35-Minute Italian Meatballs: Irresistible Homemade Goodness

Tender, juicy, and bursting with authentic Italian flavor — these homemade Italian meatballs are a weeknight hero and family favorite. Simmered in a rich tomato sauce and ready in just 35 minutes, they’re perfect over spaghetti, tucked into subs, or served as a hearty appetizer.

🕒 Servings & Timing

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4–6

🍴 Dietary Info:

✅ High-Protein • ✅ Family-Friendly • ❌ Dairy-Free (optional)

🛒 Ingredients

For the Meatballs:

1 lb (450g) ground beef (or beef/pork mix for richness)
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp chopped parsley
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
1 egg, lightly beaten
2 tbsp milk
Salt & black pepper to taste
2 tbsp olive oil (for browning)

For the Sauce:

2 tbsp olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce or homemade tomato sauce
1 tsp dried basil
1 tsp oregano
1/2 tsp sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Make the Meatball Mixture

In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic, parsley, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, egg, milk, salt, and pepper.
Mix gently with your hands until just combined — don’t overwork the meat or it’ll become tough.

2. Shape and Brown

Form mixture into 1 ½-inch balls.
Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add meatballs in batches and brown on all sides (about 2–3 minutes per side).
Transfer to a plate — they’ll finish cooking in the sauce.

3. Simmer in Sauce

In the same skillet, add a bit more olive oil and sauté minced garlic until fragrant (30 seconds).
Pour in marinara sauce, basil, oregano, and sugar. Stir and bring to a gentle simmer.
Add browned meatballs back into the sauce. Cover and simmer on low for 15 minutes, turning occasionally until fully cooked and tender.

4. Serve & Enjoy

Serve warm over spaghetti, in hoagie rolls for subs, or on their own with crusty garlic bread.
Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan.

🌿 Serving Suggestions

Classic: Serve over spaghetti with extra sauce.
Low-carb: Try over zucchini noodles or cauliflower mash.
Appetizer: Serve on skewers or with toothpicks for parties.

💡 Pro Tips

Use a mix of ground beef and pork for softer, juicier meatballs.
Soak breadcrumbs in milk before mixing for extra tenderness.
Simmer gently — boiling will make them fall apart.
Freeze uncooked meatballs for a quick future meal (they freeze perfectly).

❄️ Storage & Reheating

Fridge: Store leftovers in sauce for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze cooked meatballs with sauce for up to 3 months.
Reheat: Simmer gently on the stovetop or microwave until heated through.

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Rabia

Chef & Food Blogger at menuatthetable.com

Rabia has been a chef in Dubai for over eight years and loves exploring different types of food. Through the blog Menu at the Table, Rabia shares the best places to eat in Dubai for every cuisine. Whether you want street food or a fancy restaurant, Rabia helps you find the perfect spot to enjoy delicious meals.