Italian Beef Meatball Recipe + Video (2024)

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Italian Beef Meatball Recipe + Video (1)

By Kevin

published Aug 02, 2023

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Get excited about this beef meatball recipe! It features freshly chopped Italian herbs, rich ricotta, tangy parmesan, and so much more. Mouthwatering, authentic Italian meatballs are only 30 minutes away!

Italian Beef Meatball Recipe + Video (2)

This beef meatball recipe is simple to make, versatile, and sinfully delicious. Featuring robust, aromatic herbs like basil, oregano, and parsley along with sweet fennel and smoky red pepper, these beef meatballs are a flavor sensation. Texture-wise, they are tender, moist, and marvelously juicy.

These tender, meaty little masterpieces are incredibly versatile too. Enjoy Italian meatballs by themselves, on a sandwich, or with any of your favorite pasta dishes. I recommend pairing them with this Marinara Sauce, a big pile of spaghetti, and some grated parmesan.

Table of Contents

  • Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
  • How to Make Italian Beef Meatballs
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Italian Beef Meatball Recipe Recipe

Beef meatballs are also great served up with a steaming pile of Basmati Rice and some veggies like Greek Roasted Vegetables. Get creative and enjoy!

Italian Beef Meatball Recipe + Video (3)

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

  • Ground Beef I recommend a high-quality 80/20 ground chuck for the best results.
  • Eggs Acts as a binder while keeping the meatballs rich, moist, and fluffy.
  • Ricotta Cheese Infuses the meatball mixture with a creamy richness and helps with binding.
  • Parmesan Cheese Adds its uniquely tangy, nutty, and complex flavor to the dish.
  • Panko Breadcrumbs Breadcrumbs are essential for holding the meatball mixture together. I prefer panko breadcrumbs, but you can use plain or Italian if that’s what you have on hand. A simple 1:1 substitution will work.
  • Basil Brings a spicy-sweet, slightly pungent flavor to the party.
  • Parsley Adds a clean, earthy pepperiness to the flavor profile of the dish. Flat-leaf parsley is ideal, but curly parsley will work if that is all you have. Just make sure to chop it finely.
  • Oregano Robust and peppery with hints of mint and thyme.
  • Fennel Adds a deep, earthy sweetness reminiscent of anise or licorice. Use ground fennel, not the seeds for this recipe.
  • Red Pepper Flakes Perks up the beef meatball recipe with a hint of smoky, spicy heat.
Italian Beef Meatball Recipe + Video (4)
Italian Beef Meatball Recipe + Video (5)

How to Make Italian Beef Meatballs

  1. Prepare the Oven. Preheat your oven to 450 degrees F and use 2 tablespoons of olive oil to coat the bottom of a 13×9 inch roasting pan. Set aside.
  2. Make the Meat Mixture. Combine the ground beef, eggs, Panko breadcrumbs, herbs, and seasonings together in a large bowl. Use your hand to mix thoroughly.
  3. Form the Meatballs. Continue with your hands or use a scoop to create around 24-28 golf ball-sized meatballs. Nestle them closely together in the baking sheet, making sure all sides are touching other meatballs.
Italian Beef Meatball Recipe + Video (6)
Italian Beef Meatball Recipe + Video (7)
  1. Roast the Meatballs. Transfer the pan to the oven and roast for about 20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F. While your beef meatballs are roasting, heat up your favorite marinara or meatless spaghetti sauce.
  2. Simmer & Serve. You can serve the meatballs right out of the oven with sauce spooned on top or, if desired, you can simmer them for a while in the sauce or gravy of your choice.
Italian Beef Meatball Recipe + Video (8)

Frequently Asked Questions

Is It Better to Fry or Bake Meatballs?

For this beef meatball recipe, I definitely recommend baking over frying. Pan-searing or frying is an option but better if you are only making a few meatballs. The process can get messy and producing evenly browned meatballs requires all of your attention on the frying pan.

