Every Sunday or holiday, I try to bring a family recipe into our meal. It might be a side dish, dessert, or main dish. But every time I serve food that has family history behind it, I tell my kids so they can always remember that precious family member or friend who shared this recipe with me.
These meatballs are definitely a recipe that can continue to be passed down from family to family. It’s simple and is perfect even for the newlywed that’s learning all kinds of new recipes to make for her family!
But, as a side-note, this is not my Grandma’s recipe, but this is someone else’s grandmother’s recipe. You can find my grandmother’s recipes here:
Grandma’s Salmon Patties
Grandma’s Southern Salmon Stew
Grandma’s No Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies
Ingredients Needed for Grandma’s Italian Meatballs
- Ground beef (preferably grass fed). Some families prefer half of ground pork and half of ground beef. My family prefers beef for the extra protein, and less fat. But this recipe tastes really good with half of ground pork and half ground beef as well!
- Parmesan cheese, grated. This gives it a very “Italian” flavor!
- Milk
- Onion, minced. In a pinch, I’ve used dried, chopped onion and it turned out great too!
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Eggs
- Garlic cloves
- Italian seasoning
- dried oregano
- Worcestershire sauce
- coarse kosher salt
- black pepper
- red pepper flakes
- Italian bread crumbs
- Spaghetti noodles (optional)
- Spaghetti sauce (optional)
Easy Meatballs Are Ready in 15 Minutes
You can transform these meatballs into a full Italian feast with spaghetti noodles and sauce.
The result?
An ultimate weeknight dinner that’s ready in just 15 minutes.
If you’ve ever longed for the flavors of a classic Italian night out, this dish is your ticket.
Best Tips for Making Italian Meatballs
- For firmer meatballs, increase the amount of breadcrumbs to 2/3 cup.
- Try cooking them in the air fryer for a crispy twist.
- Experiment by replacing beef with ground chicken or pork for a new kind of flavor and texture.
- The leaner the meat, the less greasy the meatball – no need for a cooling rack to drain excess fat.
How to Store Leftover Italian Meatballs
You can keep meatballs in the fridge for up to 5 days. Alternatively, freeze them in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
This isn’t just any meatball recipe; it’s the key to turning your next spaghetti night into a family favorite!
Whether you’re having a busy week or want a romantic, leisurely dinner these meatballs are the perfect choice!
With simple ingredients, this is a recipe that you can share with your family for generations. As one of my favorite cartoon chef’s say, “Anyone can cook!” This is a great beginner recipe that can be shared with friends and family.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I Make These Meatballs Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Prepare the meatball mixture, shape them, and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. This is a fantastic time-saving tip for busy days.
2. Can I Use Fresh Herbs Instead of Dried in the Recipe?
While the recipe calls for dried parsley and oregano, feel free to substitute them with fresh ones. Just remember to adjust the quantities, as fresh herbs tend to be more potent.
3. What’s the Best Way to Reheat Leftover Meatballs?
For optimal flavor and texture, reheat the meatballs in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes. You can also warm them up on the stovetop in a pan with a bit of sauce to keep them moist.
4. Are These Meatballs Kid-Friendly?
Absolutely! The blend of flavors in this recipe is kid-approved. If your little ones are sensitive to spice, you can omit or reduce the red pepper flakes without compromising on taste.
5. Can I Double the Recipe for a Larger Gathering?
This recipe can be easily doubled or even tripled for larger gatherings or if you want to stock up for future meals. Just ensure you have a spacious mixing bowl to for the increased quantity.
More Easy Recipes for Families:
Classic Italian Meatballs Recipe
These are flavorful, traditional meatballs that have been passed down for generations. Enjoy a classic recipe that's perfect for the weekend or a date night!
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef (93% lean)
- ½ cup parmesan cheese, grated
- ¼ cup milk
- ¼ cup onion, minced
- ⅛ cup parsley, chopped
- 1 egg, beaten
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon coarse kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ⅛ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- ½ cup Italian bread crumbs
- Spaghetti noodles (optional)
- Spaghetti sauce (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400° F.
- In a large bowl mix together everything, but the bread crumbs.
- Once mixed add in the bread crumbs. Mix until combined. Do not overmix, just make sure they are combined. You can mix the meat mixture with a fork or clean hands.
- Use an ice cream scooper to make 2-inch balls. This will include 2 tablespoons of meat mixture.
- Place the meatballs on 2 parchment paper-lined 9x13 baking sheets or a larger baking sheet.
- Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until the internal temperature is 165° F.
Once cooked transfer the meatballs to the sauce and top over spaghetti.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 14 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 161Total Fat: 8gSaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 46mgSodium: 301mgCarbohydrates: 10gFiber: 1gSugar: 2gProtein: 12g
Nutrition values are estimates only, and are provided only as a courtesy.
