Classic Italian Meatballs: 10 Authentic & Easy Recipes

There’s nothing quite like a warm plate of Italian meatballs smothered in homemade marinara sauce and sprinkled with parmigiano reggiano. With a variety of cooking methods, unique flavor profiles, and serving suggestions, these Italian meatball recipes will have your taste buds singing.

And, with simple ingredients like meat (ground veal, beef, pork, Italian sausage, or chicken), some bread crumbs, garlic (minced garlic cloves or garlic powder), and Italian seasoning, they’re easy to make and perfect for any weeknight meal.

So, let’s find your new favorite twist on the classic Italian meatball recipe.

Classic Italian meatballs

These melt-in-your-mouth Italian meatballs are a must-try for any meatball lover. Made with a combination of ground beef, onion, garlic, parmesan cheese, and fresh parsley, these beef meatballs are full of flavor and incredibly tender and juicy.

What sets these meatballs apart is the addition of Italian bread crumbs soaked in milk, which adds a delicious and unique texture to the meat.

In just 30 minutes, you can have a batch of these mouthwatering meatballs ready to be served with your favorite sauce over spaghetti for a classic Italian meal.

We love: Melt-In-Your-Mouth Italian Meatballs (by Cookerru)

Italian meatball soup

When it comes to Italian comfort food, meatballs are a must. And what better way to enjoy them than in a warm and hearty soup? This Italian meatball soup is a meatball recipe you’ll want to keep on hand for those chilly nights when you need something cozy and delicious.

Made with flavorful Italian meatballs, tiny pasta noodles, and sneaked-in greens, this soup is not only comforting but also packed with nutrition. The meatballs are made from scratch, ensuring that every bite is full of homemade goodness.

Whether you’re looking for a hearty dinner or a comforting lunch, this soup is a perfect choice. It’s easy to make and will warm you up from the inside out. Give it a try and taste the comforting flavors of Italy in every bite.

We love: Italian Meatball Soup (by Damn Delicious®)

Polpette al sugo

Polpette al Sugo (Italian meatballs in tomato sauce) is a classic and comforting dish that is perfect for a family Sunday dinner. This traditional Italian recipe is easy to follow and packed with flavor, making it a go-to for any meatball lover.

The meatballs consist of ground beef, egg, pine nuts, garlic, and finely chopped herbs for a juicy and flavorful bite. They are then simmered in a rich tomato sauce with sautéed onions for even more depth of flavor.

Serve this dish with crusty bread to mop up every last bit of the delicious sauce. Top with freshly grated parmesan or pecorino cheese, freshly ground black pepper, and torn basil leaves for a true taste of Italy.

We love: Polpette al Sugo (Italian Meatballs) (by Inside The Rustic Kitchen)

Mozzarella stuffed meatballs

These mozzarella-stuffed meatballs are a fun and delicious twist on traditional Italian meatballs. The combination of juicy ground beef, flavorful herbs, and gooey melted mozzarella cheese creates a mouthwatering bite that’s perfect for appetizers or as a topping for your favorite Italian dishes.

The meatballs are easy to make and can even be prepared ahead of time. You can even freeze them for later! Frozen meatballs are a great midweek meal!

Simply fry them up in a skillet and serve them with marinara sauce for a classic Italian flavor combination. Sprinkle with chopped fresh basil or Italian parsley.

We love: Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs (by Dinner, then Dessert)

Baked Italian sausage meatballs

These baked Italian sausage meatballs are a flavorful twist on traditional meatballs. Made with a mixture of Italian sausage and lean ground beef, these meatballs are juicy and tender on the inside and golden on the outside.

A combination of Italian herbs with black pepper, garlic, and grated parmesan cheese adds a burst of flavor. And, you can easily freeze them for future meals.

Serve them with your favorite marinara sauce and pasta for a delicious and hearty Italian-inspired dinner. Whether you bake them from frozen or simmer them in a Dutch oven with marinara sauce, these meatballs are a versatile and tasty addition to any meal.

We love: Baked Italian Sausage Meatballs (by Mom’s Dinner)

Italian wedding soup

Italian wedding soup is a classic dish that is beloved for its comforting flavors and hearty ingredients. This recipe features homemade meatballs made with a mix of ground pork and beef, along with traditional Italian seasonings like garlic, parsley, and Parmesan cheese.

