© Original Recipe By The Cozy Crumb ©
Delicious Melt-In-Your-Mouth Italian Meatballs for Comfort Food Lovers 🍝✨🧆
1. Introduction
If you’re craving a hearty, flavorful dish that embodies comfort food at its finest, these italian meatballs are the perfect choice. Known for their tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture, these comfort food meatballs are a classic Italian recipe that can be enjoyed on their own or served over pasta, rice, or in a warm sub. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just starting out, this recipe is both approachable and satisfying, making it a go-to meal for any occasion.
2. Ingredients for Delicious Italian Meatballs
- 1 pound (450g) ground beef or veal (or a mix of both)
- 1 cup fresh breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 large eggs
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup milk
- Olive oil for frying
- Optional: marinara sauce for serving
3. Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Melt-In-Your-Mouth Italian Meatballs
Preparation of the Meatball Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground meat, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, eggs, minced garlic, parsley, oregano, salt, and pepper. Pour in the milk, and mix everything gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatballs dense.
Forming the Meatballs
Using your hands, shape the mixture into evenly-sized balls about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for easy handling.
Cooking the Italian Meatballs
In a large skillet, heat a generous amount of olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the meatballs carefully, ensuring they don’t overcrowd the pan. Cook in batches if necessary. Fry the meatballs, turning occasionally, until they are browned on all sides and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes. For a healthier version, you can bake the meatballs in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes.
Optional: Simmer in Marinara Sauce
If you prefer your meatballs in sauce, transfer the browned meatballs to a pot of simmering marinara sauce. Cover and cook for an additional 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the meatballs to stay irresistibly tender and melt-in-your-mouth.
4. Storage Tips for Italian Meatballs
Store any leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave them until warmed through or gently simmer in sauce on the stovetop. For longer storage, freeze the cooked meatballs on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be kept frozen for up to 3 months.
5. Serving Suggestions for the Best Comfort Food Meatballs
Serve these italian meatballs over a bed of spaghetti, in a toasted hoagie bun with melted cheese, or atop creamy mashed potatoes. Pair with a crisp green salad and warm garlic bread for a complete comfort meal. For a rich and indulgent experience, add a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a sprinkle of fresh basil or oregano.
If you’re looking for more pasta ideas, you might enjoy this creamy parmesan spinach mushroom pasta skillet: browse the recipe here.
6. FAQs About Delicious Italian Meatballs
Can I make these melt-in-your-mouth meatballs dairy-free?
Yes, substitute the Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast or a dairy-free cheese alternative. Be sure to check your breadcrumb ingredients to ensure they are dairy-free as well.
What is the best type of meat for italian meatballs?
A combination of ground beef and veal creates the most tender, melt-in-your-mouth meatballs. However, ground turkey or chicken can be used for a lighter version, though the texture may be slightly different.
How long does it take to prepare and cook italian meatballs?
The entire process generally takes about 45 minutes, including mixing, forming, cooking, and optional sauce simmering.
Can I bake these meatballs instead of frying?
Absolutely! Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through, until they are cooked through and browned. Baking yields a healthier version without sacrificing flavor or texture.
7. Kitchen tools that you might need for this recipe
- Compact 6-in-1 Digital Air Fryer – Perfect for quickly roasting or baking the meatballs, ensuring they stay tender and juicy without oil.
- T-fal 14-Piece Hard Anodized Nonstick Cookware Set – This durable cookware set makes frying and simmering a breeze, helping you create flavorful, perfectly cooked italian meatballs.
- Ninja Foodi Smart XL Indoor Grill & Air Fryer Combo – Versatile for both indoor grilling and air frying, this tool ensures your meatballs come out beautifully cooked every time.
8. Additional Recipes to Elevate Your Comfort Food Game
Explore these related comfort food favorites to create a complete Italian-inspired meal:
- Creamy Cheesy Slow Cooker Crack Chicken Soup
- Easy Creamy Chicken Pasta Soup
- Fruity Bubbly Drunk Witch Cocktail for Parties
9. Conclusion
These italian meatballs are a true testament to comfort food at its best—melting in your mouth with every bite and packed with hearty flavors. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up a delicious batch that will impress family and friends alike. Whether served as a main dish over spaghetti or nestled in a sandwich, they’re sure to become a favorite in your household. Embrace the joy of cooking and indulge in this timeless Italian classic today!
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Delicious Melt-In-Your-Mouth Italian Meatballs for Comfort Food Lovers
Classic Italian meatballs baked to perfection and served with your favorite sauce.
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large egg
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups marinara sauce
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large bowl, mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, parsley, garlic, egg, salt, and pepper until combined.
- Form mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until browned and cooked through.
- Heat marinara sauce in a skillet and add baked meatballs, simmering for 10 minutes to meld flavors.
Notes
- Can be baked in advance and stored in the fridge.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure meatballs reach 160°F internal temperature.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Method: Baking and simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: non-vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 meatballs with sauce
- Calories: 350 Kcal
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
