
Big Juicy Homemade Meatballs Recipe
These meatballs are hearty, flavorful, and perfect for serving with pasta, mashed potatoes, or even in a sub sandwich.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs ground beef (80/20 blend for juiciness)
- 1 lb ground pork (optional, for extra flavor)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (plain or Italian seasoned)
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 large eggs
- 1 medium onion, finely minced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ cup milk
- Olive oil or vegetable oil for frying
Optional (for serving):
- Marinara sauce
- Cooked spaghetti or bread rolls
Instructions
- Mix the Meatball Base
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, pork, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, eggs, onion, garlic, parsley, oregano, basil, paprika, salt, pepper, and milk.
- Mix gently with your hands until just combined (don’t overwork or the meatballs will be tough).
- Shape the Meatballs
- Roll mixture into large golf ball–sized portions (about 2–3 inches wide). Place them on a tray.
- Pan-Fry for Flavor
- Heat oil in a cast iron skillet over medium heat.
- Fry meatballs in batches, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides (they don’t need to be fully cooked through at this stage).
- Finish Cooking
- Option A: Transfer browned meatballs to a large pot of simmering marinara sauce and cook for 20–25 minutes until fully cooked.
- Option B: Place browned meatballs on a baking sheet and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes until cooked through.
- Serve
- With pasta and sauce, on garlic bread for subs, or with mashed potatoes and gravy.
Methods
- Pan-frying then simmering in sauce: Locks in flavor while keeping meatballs moist.
- Oven-baking: Healthier with less oil, still juicy.
- Air-frying: Quick and light, with a crispy outside.
Benefits
- Protein-packed: Great source of energy and muscle fuel.
- Family-friendly: Loved by kids and adults alike.
- Versatile: Can be made ahead, frozen, and used in multiple dishes.
- Customizable: Swap beef for turkey or chicken for a leaner version.
Conclusion
These big juicy homemade meatballs are the definition of comfort food. Whether you simmer them in sauce, bake them in the oven, or serve them in subs, they’ll deliver flavor, warmth, and satisfaction. This recipe makes a generous batch, perfect for family dinners or meal prepping for the week.