The meatballs are simmered in a flavorful broth with vegetables and pasta, creating a delicious and filling soup that is perfect for any occasion. This dish is easy to make on the stove top or in a crock pot, making it a convenient and versatile option for busy weeknights.

With its combination of savory meatballs, nutritious vegetables, and satisfying broth, this Italian wedding soup recipe is a must-try for any fan of Italian cuisine.

We love: Italian Wedding Soup (by The Cozy Cook)

Spaghetti squash with chicken meatballs

This garlic butter chicken meatball stuffed spaghetti squash recipe is a delicious and healthier twist on classic pasta and meatballs. The gluten-free meatball recipe delivers flavorful, juicy meatballs.

The spaghetti squash is also stuffed with creamy spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, and three types of cheese, making it a satisfying and indulgent meal. Plus, it all comes together in just one pan, making for easy cleanup and minimal effort in the kitchen.

This recipe is perfect for those looking for a gluten-free Italian-inspired meatball dinner!

We love: Garlic Butter Chicken Meatball Stuffed Spaghetti Squash. (by Half Baked Harvest)

Polpette in bianco

Polpette in bianco translates to meatballs in white sauce. And it’s a traditional Italian meatball recipe and a true crowd-pleaser. The meatballs are tender and flavorful on the inside and perfectly caramelized on the outside, making them the perfect addition to any Italian meal.

Made with a combination of beef and pork, along with ingredients like mortadella, Parmigiano, and fresh herbs, these meatballs are full of delicious Italian flavors. They are then cooked in a white wine and sage sauce, adding even more depth to the dish.

Serve these polpette in bianco as a main course alongside your favorite pasta or on their own as a delicious appetizer. They are sure to be a hit with your family and friends, just like they were with mamma.

We love: Polpette in bianco (by Sugar Love Spices)

Ricotta meatballs

Ricotta meatballs are a classic Italian comfort food that will satisfy your cravings and warm your soul. This recipe uses a blend of ground beef, ricotta cheese, and aromatic herbs to create perfectly tender and flavorful meatballs.

The meatballs are nestled in a simple homemade tomato sauce, adding richness and depth of flavor. The use of fresh ingredients, such as onion, garlic, and herbs, elevate this recipe to new heights. And with just a few simple steps, you can have delicious ricotta meatballs ready to serve and enjoy.

This recipe is perfect for a family dinner or a cozy night in, and it’s sure to become a go-to in your kitchen.

We love: The Best Ricotta Meatballs (by Casual Foodist)

One pan orzo with chicken meatballs

This recipe takes traditional Italian meatballs to a whole new level by incorporating them into a flavorful and creamy orzo dish. The addition of shredded zucchini to the meatball mixture adds nutrition and moisture, making the meatballs extra tender and delicious.

The one-pan cooking method makes this recipe easy to prepare and clean up, making it a perfect option for busy weeknights. The combination of rich pesto, hearty meatballs, and creamy orzo creates a comforting and well-rounded meal that is sure to please the whole family.

We love: One Pan Baked Pesto Orzo with Chicken Meatballs (by Ambitious Kitchen)

Authentic Italian meatballs and tomato sauce

This authentic Italian meatball and tomato sauce recipe is a must-try for meatball lovers. Made with a blend of ground beef, onion, parsley, fresh breadcrumbs, eggs, and plenty of garlic, these meatballs are perfectly seasoned and tender.

The homemade tomato sauce is the perfect accompaniment, made with onions, garlic, parsley, and canned tomato sauce. Simmered for hours to develop rich flavors, this sauce is the perfect complement to the meatballs.

This recipe also includes helpful tips for storing the meatballs and sauce, making it a great option for meal prep and leftovers. Give this traditional Italian recipe a try and enjoy a satisfying and comforting meal.

We love: Authentic Italian Meatballs and Tomato Sauce (by No Plate Like Home)

Frequently asked questions

From classic baked Italian meatballs to unique variations, I hope you found the perfect Italian meatball recipe to suit your taste!

Feel free to share this post with your friends and family who love meatballs. Stay tuned for more amazing Italian recipe collections.