Hearty Meatballs

Sink your teeth into these tender, flavorful Hearty Meatballs, a comforting classic that’s perfect for any weeknight dinner or family gathering. Made with a savory blend of ground beef and pork, these meatballs are seasoned with fresh parsley, minced garlic, and grated Parmesan for a rich, authentic Italian-inspired taste. The addition of breadcrumbs and milk ensures each bite is irresistibly moist and juicy. Simmered to perfection in a hearty tomato sauce infused with sautéed onions, oregano, and a touch of sweetness, these meatballs are easy to prepare and ready in just one hour. Whether served atop a bed of pasta, alongside crusty garlic bread, or over creamy polenta, this recipe is designed to impress. Perfect for busy cooks and comfort food lovers alike, these Hearty Meatballs are a must-try!

Nutriscore Rating: 69/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 lb Ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio)
• 0.5 lb Ground pork
• 0.5 cup Breadcrumbs
• 0.25 cup Grated Parmesan cheese
• 0.25 cup Milk
• 1 piece Large egg
• 2 cloves Garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp Fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tsp Salt
• 0.5 tsp Black pepper
• 2 tbsp Olive oil
• 28 oz Crushed tomatoes (28 oz can)
• 0.5 cup Onion, finely chopped
• 1 tsp Dried oregano
• 1 tsp Sugar

Directions

Step 1

In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, milk, egg, minced garlic, parsley, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently with your hands until just combined. Do not overmix.

Step 2

Form the mixture into meatballs about 1.5 inches in diameter. You should get roughly 12-14 meatballs.

Step 3

Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Brown each side (about 1-2 minutes per side). Transfer the browned meatballs to a plate and set aside.

Step 4

In the same skillet, add the finely chopped onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 5

Stir in the crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, sugar, and a pinch of salt. Let the sauce simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 6

Gently return the meatballs to the skillet, nestling them into the tomato sauce. Reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet with a lid. Simmer for 25 minutes, occasionally spooning sauce over the meatballs.

Step 7

Serve the meatballs hot with your choice of pasta, rice, or crusty bread. Garnish with additional Parmesan cheese and parsley if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1811.5 grams (1811.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2681

Total Fat 183.20g	235%
Saturated Fat 64.90g	325%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.70g
Cholesterol 729mg	243%
Sodium 5072mg	221%
Total Carbohydrate 89.90g	33%
Dietary Fiber 11.50g	41%
Total Sugars 35.70g
Protein 167.30g	335%

Vitamin D 96IU	480%
Calcium 632mg	49%
Iron 18mg	102%
Potassium 2647mg	56%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 61.6%

Protein: 25.0%

Carbs: 13.4%