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

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, pork, and Italian sausage.
2. Add the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, milk, eggs, garlic, parsley, oregano, basil, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Mix everything gently with your hands until just combined. Avoid overmixing, as it can make the meatballs dense.

Step 2: Form the Meatballs

1. Use a spoon or scoop to portion the meat mixture into balls, about 1 1/2 inches in diameter.
2. Roll the mixture lightly between your palms to shape the meatballs. You should have about 24–28 meatballs.

Step 3: Cook the Meatballs

1. Heat a large skillet or frying pan over medium heat and add a thin layer of olive oil.
2. Place the meatballs in the skillet, ensuring they are not overcrowded (cook in batches if necessary).
3. Brown the meatballs on all sides, about 2–3 minutes per side.

Step 4: Finish Cooking

1. 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.
2. 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).
3. 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.