The BEST Authentic Italian Meatballs (with sauce recipe!) Recipe

If you’re searching for a show-stopping meal that’ll make everyone swoon at the dinner table, your quest ends here with The BEST Authentic Italian Meatballs (with sauce recipe!). Picture plump, juicy meatballs simmering gently in a rich tomato sauce, their aroma filling the kitchen with the promise of pure comfort. Each bite is irresistibly tender and packed with flavor, harkening back to the heart of Italy. This isn’t just a meal—it’s an experience you’ll want to share with family and friends over and over again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gather these simple ingredients for The BEST Authentic Italian Meatballs (with sauce recipe!). Each item plays an essential role, bringing richness, depth, and a harmony of textures and flavors that are the hallmark of a classic Italian family dinner.

• Ground beef (80-85% lean): Provides a hearty, savory foundation and perfect bite.
• Ground pork: Adds moisture and a subtle sweetness that balances the other meats.
• Ground veal: Delivers exceptional tenderness for the softest, most delicate meatballs.
• Egg yolks: Enrich the mixture and help bind everything together.
• Salt (or to taste): Enhances every flavor, so don’t be shy—taste as you go!
• Ground black pepper (or to taste): Adds a gentle heat and aroma.
• Garlic powder: Offers a mild, mellow garlicky background without overpowering.
• Basil: Brings a fragrant, slightly sweet note that’s unmistakably Italian.
• Parsley: Infuses freshness and a pop of green color.
• Pecorino Romano cheese (finely grated): A sharp, salty cheese that takes flavor to the next level.
• Italian seasoned breadcrumbs: Binds the meatballs and injects a wonderful herby taste.
• Whole milk (divided): Keeps every bite moist and decadently tender.
• Olive oil: The starting point for a deeply flavorful sauce, adding fruitiness and sheen.
• Onion (diced): Sautéed onion amps up sweetness and depth in your sauce.
• Garlic cloves (minced): Fresh garlic in the sauce adds a punch of classic Italian flavor.
• Basil (for sauce): More basil means even bigger flavor when simmered in your sauce.
• Parsley (for sauce): Freshness isn’t just for the meatballs—your sauce needs it too!
• Oregano: Lends a woodsy, savory note to the sauce, essential for an authentic taste.
• Salt (for sauce, or to taste): Crucial for highlighting the tomato’s natural sweetness.
• Black pepper (for sauce, or to taste): To balance the acidity and round out every bite.
• Granulated sugar (or to taste): A pinch smooths out the acidity of the tomatoes for a mellow sauce.
• Crushed tomatoes (28 oz cans, 4 total): Be generous—it’s the heart of your sauce!
• Hot and/or sweet sausage (optional): Browning these with the onions gives your sauce extra depth and meatiness.
• Boneless pork (optional): Simmering pork in your sauce infuses it with incredible savoriness.

How to Make The BEST Authentic Italian Meatballs (with sauce recipe!)

Step 1: Sauté Aromatics and Optional Meats

Start by heating olive oil over medium heat in your largest, sturdiest pot—it’s about to do some heavy lifting. Add diced onions and cook until they become translucent and fabulously fragrant. If you’re going all-in, brown your optional sausage and pork right alongside the onions for even more depth. Finish with minced garlic, stirring just until its aroma takes center stage, but be careful not to let it brown!

Step 2: Build and Simmer the Sauce

Turn the heat down to medium-low, then stir in the crushed tomatoes. Now, spice things up! Add basil, parsley, oregano, salt, black pepper, and a pinch of sugar. Let the sauce become hot but don’t rush it—avoid bringing it to a full boil. When everything’s cozy and bubbling gently, reduce the heat to the lowest setting and let the magic happen. Simmer the sauce slowly for at least 45 minutes (longer, if you can stand the anticipation!). Stir often so nothing sticks or burns—a little patience makes all the difference for The BEST Authentic Italian Meatballs (with sauce recipe!).

Step 3: Mix and Shape the Meatballs

Preheat your oven to 400°F (or prepare a frying pan or air fryer, depending on your chosen adventure). In a large bowl, combine ground beef, pork, veal, egg yolks, grated cheese, and spices. In a separate bowl, blend the breadcrumbs with half the milk until they’re soft, then fold into the meat mixture along with the rest of the milk. You’re aiming for a touchable, wet consistency—if it feels dry, add a splash more milk. Scoop up heaping spoonfuls, roll into balls, and arrange them a little apart on your prepared baking tray (or set them aside for frying).

