These authentic Italian meatballs are the heart and soul of a cozy family dinner. Made with a blend of ground beef, Parmesan, fresh herbs, and a secret weapon—milk-soaked breadcrumbs—each bite is tender, juicy, and bursting with savory goodness. Baked to golden perfection, they’re incredibly easy to make and endlessly versatile: serve them over pasta, in a sub roll, or as a crowd-pleasing appetizer. This isn’t just a recipe—it’s a tradition waiting to happen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This isn’t just another meatball recipe—it’s Italian comfort at its finest. Inspired by nonna’s kitchen, the key to these meatballs’ legendary tenderness is the "panade"—a mixture of breadcrumbs and milk that keeps the meat moist during cooking. The result? No dry, dense balls here—just soft, flavorful morsels that melt in your mouth.
Perfect for:
Weeknight dinners and Sunday suppers
Fans of spaghetti and meatballs, meatball subs, or antipasto platters
Make-ahead meals (they freeze beautifully!)
Feeding a crowd or prepping freezer meals
🍝 "I made these for my son’s birthday," said one home cook. "He said it tasted like ‘real Italy’—even though we’ve never been!"
Ingredients
For the Moist, Tender Base
