Meatballs Italiano

Delight your taste buds with the rich, comforting flavors of Meatballs Italiano, a classic Italian-inspired dish perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Juicy meatballs made from a savory blend of ground beef and pork are infused with Parmesan cheese, fresh parsley, and garlic, then browned to golden perfection. They’re simmered in a robust tomato sauce featuring crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and a hint of oregano and basil for authentic Italian flair. With only 20 minutes of prep time and customizable serving options—think al dente pasta, creamy polenta, or toasted artisan bread—this recipe is as versatile as it is delicious. Garnish with extra Parmesan and parsley for a restaurant-worthy touch that's sure to impress. Perfect for family meals or casual entertaining, this hearty dish will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen!

Nutriscore Rating: 69/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:45 mins

Total Time:65 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 pound Ground beef
• 0.5 pound Ground pork
• 0.5 cup Breadcrumbs
• 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 tablespoons Fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 Garlic cloves, minced
• 1 Egg
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil
• 28 ounces Crushed tomatoes (canned)
• 2 tablespoons Tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon Dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon Dried basil
• 1 Onion, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon Sugar

Directions

Step 1

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, minced garlic, egg, salt, and black pepper.

Step 2

Using clean hands, mix the ingredients until just combined. Avoid over-mixing, as this can make the meatballs tough.

Step 3

Form the mixture into golf ball-sized meatballs, about 1½ inches in diameter, and set them aside on a plate or baking sheet.

Step 4

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Once hot, add the meatballs in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan.

Step 5

Brown the meatballs on all sides (about 2–3 minutes per side), then remove them from the skillet and set aside. They do not need to be fully cooked at this stage.

Step 6

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

Step 7

Stir in the tomato paste and cook for another minute to deepen the flavor.

Step 8

Pour in the crushed tomatoes and add the dried oregano, dried basil, and sugar. Stir well to combine and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.

Step 9

Return the browned meatballs to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce. Cover the pan with a lid and simmer on low heat for 25–30 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and the flavors have melded.

Step 10

Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper, if needed.

Step 11

Serve the Meatballs Italiano hot alongside your favorite pasta, over polenta, or with crusty bread for dipping. Garnish with extra grated Parmesan and fresh chopped parsley, if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1804 grams (1804.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2684

Total Fat 179.40g	230%
Saturated Fat 64.40g	322%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.40g
Cholesterol 761mg	254%
Sodium 5448mg	237%
Total Carbohydrate 111.80g	41%
Dietary Fiber 19.30g	69%
Total Sugars 46.20g
Protein 177.30g	355%

Vitamin D 48IU	240%
Calcium 810mg	62%
Iron 20mg	112%
Potassium 3403mg	72%

*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: 58.3%

Protein: 25.6%

Carbs: 16.1%