10+ Italian Meatball Recipes to Spice Up Your Dinner Table
Italian meatballs are a beloved dish enjoyed by many around the world.
These flavorful bites are versatile and can be served in various ways, making them a great addition to any meal.
Whether you prefer them in a hearty spaghetti dish or as a tasty appetizer, there’s an Italian meatball recipe for everyone.
From classic versions made with ground beef to those that incorporate pork or even turkey, you can explore a range of flavors and textures.
With a few simple ingredients and some cooking tips, you can create delicious meatballs that bring a taste of Italy right to your kitchen.
1) Grandma’s Secret Sauce Meatballs
Grandma’s secret sauce meatballs are a family favorite. They are juicy and full of flavor. The key is in the simple ingredients that combine to create great taste.
You start with a mixture of ground beef and breadcrumbs. Adding eggs helps bind everything together. Don’t forget the spices like garlic and parsley for extra flavor.
The secret is in the sauce. Combine crushed tomatoes with herbs. Let it simmer to bring out the flavors.
Finally, cook your meatballs in this delicious sauce. They soak up the rich taste and become so tender. Serve them with pasta for a perfect meal.
Ingredients
- 1 pound (450g) ground beef
- 1/2 cup (50g) breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup (15g) parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 28 ounces (794g) crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
Cooking Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper.
- Form mixture into meatballs.
- Place meatballs in a baking dish.
- In a saucepan, heat crushed tomatoes and basil.
- Pour sauce over meatballs.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until cooked through.
- Serve with pasta.
2) Spicy Italian Sausage Meatballs
Spicy Italian sausage meatballs are a delicious twist on classic meatballs. Mixing spicy sausage with other ingredients creates a flavorful dish that pairs well with pasta or can be enjoyed on their own.
To make these meatballs, combine half hot Italian sausage with half lean ground beef. This mix gives you a perfect balance of heat and flavor. Add breadcrumbs, garlic, and some Italian seasoning to round it out.
These meatballs can be baked at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes until they’re cooked through. Serve them with your favorite sauce for extra taste.
Ingredients
- 1 pound hot Italian sausage
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large bowl, mix the hot Italian sausage and lean ground beef.
- Add breadcrumbs, minced garlic, and Italian seasoning. Mix well.
- Form the mixture into meatballs.
- Place the meatballs on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 20 minutes or until cooked through.
3) Cheesy Garlic-Filled Meatballs
Cheesy garlic-filled meatballs are a delicious twist on the classic Italian favorite. These meatballs are packed with gooey cheese and have a rich garlic flavor that everyone will love.
To make these meatballs, start by mixing ground meat with garlic, breadcrumbs, and herbs. Then, place a chunk of mozzarella cheese in the center before shaping them into balls.
Bake the meatballs in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) until they are cooked through and the cheese is melted. Serve them over pasta, in a sub, or enjoy them as a tasty appetizer.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef or pork
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, cut into small chunks
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, mix ground meat, breadcrumbs, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Take a small amount of the meat mixture and flatten it in your hand.
- Place a chunk of mozzarella cheese in the center and wrap the meat around it.
- Shape into a ball and repeat with the remaining mixture.
- Place the meatballs on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes.
4) Classic Beef and Pork Combo
To make classic Italian meatballs, you can use a blend of ground beef and pork. This combination gives the meatballs a great flavor and juicy texture.
Start by mixing equal parts of ground beef and pork. The beef adds a savory taste, while the pork keeps them moist. Don’t forget to add garlic, fresh parsley, and grated cheese for extra flavor.
You can easily bake these meatballs in the oven at 375°F (190°C). Baking makes them brown nicely and keeps the insides tender.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 pound ground pork
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 cup grated cheese
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, combine ground beef and pork.
- Add minced garlic, parsley, cheese, breadcrumbs, egg, salt, and pepper.
- Mix until well combined.
- Roll the mixture into meatballs.
- Place on a baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes.
5) Herb-Infused Meatballs Delight
Herb-infused meatballs make a delicious and fragrant meal. Using fresh herbs will boost the flavor and make your dish stand out.
Start with a mix of ground beef and ground pork for a juicy texture. Add chopped parsley, basil, and oregano to enhance the taste.
For added richness, include grated Parmesan cheese. Combine all the ingredients and form them into meatballs.
Bake at 375°F (190°C) until golden brown. Serve with your favorite marinara sauce for a tasty meal.
Ingredients
- 1 pound (450g) ground beef
- 1 pound (450g) ground pork
- 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, mix the ground beef and pork.
