Meatballs Beef Pork and sausage
These tender and flavorful meatballs combine ground beef, pork, and Italian sausage for a perfect balance of flavor and texture. Whether served with pasta, in a sub sandwich, or on their own, they’re sure to be a hit!
Preparation Details
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Cooking Intensity: Medium
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 pound ground pork
- 1/2 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy, as preferred)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (regular or gluten-free)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup milk
- 2 large eggs
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried parsley)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Olive oil, for cooking
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Meatball Mixture
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, pork, and Italian sausage.
- Add the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, milk, eggs, garlic, parsley, oregano, basil, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Mix everything gently with your hands until just combined. Avoid overmixing, as it can make the meatballs dense.
Step 2: Form the Meatballs
- Use a spoon or scoop to portion the meat mixture into balls, about 1 1/2 inches in diameter.
- Roll the mixture lightly between your palms to shape the meatballs. You should have about 24–28 meatballs.
Step 3: Cook the Meatballs
- Heat a large skillet or frying pan over medium heat and add a thin layer of olive oil.
- Place the meatballs in the skillet, ensuring they are not overcrowded (cook in batches if necessary).
- Brown the meatballs on all sides, about 2–3 minutes per side.
Step 4: Finish Cooking
- Option 1: Stove Top
- Once browned, reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet. Cook for an additional 10–12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the meatballs are cooked through.
- Option 2: Oven
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Transfer the browned meatballs to a baking sheet and bake for 10–15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Option 3: Sauce Simmering
- Place the browned meatballs in a pot of simmering marinara sauce. Cover and cook on low heat for 15–20 minutes. This method infuses the meatballs with extra flavor and keeps them moist.
Step 5: Serve
- Serve the meatballs hot with spaghetti, in a sub sandwich, or as an appetizer with your favorite dipping sauce.
Tips for Success
- Make Ahead: Prepare the meatballs ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking.
- Freezing: Flash freeze uncooked meatballs on a baking sheet, then store them in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Cook directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste-test a small piece of the meat mixture by cooking it in the skillet before forming the meatballs. Adjust the seasoning if needed.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approx. 6 Servings)
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 24g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 540mg
These meatballs are a versatile classic with rich, savory flavors that everyone will enjoy! Pair them with garlic bread or a crisp salad for a complete meal.