When making large quantities, baking is the way to go. It is faster, easier, and reliably produces evenly cooked, beautifully browned Italian meatballs. Plus, I like having my hands and attention free to finish cooking the rest of the meal.

What Makes Italian Meatballs Different?

Italian meatballs feature aromatic herbs and spices like basil, oregano, and parsley and usually include grated parmesan and other cheeses. While traditionally a beef meatball recipe, Italian meatballs can also contain pork, veal, or even lamb. It is the Italian herbs, spices, and other ingredients that make them truly unique.I find the ricotta cheese add a surprise hit to keep them moist, and my secret flavor weapon here.

And trust me, this is just one of countless meatball recipes along the Silk Road — each with its own spicy cultural twist. There are smoky Moroccan Meatballs (Kefta Mkaoura), Spicy Tunisian Beef Meatballs, Kung Pao Asian Meatballs, and so many more!

Why Do My Meatballs Fall Apart When I Cook Them?

If your meatballs are falling apart when making this beef meatball recipe, there are a few possible culprits.

– Make sure that you have added the appropriate amount of breadcrumbs. In the right amount, they serve as a binder but too few or too many can lead to loose meatballs.
– Be sure that you work the meat mixture thoroughly with your hands to fully incorporate all the ingredients. This is crucial to the binding process, but don’t overdo it. A few minutes will do the trick.You could even chill them for 15 minutes after shaping before cooking to keep firm.
– Letting your meatballs simmer in sauce for too long can also lead to mushy meatballs. Give them just enough time to infuse with flavor, then serve.

Italian Beef Meatball Recipe + Video (9)

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Italian Beef Meatball Recipe + Video (10)

Italian Beef Meatball Recipe

This Italian Beef Meatball Recipe delivers tender, juicy meatballs featuring ricotta cheese that are bursting with authentic Italian flavors.

Servings: 6

Prep: 10 minutes mins

Cook: 20 minutes mins

Total: 30 minutes mins

Ingredients

US CustomaryMetric

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 450°F. Coat bottom of a 13×9″ roasting pan with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, set aside.

  • In a large bowl add the ground beef, eggs, ricotta, parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, herbs and seasonings. Mix thoroughly by hand.

  • By hand or scoop, make 24 to 28 meatballs about the size of a golf ball. Stack them tightly in the baking dish so all sides are touching.

  • Roast for 20 minutes (internal temp should be 165°F). While roasting, heat your favorite Marinara (Meatless Spaghetti Sauce).

  • OPTIONAL: Feel free to simmer cooked meatballs in your favorite spaghetti sauce (or gravy) or serve immediately with sauce spooned over your favorite pasta or in a sub sandwich.

Video

Nutrition

Calories: 517kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 35g | Fat: 38g | Saturated Fat: 16g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 16g | Trans Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 186mg | Sodium: 1040mg | Potassium: 522mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 622IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 202mg | Iron: 4mg

The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.

Course: main dishes

Cuisine: Italian, Mediterranean

Author: Kevin

Have You Made This Recipe? Let Me Know on InstagramTag @keviniscooking or tag me #keviniscooking!

Italian Beef Meatball Recipe + Video (11)

Italian Beef Meatball Recipe + Video (12)

Kevin

I was bitten by the cooking bug as a kid cooking and baking along side my mom. After an ROP restaurant course in high school, I went to work in restaurants and catering. My love of travel and food has led me across the world and I love to share those foods with family and friends.

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Italian Beef Meatball Recipe + Video (2024)

FAQs

What's the difference between Italian style meatballs and regular meatballs? ›

Italian-style meatballs often include additional ingredients such as milk, olive oil, ground pork, fresh parsley, red pepper flakes, Italian herb seasoning, and sometimes a combination of ground beef, veal, and pork [2].

What is the secret of a tender meatball? ›

Egg and breadcrumbs are common mix-ins to add moisture and tenderness. Another binder option that people swear by is a panade, which is fresh or dry breadcrumbs that have been soaked in milk. “The soaked breadcrumbs help keep the proteins in the meat from shrinking,” as food writer Tara Holland explained in the Kitchn.

