My Favorite Meatballs
Juicy, flavorful meatballs made with Italian herbs and cheese, simmered in rich spaghetti sauce—perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings craving comfort food.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Add enough milk to breadcrumbs to make them moist.
- Combine all ingredients except sauce in a mixing bowl.
- Mix well with hands until thoroughly combined.
- Roll mixture into meatballs of desired size.
- Brown the meatballs by frying until half done.
- Add spaghetti sauce to the skillet with meatballs.
- Simmer for 1 hour until meatballs are cooked through and flavors meld.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, let the breadcrumbs soak in milk for a few minutes to achieve the right texture. If you're out of Parmesan, Pecorino Romano works well as a substitute. Feel free to adjust the amount of garlic powder and pepper according to your taste. You can also mix in some Italian herbs for extra flavor. These meatballs can be used in various Italian recipes, like a hearty sub sandwich.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these meatballs over a bed of spaghetti for a classic meal or in a sub roll for a delicious meatball sandwich. Pair them with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete dinner. They also go great with sides like roasted vegetables or Fettucini Supreme for a delightful Italian feast.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a skillet over medium heat with a little spaghetti sauce, covering to retain moisture, or microwave them for 1-2 minutes until heated through. You can also freeze them for longer storage, just make sure to separate them with parchment paper.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of My Favorite Meatballs contains roughly 304 calories, with 8g protein, 56g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (31% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and protein.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare and shape the meatballs in advance, then refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before cooking. Alternatively, you can freeze them raw and cook them directly from frozen, just increase the cooking time slightly.
What can I use instead of breadcrumbs?
If you don't have breadcrumbs, crushed crackers or oats can be a good substitute. For a gluten-free option, try using gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour. Adjust the moisture level accordingly if using a dry substitute.
How can I make these meatballs spicier?
To add some heat, incorporate red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños into the meatball mixture. You can also serve them with a spicy marinara sauce or a drizzle of hot sauce on top after cooking for an extra kick!
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).