often use day-old bread and a combination of meats to create hearty, affordable meals that could feed a crowd.

The Ultimate Italian Meatball Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 pound lean ground beef (80/20)
• 1 pound ground pork
• 1 pound ground veal
• 3 large eggs
• 1 & 1/2 cups grated Pecorino Romano cheese
• 1 cup Italian bread crumbs
• 1/2 cup finely chopped white onion
• 1/2 cup chopped parsley
• 1/2 cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• 1 & 1/2 teaspoons black pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Olive oil for frying

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a sheet tray with parchment paper. Set aside.
2. Mix the ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, pork, and veal along with the eggs, Pecorino Romano, bread crumbs, onion, parsley, Parmigiano-Reggiano, and all the seasonings. Be careful not to overmix; using your hands is the easiest way to combine everything.
3. Form the meatballs: Roll the meat mixture into ¼ cup balls and place them on the prepared sheet tray.
4. Fry the meatballs: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add enough olive oil to cover the bottom. Fry the meatballs in batches, turning them carefully to brown both sides (about 2-3 minutes per side).
5. Bake to perfection: Transfer the browned meatballs back onto the sheet tray and bake them in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Once done, these meatballs are ready to be enjoyed immediately or added to your favorite Italian dishes!

Tips for Perfect Meatballs Every Time:

• Don’t overmix: Overworking the meat mixture can make the meatballs tough. Mix until just combined to keep them tender.
• Make them ahead: These meatballs can be made in advance and frozen. Simply fry and bake them, let them cool, and freeze them in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
• Serving suggestion: These meatballs pair beautifully with a homemade marinara sauce and fresh pasta. For a healthier twist, serve them over zucchini noodles or with a side salad.
• Variations: Want to make this recipe gluten-free? Just swap out the Italian bread crumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs.

Call to Action:

Did you love this meatball recipe? Let me know how yours turned out in the comments below! And don’t forget to share this recipe with your friends – it might just become their new favorite. Follow me for more delicious, easy-to-make recipes that bring the comfort of homemade food to your kitchen.