"Try this classic Italian-American meatballs recipe! Juicy, flavorful, and easy to make. Perfect with pasta or as an appetizer. #Meatballs #ItalianFood"
Here’s a list of ingredients for **Italian-American meatballs**, optimized with SEO-friendly formatting and keywords to help you rank better for related searches:
- **Ground beef** (80/20 blend for juiciness)
- **Ground pork** (adds flavor and tenderness)
- **Italian breadcrumbs** (for binding and texture)
- **Parmesan cheese** (freshly grated for authentic flavor)
- **Fresh parsley** (chopped, for freshness and color)
- **Garlic** (minced, for aromatic depth)
- **Eggs** (acts as a binder for the meatballs)
- **Milk** (to moisten the breadcrumbs)
- **Olive oil** (for cooking or added richness)
- **Salt** (to enhance flavors)
- **Black pepper** (freshly ground for seasoning)
- **Italian seasoning** (a blend of oregano, basil, and thyme)
- **Onion** (finely chopped or grated for sweetness)
- **Red pepper flakes** (optional, for a hint of spice)
**Pro Tip:** Serve these meatballs with **marinara sauce** and **spaghetti** for a classic Italian-American dish. Perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or entertaining!
**Keywords to include in your content:** Italian-American meatballs, homemade meatballs, classic meatball recipe, Italian meatball ingredients, best meatball recipe, spaghetti and meatballs, easy meatball recipe, traditional meatballs.
Advertisement
Steps
# How to Make Italian-American Meatballs: A Step-by-Step Guide
Italian-American meatballs are a classic comfort food, perfect for pairing with spaghetti, subs, or even as a standalone dish. This recipe combines ground beef, pork, and aromatic herbs for a flavorful, tender meatball that’s sure to impress. Follow these detailed steps to create the ultimate Italian-American meatballs.
---
## **Ingredients for Italian-American Meatballs**
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend for juiciness)
- 1/2 lb ground pork (for added flavor and moisture)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (Italian-seasoned or plain)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely grated
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup milk (to keep the meatballs tender)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional for a kick)
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for frying)
- 3 cups marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
---
## **Step-by-Step Instructions**
### **1. Prepare the Meatball Mixture**
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef and ground pork. Mix gently to avoid overworking the meat.
2. Add the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, parsley, minced garlic, and grated onion. These ingredients add flavor and help bind the meatballs.
3. In a small bowl, whisk the eggs and milk together, then pour into the meat mixture. This keeps the meatballs moist and tender.
4. Season with salt, black pepper, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using). Mix everything until just combined—overmixing can make the meatballs tough.
---
### **2. Shape the Meatballs**
1. Use a cookie scoop or your hands to portion the mixture into 1.5-inch balls. This size ensures even cooking.
2. Roll each portion gently between your palms to form smooth, round meatballs. Place them on a baking sheet or plate.
---
### **3. Brown the Meatballs**
1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Working in batches, add the meatballs and brown them on all sides. This step adds flavor and helps them hold their shape.
2. Once browned, transfer the meatballs to a plate. They don’t need to be fully cooked at this stage, as they’ll finish cooking in the sauce.
---
### **4. Simmer in Marinara Sauce**
1. In the same skillet, add marinara sauce and bring it to a gentle simmer. If using store-bought sauce, consider adding a splash of red wine or fresh basil for extra flavor.
2. Carefully place the meatballs into the sauce, ensuring they’re fully submerged. Cover the skillet and let them simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through.
---
### **5. Serve and Enjoy**
1. Serve the Italian-American meatballs over spaghetti, in a sub roll, or as an appetizer with toothpicks.
2. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese for a finishing touch.
---
## **Tips for Perfect Italian-American Meatballs**
- **Use a mix of meats:** Combining beef and pork adds depth of flavor and keeps the meatballs juicy.
- **Don’t overmix:** Overworking the meat can result in dense, tough meatballs.
- **Simmer gently:** Cooking the meatballs in sauce ensures they stay moist and flavorful.
---
## **SEO Keywords for Italian-American Meatballs**
- Italian-American meatballs recipe
- Homemade meatballs with marinara
- Classic meatball recipe
- How to make tender meatballs
- Ground beef and pork meatballs
- Best meatball sauce
- Comfort food recipes
---
By following these steps, you’ll create tender, flavorful Italian-American meatballs that are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving them with pasta or as a party appetizer, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Buon appetito!