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A close-up of golden-brown Italian meatballs resting on a rustic ceramic plate, garnished with fresh parsley. The meatballs are nestled in a rich tomato sauce with visible herbs and are accompanied by a side of al dente pasta. The background features a wooden table with a fork and a glass of red wine, evoking an inviting Italian dinner scene.

Melt-In-Your-Mouth Italian Meatballs

  • Author: Maria
  • Total Time: 35-40 minutes
  • Yield: 4-6 servings 1x
  • Diet: Contains Meat

Description

Melt-In-Your-Mouth Italian Meatballs are the ultimate comfort food, perfect for pairing with pasta or Italian sauces. Juicy, tender, and flavorful, these homemade meatballs are easy to make and guaranteed to impress. Whether for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, enjoy this classic Italian dish that delivers rich flavors and melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef (preferably 80/20 for juicy meatballs)
  • 1/2 cup Italian bread crumbs
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 large eggs
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 cups marinara sauce (or your favorite Italian sauce)

Instructions

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, bread crumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, eggs, minced garlic, chopped parsley, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently until all ingredients are well incorporated.
  2. Form the mixture into evenly sized meatballs, about 1.5 inches in diameter.
  3. Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes until browned, or brown them in a skillet with a little olive oil over medium heat.
  4. Transfer cooked meatballs into a pot of simmering marinara sauce. Let them simmer on low heat for 15-20 minutes to absorb flavors and stay tender.

Notes

  • For gluten-free options, substitute bread crumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; freeze for longer storage.
  • To reheat, warm in a skillet or microwave, or reheat in marinara sauce for added flavor.
  • Experiment with crushed red pepper flakes or vegetables like zucchini or carrot for added flavor and nutrients.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking, Pan-frying, Simmering
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4 meatballs
  • Calories: 250 kcal Kcal
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 700mg
  • Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 12g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 20g
  • Cholesterol: 80mg

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Find it online: https://recipeswonders.com/melt-in-your-mouth-italian-meatballs/