Recipe for Beef and Pork Meatballs That Impress Everyone

There’s something undeniably comforting about a plate of juicy, flavorful meatballs. Whether served atop spaghetti, nestled inside a sub, or enjoyed as an appetizer, meatballs have a universal appeal that spans cultures and cuisines.

Combining both beef and pork in this recipe creates a perfect balance of richness and tenderness, offering a texture and depth of flavor that single-meat meatballs often lack. The blend ensures juicy meatballs that hold together beautifully through cooking, while the carefully chosen herbs and spices elevate the taste to truly satisfying levels.

In this detailed recipe, you’ll learn how to craft these beef and pork meatballs from scratch, including tips on mixing, shaping, and cooking to perfection. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just starting out, these meatballs are straightforward to make and endlessly versatile.

Ready to dive into a classic recipe with a twist? Let’s get started!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This beef and pork meatball recipe is a crowd-pleaser for many reasons. First, the combination of meats brings the best of both worlds: beef offers a hearty, robust flavor while pork adds juicy tenderness and a touch of sweetness.

This mix results in meatballs that are moist, tender, and bursting with flavor.

Second, the recipe includes simple pantry staples like breadcrumbs, eggs, and Parmesan cheese, making it easy to prepare without a trip to the store. The seasoning is balanced but flexible, allowing you to customize the herbs and spices to suit your taste.

Finally, these meatballs are incredibly versatile. You can bake, pan-fry, or simmer them in your favorite sauce.

They work great as a main dish, appetizer, or even as a protein boost in salads or sandwiches. This recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves hearty, flavorful comfort food.

Ingredients

• 1/2 pound ground beef (preferably 80% lean)
• 1/2 pound ground pork (fresh, not cured)
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for texture)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 large egg
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (for frying or baking)
• Optional: 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes for a little heat

Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Large skillet or frying pan
• Baking sheet (if baking)
• Parchment paper or aluminum foil (for baking sheet)
• Spatula or tongs
• Wooden spoon or rubber spatula
• Small bowl (for soaking breadcrumbs)
• Knife and cutting board
• Optional: Meat thermometer

Instructions

1. Soak the breadcrumbs: Place the breadcrumbs in a small bowl and pour the milk over them. Let them soak for 5 minutes until the breadcrumbs absorb the milk and become soft. This step helps keep the meatballs moist.
2. Prepare the aromatics: Finely chop the onion and mince the garlic. Set aside.
3. Mix the meatball ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, soaked breadcrumbs, egg, Parmesan cheese, onion, garlic, parsley, oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Use your hands or a wooden spoon to gently mix everything together until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the meatballs tender.
4. Shape the meatballs: Using your hands, form the mixture into evenly sized balls, about 1 1/2 inches in diameter. You should get roughly 20 meatballs. Place them on a plate or tray as you go.
5. Cook the meatballs: You have two options here:
   • Pan-fry: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs in batches, leaving space between them. Cook for 4-5 minutes per side, turning carefully to brown all sides. Finish cooking by reducing heat to low and covering the pan for another 5 minutes, or until the meatballs reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
   • Bake: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil and lightly oil it. Arrange the meatballs evenly spaced on the sheet. Bake for 18-20 minutes, turning halfway through, until cooked through and golden brown.
6. Serve or simmer in sauce: For a classic Italian touch, you can gently simmer the cooked meatballs in marinara sauce for 10-15 minutes. This keeps them juicy and infuses them with extra flavor.

Tips & Variations

“For the juiciest meatballs, avoid overworking the mixture and be gentle when shaping.”

Use fresh herbs: If you have fresh oregano and basil, use them instead of dried for a brighter flavor. Just increase the quantity slightly.

Breadcrumb substitutes: If you don’t have breadcrumbs, crushed crackers or oats can work as a binder. Just make sure to soak them in milk first.

Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika for a smoky kick. You can also mix in chopped jalapeños or chili flakes.

Cheese options: Try swapping Parmesan for Pecorino Romano or adding a handful of shredded mozzarella inside the meatballs for a gooey surprise.

Make ahead: You can prepare the meatballs and freeze them raw on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer bag and cook directly from frozen when ready.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

These meatballs are incredibly versatile and can be served in many delicious ways. For a classic Italian meal, pair them with spaghetti and marinara sauce.

Garnish with fresh basil and extra Parmesan cheese for a comforting dinner.

For a party appetizer, serve the meatballs with toothpicks alongside a tangy dipping sauce like tzatziki, barbecue sauce, or a spicy marinara dip. They also make a fantastic protein-packed addition to salads or grain bowls.

Another fun idea is to stuff them into a toasted sub roll with melted provolone or mozzarella cheese for a hearty meatball sandwich. Don’t forget to add some sautéed peppers and onions for extra flavor!

Conclusion

Making beef and pork meatballs at home is a rewarding experience that yields delicious results every time. The combination of these two meats provides a wonderful balance of flavor and texture, ensuring juicy, tender meatballs with a rich taste.

This recipe is easy to follow and uses simple ingredients commonly found in your pantry, so you can whip up a batch anytime you crave a comforting, home-cooked meal.

With versatility in cooking methods and serving options, these meatballs are perfect for weeknight dinners, special occasions, or casual gatherings. They also freeze well, making them a great option for meal prep.

Give this recipe a try and enjoy the satisfying flavors of homemade meatballs that everyone will love!

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