Name: Juicy Italian Meatballs Taste Like Sunday Dinner at Nonna's
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1 lb ground pork; 1 cup breadcrumbs; 2 large eggs; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 small onion, finely diced; 1/4 cup milk; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes or marinara sauce

If there’s one thing that tastes like comfort, tradition, and love in every bite, it’s Juicy Italian Meatballs. They remind you of Sunday dinners where family gathers around a big pot of simmering sauce, laughter floats through the kitchen, and someone always sneaks a meatball straight from the pan. These meatballs are not just a meal; they’re a memory waiting to be made.

Perfectly seasoned, melt-in-your-mouth tender, and simmered in a rich tomato sauce, these meatballs are what Italian dreams are made of. Whether you’re piling them on spaghetti, stuffing them into a toasted sub, or serving them with a rustic chunk of bread, they bring instant warmth and satisfaction.

Why You’ll Love This Juicy Italian Meatballs Recipe

This recipe brings together classic pantry staples with easy technique to create meatballs so moist and flavorful, you’ll swear they came straight from Nonna’s kitchen. They’re oven-baked first for structure, then simmered to soak up all the saucy goodness. The result? Juicy, golden-brown perfection with a tender interior that never crumbles.

What Kind of Meat Should I Use for Italian Meatballs?

The magic of Italian meatballs lies in the meat blend. A mix of beef and pork is traditional, and it offers the ideal balance of flavor and fat. Ground beef alone can work, but pork adds tenderness and that distinct richness. Avoid lean meat only—fat is your friend here for flavor and moisture.

Ingredients for the Juicy Italian Meatballs

The beauty of this dish is in its simplicity. Each ingredient has a purpose, and together, they create a bite that’s deeply savory and satisfying.

Ground beef and pork
Breadcrumbs
Eggs
Parmesan cheese
Fresh parsley
Garlic
Onion
Milk
Salt and pepper
Crushed red pepper flakes
Olive oil
Crushed tomatoes or marinara sauce

How To Make the Juicy Italian Meatballs

Step 1: Mix the Meatball Base

In a large bowl, combine the ground beef and pork, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, chopped parsley, minced garlic, finely diced onion, eggs, milk, salt, pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Use your hands to gently mix until just combined—don’t overwork it.

Step 2: Shape and Bake

Form the mixture into balls, about 1.5 inches each. Place them on a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F for about 15 minutes or until lightly browned.

Step 3: Simmer in Sauce

Transfer the baked meatballs into a large pot of simmering marinara or crushed tomatoes. Let them cook over low heat for 30 minutes to an hour. This step lets the meatballs soak up the sauce while staying juicy and tender.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

Serve over spaghetti, polenta, in a hoagie roll, or simply on their own with extra sauce and a sprinkle of Parmesan.

How to Serve and Store Juicy Italian Meatballs

These meatballs serve about 6 people generously and can be adapted into multiple meals. Spoon them over spaghetti for a classic approach or serve them solo with crusty bread for a comforting low-carb option.

To store, keep leftover meatballs in their sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. They also freeze beautifully. Let them cool, pack into freezer-safe containers or bags, and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat or in the microwave.

What to Serve With Juicy Italian Meatballs?

Garlic Bread

Toasty, buttery, and perfect for swiping up extra sauce.

Creamy Polenta

A soft, spoonable base that soaks in all that tomato richness.

Roasted Broccoli

Add some green and crunch with simply roasted broccoli tossed in olive oil.

Caesar Salad

Crisp romaine, shaved Parmesan, and a zingy dressing offer a refreshing balance.

Spaghetti or Linguine

You can never go wrong with classic pasta and meatballs.

Ricotta-Stuffed Shells

Double up on the Italian comfort with baked cheesy pasta shells.

Red Wine

A medium-bodied Chianti or Merlot complements the richness of the dish.

Classic Caprese Salad

Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil make a light, bright contrast.

Want More Dinner Ideas with Italian Flavor?

If these Juicy Italian Meatballs made your kitchen smell like heaven, you’ll want to try:

Herby Chicken Meatball Bowl for a lighter, meal-prep twist.
Creamy Tomato Spinach Pasta if you’re craving something saucy and cheesy.
One-Pot Creamy Sausage Rigatoni when you want an easy clean-up with big flavor.
Classic Caprese Salad Recipe to round out your Italian night.
Delicious Ooey Gooey Mac and Cheese for the ultimate indulgent pairing.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add fresh basil? Maybe a splash of red wine to the sauce? I love hearing your family’s twists on a classic.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting drinks on Janet Dishes on Pinterest and discover your new go-to for feeling great!

Conclusion

Juicy Italian Meatballs are one of those recipes that brings people together and fills the home with that unmistakable aroma of love and tradition. With just a few ingredients and simple steps, you can recreate a Sunday classic anytime during the week. They’re satisfying, nostalgic, and always a hit.