Step 4: Bake, Fry, or Air Fry the Meatballs

You have options! For the oven, bake meatballs for about 20 minutes, flipping once for an even golden crust. For extra color, finish under the broiler for a few minutes. If frying, heat a film of olive oil in a skillet and brown those beauties on each side. Air fryer fans: give them a 10-12 minute blast at 400°F. For The BEST Authentic Italian Meatballs (with sauce recipe!), you only need to sear and partially cook—the sauce will finish the job!

Step 5: Finish Meatballs in the Sauce

Gently nestle your par-cooked meatballs into the simmering sauce. Give everything a careful stir, cozying them under the tomatoey depths, and let them simmer on the lowest heat for another 45 minutes to 2 hours. The longer, the better—just imagine how tender and flavorful they’ll turn out! Between stirs, inhale the incredible aroma taking over your kitchen. Once the meatballs reach 160°F internal temperature, you’re ready to feast.

How to Serve The BEST Authentic Italian Meatballs (with sauce recipe!)

Garnishes

Freshly chopped parsley, extra shavings of Pecorino Romano, and a sprinkle of cracked black pepper on top add that final restaurant-quality flourish to each serving. For a pop of color and flavor, a scatter of torn basil leaves right before serving never fails to impress.

Side Dishes

It’s no secret that The BEST Authentic Italian Meatballs (with sauce recipe!) are pure comfort on their own, but they pair beautifully with a bed of tender spaghetti, pillowy mashed potatoes, or even a crusty loaf of Italian bread for sopping up all that extra sauce. Need greens? Garlicky sautéed spinach or a classic Caesar salad will round out the meal with minimal fuss.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn your meatballs into crowd-pleasers for any occasion—pack them into a hero roll for the ultimate meatball sub, nestle them onto tiny toothpicks as hearty party bites, or serve over creamy polenta for something ultra-cozy and unexpected. No matter how you present them, everyone will be back for seconds!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, they’ll keep beautifully! Let the meatballs and sauce cool to room temperature before transferring to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days—perfect for quick weeknight dinners or unbeatable meatball sandwiches the next day.

Freezing

The BEST Authentic Italian Meatballs (with sauce recipe!) are freezer-friendly, making meal prep a breeze. Freeze cooked (and cooled) meatballs and sauce together in portions, or separately if you like having extra sauce on hand. Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags, and label with the date. Frozen meatballs are best enjoyed within 3 months for optimal flavor and texture.

Reheating

For best results, reheat meatballs gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water if the sauce seems thick. In a pinch, the microwave works, too—just use a gentle power setting and stir halfway through to warm evenly. If reheating from frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge before warming, so every bite is just as juicy and flavorful as the first time.

FAQs

Can I make The BEST Authentic Italian Meatballs (with sauce recipe!) without veal?

Absolutely! While veal adds extra tenderness, you can swap it for more beef or pork without compromising on taste or texture. The result will still be deliciously satisfying.

Is it necessary to finish the meatballs in the sauce?

Simmering the meatballs in the sauce infuses them with extra flavor and ensures they turn out perfectly tender. If you’re tight on time, you can fully cook them in the oven or air fryer, but for true Italian flavor, let them bask in the sauce as long as possible!

Can I use store-bought marinara sauce instead?

Homemade sauce always has the best flavor, but if you need a shortcut you can absolutely use good-quality store-bought marinara. Just simmer the meatballs in the sauce as directed to help the flavors meld together.

What size should the meatballs be?

This is totally up to your personal preference! For classic Italian meatballs that are soft and juicy, aim for about 2 tablespoons of mixture per ball. This size cooks evenly and is perfect for piling on pasta.

How do I keep meatballs from falling apart?

Making sure your mixture has enough moisture from milk, enough binder from eggs and breadcrumbs, and not over-mixing are the keys to meatballs that hold together but stay unbelievably tender.

Final Thoughts

I can’t think of a better way to bring people together than with The BEST Authentic Italian Meatballs (with sauce recipe!). Whether it’s a cozy Sunday dinner or a lively gathering, these meatballs promise flavor, comfort, and plenty of smiles. Give them a try—you’ll have friends and family asking for your secret every time!

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