Classic Italian Meatballs: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe

Name: Classic Italian Meatballs
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 120 min
Total time: 140 min
Ingredients: 1 cup olive oil; 0.5 cup minced yellow onions; 2 teaspoons minced garlic; 6 ounces tomato paste; 7 cups crushed canned tomatoes; 2 teaspoons kosher salt; 0.5 teaspoon black pepper; 2 pounds ground beef, 80% to 85% lean; 2 large eggs; 1 cup plain breadcrumbs or Italian-style; 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 0.5 cup finely minced yellow onion; 2 teaspoons kosher salt; 1 teaspoon black pepper; 1 teaspoon Italian seasonings; 1 teaspoon minced garlic; 0.25 cup sliced basil

Introduction to Classic Italian Meatballs

Classic Italian meatballs are a beloved dish that brings families together around the dinner table. Known for their savory flavor and tender texture, these meatballs are not just a meal; they are a comforting experience. Whether served with pasta, in a sub, or on their own, these meatballs are sure to delight everyone, especially those who appreciate a hearty, home-cooked meal.

A Personal Story Behind My Classic Italian Meatballs Journey

Growing up, my grandmother would often make her famous meatballs on Sunday afternoons. The aroma of simmering tomatoes and spices filled the house, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. I remember sitting at the kitchen table, eagerly waiting for the moment I could dig in. Her recipe has been passed down through generations, and now I’m excited to share my version with you, so you can create your own family memories around these delicious meatballs.

What Makes This Classic Italian Meatballs Recipe Special?

This recipe stands out due to its balance of flavors and textures. The combination of ground beef, breadcrumbs, and Parmesan cheese creates a juicy meatball that is both hearty and satisfying. The homemade tomato sauce, simmered to perfection, infuses the meatballs with a rich flavor that elevates the dish. Plus, it’s a great recipe for family gatherings, as it can easily be scaled up to serve a crowd.

The Full Classic Italian Meatballs Recipe

Ingredients

1/4 cup olive oil
1/2 cup minced yellow onions
2 teaspoons minced garlic
6 ounces tomato paste
7 cups crushed canned tomatoes
2 teaspoons kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 pounds ground beef, 80% to 85% lean
2 large eggs
1 cup plain breadcrumbs, or Italian-style
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup finely minced yellow onion
2 teaspoons kosher salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon Italian seasonings
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1/4 cup sliced basil

Instructions

Make the Tomato Sauce: In a large pot over medium-low heat, sauté the olive oil, minced onions, and garlic until the onions are translucent, about 3 minutes. This step builds a flavorful base for your sauce. Add the tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, salt, and pepper. Simmer covered for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Adjust the seasoning to taste. If you like a little heat, consider adding a dash of red pepper flakes here.
Heat the Oven: Preheat your oven to broil. Line a baking sheet with foil and lightly grease it with olive oil to prevent sticking.

Make the Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, eggs, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, minced onion, salt, pepper, Italian seasonings, and garlic. Mix thoroughly with your hands. Don’t be afraid to get a little messy; this is where you’ll create the magic of meatballs!
Shape the Meatballs: Roll 1/3 cup of the mixture into a ball and place it on the prepared baking sheet. You should get around 14 to 15 meatballs. Remember to keep them uniform in size for even cooking.

Broil the Meatballs: Cook the meatballs in the oven’s lower-middle position until browned, about 10-12 minutes. Flip them and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes. This broiling step helps to lock in the juices and gives the meatballs a beautiful color.
Simmer: Add the meatballs to the tomato sauce. Simmer on low heat for at least 1 1/2 hours, stirring occasionally. This slow simmering is essential for the meatballs to become fork-tender and soak up all the delicious flavors of the sauce.
To Serve: Adjust the sauce consistency with water if needed and season with salt and pepper. Serve the meatballs with sauce, topped with sliced basil and extra Parmesan cheese for an authentic touch.

Serving Suggestions and Variations for Classic Italian Meatballs

These classic Italian meatballs are incredibly versatile. Serve them over a bed of spaghetti for a traditional Italian meal, or place them in a crusty sub roll for a delightful meatball sandwich. For a lighter option, try them with zucchini noodles or a fresh salad. You can also experiment with different herbs and spices to personalize the flavor, or add grated vegetables like carrots or zucchini to the meat mixture for extra nutrition.

Frequently Asked Questions About Classic Italian Meatballs

Can I make these meatballs ahead of time? Yes! You can prepare the meatballs and freeze them before cooking. Just thaw them in the fridge overnight before adding them to the sauce.

What type of ground beef should I use? Aim for ground beef that is 80% to 85% lean for the best flavor and texture. Leaner meat can result in dry meatballs.

Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried? Absolutely! Fresh herbs can elevate the flavor. Use three times the amount of fresh herbs compared to dried.

How long can I store leftovers? Leftover meatballs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.