Go Back
+ servings
meatballs in bowl with parmesan cheese.
4.94 from 15 votes

Homemade Italian Meatballs

Italian meatballs are a crowd-pleasing favorite that are best served with marinara and spaghetti. This Italian meatball recipe is simply made with ground beef, breadcrumbs, parmesan, and your favorite marinara!
Prep 15 minutes
Cook 30 minutes
Total 45 minutes
Fat 19
Carbs
Protein 29
Yield 4

Ingredients

  • 1 lb. ground beef 80% lean/20% fat
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/2 cup Italian bread crumbs option to sub gluten-free or whole wheat bread crumbs
  • 1/4 cup parmesan cheese + more for topping
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 25 oz. marinara sauce use our homemade marinara sauce!
  • 1/4 cup dry red wine
  • 8 oz. spaghetti noodles or any kind of noodle!

Instructions

  • Place ground beef, egg, bread crumbs, parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper in a large bowl.
  • Then, use a large wooden spoon or your hands to thoroughly mix, combining all ingredients. I recommend using your hands as it's faster and easier.
  • Once combined, heat olive oil in a large skillet or cast iron over medium heat.
  • Use a standard-size cookie scoop to scoop meat into your hands. Then, form into a ball and place on the skillet. Repeat until there is no meat left. You should get around 16 medium-size meatballs.
  • Brown meatballs on all sides for around 8 minutes. Use a pair of tongs to flip each meatball, being careful not to burn the outsides.
    Meatballs in a castiron.
  • Once all sides are brown, pour in marinara sauce and red wine. Toss so that the meatballs are covered in sauce.
    Meatballs and sauce in a pan.
  • Lower heat to low and cover. Let simmer for about 20 minutes, tossing every 5 minutes.
  • While the meatballs are simmering, prepare your spaghetti of choice by following the directions on your package.
  • Once your noodles are cooked, strain and serve with meatballs and sauce. Top with a generous amount of parmesan cheese and fresh ground pepper.
    Spaghetti and meatballs in a bowl.

Watch it

Nutrition Facts

Calories: 501kcal | Protein: 29g | Fat: 19g | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 9g