Meatballs aren’t only for Spaghetti and Meatballs. This meatball recipe is so versatile – you can serve them as an appetizer skewered on a toothpick with a variety of sauces (barbecue, sweet and sour, cream, etc.), between bread for a meatball sub at lunchtime, or served over pasta with fresh garlic bread for a classic Italian dinner. Make a big batch for game day, and bring them to your party in your slow cooker. This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy.
The Best Meatball Recipe Video
We love meatballs and have so many great meatball recipes on our website already, but I wanted to create one recipe that could be tailored in a variety of ways that the whole family would love. Making homemade meatballs is so easy, and this recipe will have everyone asking for your recipe.
The Secret to Juicy Meatballs
Every element in this recipe helps to build a flavorful and moist meatball, but what makes them exceptionally juicy is the panade – breadcrumb and milk (or water) mixture. This simple, homemade mixture really creates a tender texture all the way through. The moist breadcrumbs also help these reheat really well. We use a combination of ground meats in this recipe, mixing both pork and beef with an egg. This combination produces the best taste and a fork-tender meatball. The ingredients are simple and the addition of parmesan cheese, garlic, and parsley make these a delicious Italian-style meatball.
Ingredients
White bread – with crusts removed, diced, and moistened with milk or water. Milk creates the juiciest meatballs but water will work if you prefer. Meat – 1 lb. ground beef and 1 lb. ground pork Parmesan cheese – grated, adds amazing flavor Egg – to help bind the meatballs Garlic – minced Parsley – I like to use fresh herbs whenever I can Salt and pepper – to season Olive oil – to sautée
How to Make Easy Homemade Meatballs
How to Cook Meatballs
Sautéed Meatballs (Preferred) – Heat a large non-stick pan over medium heat. Add 2 Tbsp oil. Once the oil is hot, add meatballs, one at a time. If needed, cook in batches to avoid overcrowding, adding more oil as needed. Cook for 6-8 minutes total, turning every 2 minutes or until all sides are browned and until the internal temperature reaches 160˚F. Use an instant-read thermometer to prevent overcooking. Transfer your browned meatballs to a serving platter. Baked Meatballs – Place on a lined baking sheet, about 2″ apart, and bake in a preheated oven at 400˚F for 20-23 minutes, or until the centers register 160˚F. For golden brown meatballs, broil for the last 2-3 minutes. This optional step also helps to create a crust that seals the juices in.
How to Freeze Meatballs
Meatballs are great for make-ahead dinners and meal planning because they can be frozen cooked or uncooked. This recipe is easy to double, so make a big batch to freeze and use on busy nights.
To Freeze: Place meatballs in a single layer on a baking sheet, cover loosely with plastic wrap, and freeze for a few hours or until solid. Transfer to a Ziploc freezer bag and freeze for up to 3 months. To Thaw: Raw frozen meatballs can be thawed in the refrigerator overnight before cooking. To Reheat: Cooked meatballs can be thawed or reheated straight from the freezer. You can warm them in a pot of marinara sauce (see more below) or in your slow cooker.
Easy Crockpot Meatballs
Whether you are bringing meatballs to a party, or you’re looking for a quick dinner idea, consider using this slow cooker method for a set-it-and-forget-it meal. While you can cook meatballs in your slow cooker, I prefer to brown them on the stovetop first to give them a crispier exterior. To make this meal even easier, you can use your pre-made frozen meatballs in the crockpot. After that, set your slow cooker to low heat, place your meatballs inside, cover with sauce, place the lid on top, and let the crockpot do the work. Let them simmer for about 6 hours or until the internal temperature reaches the USDA’s recommended 160°F. After they are fully cooked and heated, switch your heat setting to warm to prevent overcooking.
How to Serve Meatballs
Meatballs in Marinara– Heat 2 cups of marinara sauce in a skillet or crockpot. Next, add freshly cooked or frozen meatballs and simmer until heated through. You’re essentially making Meatball Parmesan! Meatball Subs – Place 3-4 warm meatballs with marinara or tomato sauce in a hoagie roll, top with mozzarella cheese, and broil for 1-2 minutes just to melt the cheese. Meatball Soup – Use uncooked meatballs in any soup that calls for meatballs or in this Sausage and Kale Soup. BBQ Meatballs – Roll cooked meatballs in warm barbeque sauce and serve on a platter with toothpicks as a party snack or appetizer. In Gravy – Put meatballs into your favorite Gravy and serve over rice or creamy Mashed Potatoes. Pizza or Calzone – Use our Pizza Dough recipe and add chopped meatballs to the top of your pizza or fold them inside a Calzone.
Our Best Meatball Recipes
We love a good meatball recipe! These are our favorite and top-rated recipes that are easy to make and easy to serve. You’re sure to find a new favorite.
Swedish Meatballs Teriyaki Meatballs Spaghetti and Meatballs Mom’s Meatball Soup Chicken Meatballs
