Big Juicy Homemade Meatballs Recipe

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Big Juicy Homemade Meatballs Recipe

Introduction

Meatballs are a universal comfort food—juicy, tender, and packed with flavor. Found in cuisines from Italy to the Middle East, meatballs are incredibly versatile and can be served with pasta, in subs, over rice, or even as appetizers. The secret to big juicy homemade meatballs lies in the balance of meats, seasoning, and binders that keep them moist and flavorful. When simmered in a rich sauce or baked to perfection, they become the centerpiece of a satisfying meal that everyone loves.

Ingredients

For the Meatballs

  • 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (80/20 for juiciness)
  • 1 lb (450 g) ground pork (or substitute ground veal/chicken/turkey)
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs (fresh or panko)
  • ½ cup whole milk
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 small onion, finely grated or minced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

For Cooking & Sauce

  • 3 tbsp olive oil (for searing)
  • 1 large can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • 1 cup tomato sauce or passata
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tsp sugar (to balance acidity)
  • 1 tsp dried Italian herbs
  • Fresh basil leaves (for garnish)

Instructions / Methods

Method 1: Pan-Seared & Simmered in Sauce (Juiciest)

  1. Prepare Meat Mixture:
    • Soak breadcrumbs in milk until softened.
    • In a large bowl, combine meats, breadcrumb mixture, eggs, onion, garlic, Parmesan, parsley, and seasonings.
    • Mix gently with hands—do not overmix, or meatballs will be tough.
  2. Shape Meatballs:
    • Roll into large golf ball–sized rounds (about 2 inches). Place on a tray.
  3. Sear Meatballs:
    • Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
    • Brown meatballs on all sides (about 2–3 minutes per side). They don’t need to be fully cooked through.
  4. Simmer in Sauce:
    • In the same skillet or Dutch oven, add crushed tomatoes, sauce, paste, sugar, and herbs. Stir and bring to simmer.
    • Place browned meatballs into sauce. Cover and simmer for 25–30 minutes, until fully cooked and tender.
  5. Serve:
    • Garnish with basil. Serve over pasta, in subs, or with crusty bread.

Method 2: Oven-Baked Meatballs (Healthier & Easy)

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Place shaped meatballs on a greased baking sheet or parchment-lined tray.
  3. Bake 20–25 minutes until golden and cooked through.
  4. Add to simmering tomato sauce for extra flavor, or serve as-is.

Method 3: Slow Cooker Meatballs (Set & Forget)

  1. Place raw shaped meatballs in a slow cooker.
  2. Pour sauce mixture over top.
  3. Cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours.
  4. Result: Tender, melt-in-your-mouth meatballs.

History

Meatballs have been enjoyed for centuries, with early records dating back to ancient Rome and the Middle East. Italian-American immigrants in the early 20th century popularized the large, saucy meatballs paired with pasta, turning them into an iconic comfort food in the United States. While Italians traditionally ate smaller meatballs with soups or on their own, the American adaptation made them big, juicy, and paired with spaghetti for hearty family meals.

Benefits

  1. High Protein: Rich in protein and iron.
  2. Family-Friendly: A dish that appeals to both kids and adults.
  3. Versatile: Can be served in countless ways—pasta, sandwiches, rice, or even soups.
  4. Meal Prep Friendly: Easy to freeze and reheat.
  5. Balanced Nutrition: With added veggies, breadcrumbs, and cheese, they provide a mix of carbs, protein, and fat.

Formation (Cooking Science)

  • Breadcrumbs + Milk (Panade): Keeps meatballs moist and prevents toughness.
  • Eggs: Bind everything together while adding richness.
  • Combination of Meats: Beef adds flavor, pork adds fat and juiciness.
  • Searing: Locks in flavor and adds caramelized notes.
  • Simmering in Sauce: Allows flavors to meld while keeping meatballs tender.

Conclusion

The Big Juicy Homemade Meatballs are a timeless dish—flavor-packed, versatile, and soul-satisfying. Whether you enjoy them over spaghetti, tucked into a sandwich, or served as appetizers, they always bring comfort to the table. By combining the right meats, seasonings, and cooking method, you’ll have meatballs that are tender, juicy, and unforgettable.

Lovers of This Dish

  • Families: A go-to meal for family dinners.
  • Comfort Food Seekers: Perfect for cozy nights.
  • Pasta Enthusiasts: Meatballs and spaghetti = classic pairing.
  • Party Hosts: Great as cocktail meatballs or sliders.
  • Meal Preppers: Ideal for freezing and reheating.

Final Conclusion with Lovers

Beloved by families, cherished by pasta lovers, and enjoyed worldwide, Big Juicy Homemade Meatballs are more than just food—they are a tradition, a comfort, and a celebration. Juicy, flavorful, and versatile, they win the hearts of all who taste them, ensuring they remain a dish loved across generations.

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