Is it better to fry or bake Italian meatballs? ›

Baking will result in meatballs with a crunchy exterior, though the caramelisation achieved from frying will be superior. Baked meatballs take the least amount of effort, as you'll only need to turn them once or twice throughout the cook and you can make a larger batch at once.

Is it better to fry meatballs or cook in sauce? ›

Letting your meatballs cook on the stove in a simmering sauce is the way to go. You'll end up with the most tender meatballs because as they simmer they soak up so much of that tomato sauce.

What are Sicilian meatballs made of? ›

Sicilian meatballs, on the other hand, are typically made from a combination of ground beef and ground pork, along with ingredients like garlic, onion, parsley, breadcrumbs, and sometimes even pine nuts and raisins. They are often served in a tomato sauce or a sweet and sour sauce made from vinegar and sugar.

How do real Italians eat meatballs? ›

Although meatballs cooked in tomato sauce and served with pasta is likely what most Americans first imagine when they think of them, this meatball preparation is virtually nonexistent in Italy. In most regions, meatballs are just fried and eaten as is—enjoyed as a snack or served as a second course without any sauce.

What are Maggianos meatballs made of? ›

WHAT MEAT IS USED IN YOUR MEATBALLS AND MEAT SAUCE? Our meatballs and meat sauce are made with 100% ground beef.

Why do you put milk in meatballs? ›

When it comes to adding liquid to meatball mixtures, milk is often used for its versatility, depth of flavor, and richness. Without the use of milk, you may be faced with a plate of dry meatballs. Milk adds a certain level of moisture that helps produce perfectly tender meatballs.

What is the best binder for meatballs? ›

An egg is usually a good start, as that can help with the tenderness and texture, but the king of meatball binders is breadcrumbs soaked in milk (also known as a panade). Soaking the breadcrumbs first makes them pliable and soggy, which allows them to easily and evenly mix into the ground meat.

What is the best binding agent for meatballs? ›

Egg acts as a binder for the ingredients, but you only need a small amount. One small egg will do for one pound of minced meat. Alternatively, if you're following an egg-free diet, you could soak fresh bread in milk, squeezing out any excess milk, to use as a binder.

What not to do when making meatballs? ›

5 Mistakes to Avoid When Making Meatballs
  1. Not seasoning the meat.
  2. Not adding any moisture to the meat.
  3. Over-mixing the meat.
  4. Not shaping the meatballs correctly.
  5. Not forming evenly-sized meatballs.
May 1, 2019

Is it better to bake meatballs at 350 or 400? ›

A good rule of thumb is to bake meatballs for 20-25 minutes at 400 degrees fahrenheit. Every oven is different so the cooking time will not be the same for everyone. You will know the meatballs are ready when the internal temperature of the meatballs is 165 degrees.

Do you flip meatballs when baking? ›

I don't know many people who do this but I just find it way easier to put the balls on a foil lined sheet tray and stick em in the oven. They only need to be flipped 2-3 times and it's easier clean up with the foil.

Why are Italian meatballs so big? ›

They ended up going from eating meat once a week to eating meat every day! And meat was consumed in much larger quantities. So, the small moist polpettes made with 50% bread and 50% meat that they enjoyed in Italy changed to larger denser meatballs made with mostly beef.

What are Italian meatballs called? ›

Called polpettes, Italian meatballs are often served sauceless and are much smaller than the meatballs you're probably used to. Traditional Italian meatballs typically contain equal portions of meat and soaked bread, and other additions such as egg and vegetables.

Why are my Italian meatballs hard? ›

More Reasons Your Meatballs are Hard

Sticky hands can result in an overworked farcemeat. Too much time spent forming the balls can also make them tough, and you're more likely to overwork them if you can't get them off your hands.

Are Italian meatballs pink inside? ›

Heat the olive oil in a large cast-iron skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook for around 5-7 minutes—or until the meatballs are cooked and only slightly pink on the inside. Pour the marinara sauce on top, mix and wait for the sauce to simmer and completely warmed through.

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