Authentic Italian Meatballs Recipe with Grandma’s Secret Tip!

🍝 Authentic Italian Meatballs Recipe (with Grandma’s Secret Tip!)

These traditional Italian meatballs are juicy, flavorful, and simmered in rich tomato sauce — perfect served over pasta, in a sub, or on their own. Made with simple ingredients and Nonna’s old-school touch, this recipe is a family favorite for Sunday dinners or cozy nights in.

🕒 Prep Time: 20 minutes

🍳 Cook Time: 40 minutes

🍽️ Servings: 4–6

Calories (approx.): 300 per serving (without pasta)

🛒 Ingredients

For the Meatballs:

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef (80/20 for flavor)

• 1/2 lb (225g) ground pork (optional, but traditional)

• 2 slices of day-old bread, soaked in milk (Grandma’s secret tip!)

• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 large egg

• Salt & pepper to taste

• Olive oil for frying

For the Sauce:

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes

• 1 tsp sugar (to balance acidity)

• Fresh basil or parsley, to finish

• Salt & pepper to taste

👵 Grandma’s Secret Tip:

Soak bread in milk instead of using dry breadcrumbs! It keeps the meatballs moist, tender, and melt-in-your-mouth soft — no dense meatballs here.

👨‍🍳 Instructions

Step 1: Make the Meatball Mixture

In a bowl, soak the bread in milk until soft. Squeeze out excess liquid and mash it into a paste.
Add ground beef, pork, egg, garlic, Parmesan, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix gently with your hands until just combined. Don’t overmix!

Step 2: Shape & Sear

Form into 1.5-inch meatballs. Heat olive oil in a skillet and brown the meatballs on all sides (about 5–7 minutes). Set aside.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

In the same skillet, add more olive oil if needed. Sauté onions and garlic until soft. Add crushed tomatoes, sugar, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes.

Step 4: Simmer Together

Add meatballs into the sauce. Cover and simmer gently for 20–25 minutes until fully cooked and flavors blend beautifully.

🍝 Serving Suggestions

• Serve over spaghetti, linguine, or creamy polenta

• Make meatball subs with melted mozzarella

• Use as a main with a side of roasted vegetables or salad

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📦 Storage & Freezing

• Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

• Freezer: Freeze meatballs with sauce in portions for up to 3 months.

Reheat on the stove or microwave with a splash of water or broth.