Chef John's Italian Meatballs
+6 photos

Chef John's Italian Meatballs

These Italian meatballs use a delicious mix of ground beef and pork and get added flavor from garlic, Italian herb seasoning, and Parmesan cheese.

Ingredients

  • 3334326744 cup plain bread crumbs
    ⅓
  • milk
    ½ c
  • olive oil
    2 tbsp
  • onion

    diced

    1
  • ground beef
    1 lb
  • ground pork
    1 lb
  • eggs
    2
  • grated parmesan cheese
    2 tbsp
  • fresh parsley

    chopped

    ¼ bunch
  • garlic

    crushed

    3 cloves
  • salt
    2 tsp
  • ground black pepper
    1 tsp
  • dried italian herb seasoning
    1 tsp
  • red pepper flakes
    ½ tsp

Directions

  1. 1

    Gather all ingredients.

    Step 1
  2. 2

    Cover a baking sheet with foil and spray lightly with cooking spray. Soak bread crumbs in milk in a small bowl for 20 minutes.

    Step 2
  3. 3

    Meanwhile, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onion; cook and stir until onion has softened and turned translucent, about 5 minutes. Reduce heat to low and continue cooking and stirring until onion is very tender, about 15 minutes more.

    Step 3
  4. 4

    Gently stir beef and pork together in a large bowl. Add onions, bread crumb mixture, eggs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, garlic, salt, black pepper, Italian herb seasoning, and red pepper flakes; mix together using a rubber spatula until combined. Cover and refrigerate for about one hour.

    Step 4
  5. 5

    Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C).

  6. 6

    Form mixture into balls about 1 ½ inches in diameter; arrange in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.

    Step 6
  7. 7

    Bake in the preheated oven until browned and cooked through, 15 to 20 minutes.

    Step 7
  8. 8

    Serve with your favorite tomato sauce. Enjoy!

    Step 8
Chef John's Italian Meatballs
+6

Chef John's Italian Meatballs

4.8(2.5k)390 cal

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Based on 2,499 ratings

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About this Recipe

Craving classic, tender Italian meatballs bursting with savory flavor? Chef John's recipe delivers that comforting, authentic taste you love, bringing restaurant-quality results right to your home kitchen.

This recipe shines thanks to its thoughtful blend of ground beef and pork, creating an incredibly juicy and flavorful foundation. It's the meticulous infusion of fresh garlic, aromatic Italian herb seasoning, and rich Parmesan cheese that elevates these meatballs far beyond the ordinary, ensuring every bite is a truly satisfying experience.

Prepare for perfectly seasoned, moist meatballs that offer a delightful texture—not too dense, not too crumbly. The combination of meats guarantees a rich, savory profile, while the touch of red pepper flakes provides a subtle warmth that beautifully complements the fresh parsley. These meatballs are designed to be a true crowd-pleaser, evoking the robust and inviting flavors you'd expect from your favorite Italian eatery.

For a different twist, consider substituting some of the ground beef with ground veal to achieve an even more delicate texture. If you don't have fresh parsley on hand, a smaller quantity of dried parsley can be used, though fresh will always lend the best vibrancy. Feel free to adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to perfectly match your preferred level of spice.

These versatile meatballs are ideal for a hearty family dinner, whether you're simmering them in a rich marinara sauce alongside your favorite pasta or piling them high inside a crusty submarine roll.

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