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–+ servings
Meatballs piled into a blue bowl on top of a red checkered tablecloth

Old World Authentic Italian Meatballs

Nancy Blackstone
These authentic Italian meatballs are the real deal! This well-loved family recipe, originating in Italy and passed down through generations, will make you think you're dining in a little Italian village.
4.84 from 6 votes
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 45 minutes
Course Main Dish
Cuisine Italian
Servings 24 Meatballs
Calories 120 kcal

Ingredients
 
 

  • 1 pound ground chuck 80/20 mix
  • ½ pound ground pork
  • 2 large eggs
  • ¾ cup grated Pecorino Romano or Parmesan cheese
  • ½ cup chopped fresh parsley or ¼ cup dried parsley
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon pepper
  • 1 ¼ cups Italian seasoned bread crumbs
  • ½ cup milk

Instructions
 

  • Add first 8 ingredients to a large mixing bowl.
  • Add breadcrumbs to the mixing bowl and top with milk. Using your hands, mix all ingredients together for several minutes until well combined, then form into balls.

If you are cooking in sauce:

  • Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-low heat in skillet. Add meatballs and brown on all sides, turning frequently to avoid scorching. Cook just until fully browned, then remove and cook in pasta sauce for at least 90 minutes, until fully cooked through.

If you are baking:

  • Line large baking sheet with parchment paper and place meatballs on top of parchment paper. Bake in 400 degree preheated oven for 20 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 165 degrees on a meat thermometer.

If you are pan frying:

  • Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-low heat in a large skillet. Add meatballs and cook, turning frequently to brown evenly and avoid scorching. Cook 15-20 minutes depending on the size of the meatballs, until internal temperature is 165 degrees on a meat thermometer.

Notes

If the meat mixture is too dry, add another egg, or add milk or water by the tablespoon and mix in until it reaches desired level of moisture.
If the meat mixture is too wet, add breadcrumbs by the tablespoon and mix in until it reaches desired consistency.

Nutrition

Calories: 120kcalCarbohydrates: 5gProtein: 8gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 38mgSodium: 451mgPotassium: 122mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 175IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 64mgIron: 1mg
Keyword Authentic Italian Meatballs, Authentic Italian spaghetti and meatballs, food for a crowd, food for a group, grandma's lasagna recipe, Sunday Sauce and Meatballs
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