Few dishes are as universally loved as a hearty plate of Italian meatballs in rich tomato sauce. This recipe combines the perfect blend of meats, seasonings, and a flavorful tomato sauce to create meatballs that are moist, savory, and just a little spicy. Perfectly paired with spaghetti or enjoyed on their own, these meatballs will elevate any dinner table.
Ingredients for Italian Meatballs
For the Meatballs:
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) milk
- 4 slices bread, torn into small pieces
- 1 pound (500 g) Italian sausage, casing removed
- 1 pound (500 g) lean ground beef
- 1 pound (500 g) ground pork
- 2 large free-run eggs, beaten
- 2 cups (280 g) white onions, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup (50 g) Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, grated
- 1/4 cup (15 g) fresh parsley, chopped
- 3 large cloves garlic, pressed
- 2 teaspoons (4 g) Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon (2 g) ground Himalayan sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon (1 g) red pepper flakes
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For the Tomato Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon (15 ml) olive oil
- 1 1/2 cups (210 g) white onions, finely chopped
- 1 1/2 cups (200 g) red peppers, finely chopped
- 3 large cloves garlic, pressed
- 2 cans (24 oz./700 g each) tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon (15 g) tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon (12 g) brown sugar (e.g., demerara)
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) dry red wine
- 1 teaspoon (2 g) red pepper flakes
- 3 teaspoons (6 g) Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon (1 g) ground Himalayan sea salt, or to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste (mixed peppercorns recommended)
- 2 tablespoons (8 g) fresh parsley, chopped
Step-by-Step Instructions for Italian Meatballs
1. Prepare the Milk and Bread Mixture
In a small saucepan over medium heat, warm the milk until it’s just hot.
Add the torn bread pieces to the milk and stir gently until combined into a thick mixture. Transfer this mixture to a bowl and let it cool.
2. Combine the Meatball Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled milk-bread mixture with the sausage, ground beef, ground pork, eggs, onions, grated cheese, parsley, garlic, and seasonings.
- Mix thoroughly but gently to avoid compacting the meat.
- Cover the bowl with cling film, pressing it directly onto the surface of the meat mixture to prevent drying, and refrigerate for 1 hour.
3. Shape and Bake the Meatballs
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- After chilling, slightly wet your hands and shape the meat mixture into 2-inch (5 cm) balls.
- Arrange the meatballs on a large baking sheet lined with foil and lightly greased.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
4. Flip and Finish Baking
- Remove the tray from the oven and carefully flip the meatballs.
- Reduce the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C), return the tray, and bake for another 20 minutes.
- Remove from the oven and let the meatballs rest for 5 minutes before adding them to the sauce.
5. Cook the Tomato Sauce
- In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil. Add the onions and red peppers, sautéing for 3–4 minutes until translucent.
- Add the garlic and sauté for 1 more minute.
- Stir in the tomato sauce, tomato paste, brown sugar, red wine, red pepper flakes, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Bring to a simmer.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the sauce cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. Combine Meatballs and Sauce
- Transfer the baked meatballs into the simmering sauce, gently coating them in the mixture. Cover the skillet and let the meatballs simmer for an additional 15–20 minutes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these Italian meatballs over a bed of freshly cooked spaghetti or alongside crusty garlic bread for a comforting and satisfying meal. Garnish with additional parsley and grated Parmigiano-Reggiano for the perfect finishing touch.
These Italian meatballs are more than just a meal—they’re a culinary experience. From the rich, savory flavors of the meat to the tangy and slightly sweet tomato sauce, every bite is a celebration of Italian tradition. Make them for family dinners, special occasions, or meal prep; they’re versatile and utterly delicious. Try them once, and they’ll quickly become a household favorite!
