Juicy Italian Meatballs Taste Like Sunday Dinner at Nonna’s

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When you’re craving that warm, comforting, just-like-Nonna-made-it feeling, nothing satisfies like Juicy Italian Meatballs. Nestled atop tender spaghetti and smothered in rich tomato sauce, these meatballs bring Sunday dinner vibes any night of the week.

They’re tender, flavorful, and infused with garlic, herbs, and cheese for that perfectly seasoned bite. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or meal prepping for the week, these meatballs are a classic that never go out of style.

What Kind of Ground Meat Should I Use?

A blend of ground beef and pork is ideal for Italian meatballs. The pork adds richness and tenderness, while the beef gives structure and flavor. If you’re aiming for leaner options, ground turkey or chicken can work too—just be sure to add a bit more moisture with milk or an extra egg.

Ingredients for the Juicy Italian Meatballs

Ground Beef and Pork Blend: The base for juicy, flavorful meatballs. The fat in the pork keeps them moist, while beef adds hearty texture.

Eggs: Act as a binder, holding everything together.

Breadcrumbs: Help absorb moisture, giving you tender, not dense, meatballs.

Milk: Hydrates the breadcrumbs and keeps the meat mixture soft.

Parmesan Cheese: Adds umami and a salty bite that deepens flavor.

Garlic and Onion: Sautéed before mixing, these bring aromatic depth to the mix.

Fresh Parsley and Basil: Bright herbs that lift the richness of the meat.

Salt, Pepper, and Italian Seasoning: For balanced, savory seasoning.

Crushed Tomatoes or Marinara Sauce: Simmered with the meatballs for a saucy finish.

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How To Make the Juicy Italian Meatballs

Step 1: Sauté Your Aromatics

Sauté finely chopped onion and garlic in a bit of olive oil until softened and fragrant. Let cool slightly before adding to the meat mixture.

Step 2: Combine the Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the beef, pork, eggs, breadcrumbs soaked in milk, parmesan, herbs, sautéed aromatics, and seasoning. Mix gently—don’t overwork it!

Step 3: Shape the Meatballs

Roll the mixture into 1.5-inch balls. Use damp hands or a scoop to keep them even.

Step 4: Brown the Meatballs

In a hot skillet, brown the meatballs in batches until all sides are golden. This seals in the juices and adds flavor.

Step 5: Simmer in Sauce

Transfer the browned meatballs to a pot of simmering marinara or crushed tomatoes. Let them cook gently for 25-30 minutes until fully cooked through and tender.

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Serving and Storing These Meatballs

Serve the meatballs hot over al dente spaghetti or tucked into a crusty sub roll. For leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. They also freeze beautifully—just cool them completely and freeze with sauce in a zip bag or container for up to 3 months.

What to Serve With Juicy Italian Meatballs?

Garlic Bread

Crusty, buttery, and perfect for scooping up extra sauce.

Caesar Salad

The crisp greens and tangy dressing balance the richness of the meatballs.

Roasted Broccoli

Simple, nutritious, and adds a nice texture contrast.

Parmesan Baked Potatoes

Try these Parmesan Baked Potatoes for a cheesy, golden-crisp side.

Creamy Italian Sausage Soup

Serve with Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup to double down on cozy comfort.

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Want More Italian Dinner Ideas?

If you’re into hearty, flavor-packed dishes like these Juicy Italian Meatballs, check out these other favorites:

• Creamy Roasted Garlic Tomato Soup for an ultra-smooth pairing.
• Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan when you’re craving more garlicky pasta.
• One Pan Creamy Honey Butter Steak Pasta for a rich, all-in-one meal.
• Italian Antipasto Cream Cheese Log as a zesty starter.
• Classic Spaghetti Carbonara for a different pasta twist.

Save This Pin For Later

Save this comforting Italian classic to your favorite Pinterest board so it’s easy to find next time you’re ready for a cozy dinner night.

Have you tried these with a little red pepper kick? Or maybe tossed in fresh mozzarella right before serving? I’d love to hear your spin—drop it in the comments!

For more crave-worthy classics, check out my recipe board on Pinterest at Savor Queen. You’ll find everything from weeknight wins to showstopper Sunday dinners.

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