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+ servings
Four baked Italian meatballs garnished with chopped parsley and grated cheese sit on a bed of tomato sauce in a white bowl.
5 from 3 votes
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Yield: 26 meatballs

Easy Italian Meatball Recipe

Ready in 30 minutes, this easy Italian meatball recipe uses a secret twist — milk-soaked breadcrumbs — to create the juiciest meatballs, ever! They're the ultimate comfort food, ready to elevate any meal.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Total Time30 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 lb lean ground beef,
  • 1 lb ground Italian pork sausage, sweet, mild, or hot
  • ½ cup whole milk, or beef broth
  • ½ cup Italian breadcrumbs
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
  • ½ cup fresh chopped parsley, or 3 to 4 tablespoons dried parsley
  • 2 tablespoons fresh minced oregano, or 1 tablespoon dried oregano
  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic
  • 1 tablespoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper

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Instructions 

  • Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a sheet pan with parchment paper or spray with non-stick cooking spray. Set aside. Skip this step if cooking meatballs on the stovetop.
  • Mix the milk and breadcrumbs together in a bowl. Let rest for 5 minutes or until the breadcrumbs have absorbed the milk.
  • In a large bowl, combine the ground beef and sausage mixture together with the soaked breadcrumbs and remaining ingredients just until evenly combined. I like to wear disposable gloves and use my hands to gently blend/mix everything together.
  • Scoop out 2 tablespoons of the raw meatball mixture, using your hands roll into balls and place on the prepared sheet pan. Keep your meatballs similar in size so they cook evenly!
  • Bake for 20 minutes or until an instant-read meat thermometer reaches an internal temperature of 160°F. Serve immediately with your favorite marinara sauce (or simmer in the sauce for a few minutes before serving)! If desired, add a little more fresh chopped parsley and parmesan cheese on top when serving.

Cook Meatballs On Stovetop

  • Heat about a tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add meatballs in a single layer, leaving a little space between them. Work in batches if needed so you don’t overcrowd the pan!
  • Sear on all sides, turning every couple of minutes, until browned all over, about 8 to 10 minutes total.
  • Reduce heat to medium-low and cover the skillet; cooking for another 5 to 7 minutes until cooked through (internal temp 160°F). You can add marinara sauce to the skillet to simmer the meatballs in during this last step, if desired.

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Notes

How to Store: Transfer the cooked and cooled meatballs to an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 4 days.
How to Freeze: Place the cooked and cooled meatballs in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for one hour, then transfer to a zip-top freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Use frozen in recipes that call for frozen cooked meatballs, or thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating as directed below.
How to Reheat: Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through or microwave in 30-second intervals. To keep meatballs moist, reheat in sauce on the stovetop or cover with foil in the oven.
How to Make-Ahead: Prepare and shape the raw meatballs and store them wrapped tightly in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Let them sit at room temp for 20 minutes before cooking.

Nutrition

Serving: 1 meatball, Calories: 105kcal, Carbohydrates: 3g, Protein: 8g, Fat: 7g, Saturated Fat: 2g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 3g, Trans Fat: 0.1g, Cholesterol: 40mg, Sodium: 293mg, Potassium: 144mg, Fiber: 0.3g, Sugar: 0.5g, Vitamin A: 167IU, Vitamin C: 2mg, Calcium: 42mg, Iron: 1mg