Go Back
+ servings
Italian Meatballs

Italian Meatballs

Discover how to make Italian Meatballs that are extra soft and juicy with bread and grated onion for flavor.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Meatballs, Pasta
Cuisine Italian
Servings 5 meatballs
Calories 442 kcal

Equipment

  • large bowl
  • non-stick fry pan
  • Box grater

Ingredients
  

Meatballs

  • 1 cup diced white sandwich bread crusts removed
  • 1 small onion brown, white or yellow
  • 14 oz ground beef mince
  • 3 oz ground pork mince, or sub with more beef
  • 1 egg
  • ¼ cup fresh parsley finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • ¼ cup Parmigiano-Reggiano or parmesan, freshly grated
  • ¾ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Cooking Meatballs & Sauce

  • 2.5 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • ¾ cup onion finely chopped (white, brown or yellow)
  • 24 oz tomato passata Tomato Puree in US/CAN
  • ½ cup water
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (chili flakes)
  • 3 teaspoon dried Italian herb mix (parsley, basil, thyme, oregano)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • black pepper

To Serve

  • Pasta of choice
  • Parmesan
  • Parsley finely chopped (optional)

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Grate the onion using a standard box grater in a large bowl until you have about ½ cup of grated onion and juices.
  • Add bread, mix to combine so the onion juice soaks the bread and disintegrates. Set aside while you prep the other ingredients (5 min or so).
  • Add all the remaining Meatball ingredients. Use hands to mix well.
  • Measure out a heaped tablespoon and roll lightly to form a ball. Repeat with remaining mixture.
  • Heat 1 ½ tablespoon olive oil in a large non stick fry pan over medium high heat. Add the meatballs and brown all over - about 3 - 4 minutes.
  • When they are browned but NOT cooked through, carefully transfer them onto a plate.

Cooking & Sauce

  • Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil into the fry pan.
  • Add the onion and garlic and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until translucent. Add the remaining Sauce ingredients. Bring to a simmer, then turn down to medium low so it bubbles gently rather than splattering everywhere.
  • Carefully transfer the meatballs and any juices that have pooled on the plate into the Sauce.
  • Cook the meatballs for 8 - 10 minutes, turning and stirring occasionally. Adjust Sauce salt and pepper to taste.
  • While the meatballs are cooking, cook your pasta of choice.
  • Serve the meatballs on pasta, garnished with extra parmesan and parsley if using.

Notes

Plain white sandwich bread is best for this, but you can substitute with other breads. Slightly stale bread is fine.

Nutrition

Serving: 307gCalories: 442kcalCarbohydrates: 26gProtein: 34gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 125mgSodium: 1552mgPotassium: 1127mgFiber: 5gSugar: 11gVitamin A: 1000IUVitamin C: 27.6mgCalcium: 214mgIron: 6.3mg
Keyword Comfort Food, dinner, easy recipes, Italian Meatballs, meatballs, pasta
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!