Classic Italian-Style Beef Meatballs

Here at Julia’s Recipe, we believe every home cook needs a go-to recipe for classic beef meatballs. They’re the heart of so many comforting dishes, from rich spaghetti and meatballs to hearty meatball subs. Forget dry, bland meatballs; this recipe guarantees exceptionally juicy, tender, and flavour-packed results every single time. It’s a versatile and simple dish perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a weekend feast with family.

Ingredients

• 1 lb (500g) lean ground beef
• ½ cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
• ¼ cup whole milk
• ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ¼ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil, for frying

Instructions

1. In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes until the milk is fully absorbed. This is the secret to moist meatballs!
2. In a large bowl, add the ground beef, grated Parmesan, beaten egg, minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper. Add the soaked breadcrumb mixture to the bowl.
3. Gently mix all the ingredients with your hands until just combined. Be careful not to overwork the meat, as this can make the meatballs tough.
4. Roll the mixture into uniform balls, about 1.5 inches in diameter. This recipe should yield approximately 16-20 meatballs.



5. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat. Carefully place the meatballs in the pan, ensuring not to overcrowd it (work in batches if necessary).
6. Brown the meatballs on all sides, turning them gently for about 5-7 minutes. They don’t need to be cooked through at this stage.
7. Transfer the browned meatballs directly into your favorite simmering tomato or marinara sauce. Let them simmer in the sauce for at least 20 minutes, or up to an hour, to cook through and absorb all the delicious flavours.
8. Serve hot over pasta, in a sub, or with crusty bread for dipping. Enjoy!

Nutrition Information

Nutritional values are an estimate and based on the meatballs only (per serving of 4 meatballs).