Description
Ready to upgrade your dinner game with a dish that’s pure comfort in every bite? These Melt In Your Mouth Italian Meatballs are the ultimate easy dinner idea, perfect for busy weeknights or impressing guests. Packed with flavor, incredibly tender, and simmered in a garlicky tomato sauce, this recipe nails all the essentials: quick prep, big flavor, and satisfying results. Whether you're looking for quick dinner ideas, a classic comfort food, or a meal prep hero, these Italian-style meatballs check every box.
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef 0.5 lb ground pork 0.66 cup breadcrumbs 0.5 cup whole milk 0.25 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese 0.25 cup finely chopped fresh parsley 0.25 small onion, grated 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 large egg 1 tsp kosher salt 0.5 tsp ground black pepper 0.25 tsp red pepper flakes 2 tbsp olive oil 3 cloves garlic, minced 0.25 tsp red pepper flakes 28 oz can crushed tomatoes 1 tsp sugar Salt and pepper to taste Fresh basil or parsley for garnish 12 oz spaghetti Freshly grated Parmesan cheese Chopped parsley (optional)
Instructions
1. Soak breadcrumbs in milk for 5–10 minutes until softened. 2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, pork, soaked breadcrumbs, Parmesan, parsley, onion, garlic, egg, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Mix gently until just combined. 3. Form into 1 ½-inch meatballs and place on a tray. 4. In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Brown meatballs in batches, 2–3 minutes per side. Remove and set aside. 5. In the same pan, sauté garlic and red pepper flakes for 30 seconds. Add crushed tomatoes, sugar, and season with salt and pepper. 6. Return meatballs to the sauce. Simmer covered for 25–30 minutes over low heat. 7. Meanwhile, cook spaghetti in salted water until al dente. Drain. 8. Serve meatballs and sauce over pasta. Top with Parmesan and parsley.
Notes
Use a mix of beef and pork for best flavor and texture. Don’t skip soaking the breadcrumbs — it makes the meatballs ultra tender. Brown gently and simmer slowly for melt-in-your-mouth results.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 740mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Keywords: meatballs, Italian dinner, easy dinner, comfort food, spaghetti and meatballs