- Add chopped parsley, basil, oregano, Parmesan cheese, egg, salt, and pepper.
- Form the mixture into meatballs.
- Place the meatballs on a baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes.
6) Baked Parmesan Meatball Delicacy
Baked Parmesan meatballs are a tasty treat that will impress your family and friends. They are juicy, flavorful, and easy to make. You can enjoy them as an appetizer or serve them with pasta.
Start by mixing ground meat, breadcrumbs, and grated Parmesan cheese for a rich flavor. Then, season with garlic, parsley, and spices. Shape the mixture into small meatballs.
Once shaped, bake the meatballs in the oven at 400°F (200°C) until they are fully cooked and golden brown. For added flavor, cover them with marinara sauce and some extra cheese, and bake until bubbly.
These meatballs are perfect for a cozy dinner or a family gathering. Enjoy them with your favorite side dishes!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground meat (beef, pork, turkey, or chicken)
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a bowl, mix the ground meat, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper.
- Shape the mixture into meatballs.
- Place the meatballs on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until cooked through and golden brown.
7) Tender Pork and Veal Mix
Using a mix of pork and veal adds great flavor and tenderness to your meatballs. The pork provides moisture, while the veal offers a subtle richness. This blend results in meatballs that are juicy and satisfying.
You can easily combine ground pork and veal in a bowl. Season the mixture with herbs like parsley and spices to enhance the taste. Don’t forget to add breadcrumbs for texture.
For cooking, you can bake these meatballs at 330°F (165°C) until they are golden brown and cooked through. This method gives you a nice crust while keeping them tender inside.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground pork
- 1 pound ground veal
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 330°F (165°C).
- In a large bowl, combine the ground pork and veal.
- Add breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper.
- Mix until well combined.
- Form the mixture into meatballs.
- Place the meatballs on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until cooked through.
8) Chianti-Braised Meatballs
Chianti-braised meatballs are a delightful dish that combines rich flavors and tender texture. The use of Chianti wine adds depth to the sauce, making it perfect for any occasion.
To begin, you’ll want to mix ground meat with breadcrumbs and seasonings. Shape them into meatballs and bake them briefly at 400°F (200°C).
Next, pour Chianti wine over the meatballs. Be sure to turn them to coat fully. Return them to the oven for another 10 minutes. The result will be juicy meatballs infused with the wine’s rich flavor.
Ingredients
- Ground beef
- Ground pork
- Breadcrumbs
- Parmesan cheese
- Garlic
- Eggs
- Chianti wine
- Olive oil
- Salt
- Pepper
Cooking Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a bowl, combine ground meat, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic, eggs, salt, and pepper.
- Shape the mixture into meatballs.
- Place meatballs on a baking tray and bake for 10 minutes.
- Pour Chianti over the meatballs and coat them well.
- Return to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes.
9) Zesty Lemon and Herb Meatballs
Zesty Lemon and Herb Meatballs are a bright and flavorful dish. The fresh herbs and lemon zest really elevate the classic meatball experience.
These meatballs are perfect for a summer dinner or any time you want a taste of sunshine.
To make them, you’ll need ground meat mixed with fresh herbs and a good amount of lemon zest. This combination brings a wonderful freshness to the dish.
Pair them with pasta, salad, or even by themselves.
Ingredients
- 1 pound (450g) ground meat (beef, turkey, or chicken)
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup (50g) breadcrumbs
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1/4 cup (10g) chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup (10g) chopped fresh basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large bowl, combine ground meat, egg, breadcrumbs, garlic, lemon zest, parsley, and basil.
- Season the mixture with salt and pepper.
- Form the mixture into small meatballs.
- Place meatballs on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
10) Chef’s Special Meatball Creation
For a unique twist on classic meatballs, try this Chef’s special recipe. It combines flavors of beef, pork, and spices to create a delicious dish.
Start by mixing ground beef and pork in a bowl. Add garlic, Italian herbs, and grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor. You can also include breadcrumbs to keep the meatballs moist.
Once you shape the meat into balls, bake them in the oven at 400°F (200°C) until golden brown. This method helps keep them juicy.
Serve these meatballs with spaghetti or in a sub sandwich for a tasty meal. They’ll surely impress your friends and family!
Ingredients
- 1 pound (450g) ground beef
- 1 pound (450g) ground pork
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 teaspoons Italian herbs
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a bowl, combine ground beef and pork.
- Add garlic, herbs, cheese, breadcrumbs, salt, and pepper.
- Mix well and shape into meatballs.
- Place on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes.