Satisfy your cravings with 3 meatballs of Italian Style Beef Meatballs, each serving provides 240 calories. These meatballs make a perfect addition to your dinner plans, whether it's for weeknight dinner or weekend parties.

Besides being delicious, these Italian Style Beef Meatballs are also a good source of protein, containing 18 grams per serving. They also provide 20% of your daily iron needs, making them a smart choice for a well-rounded meal.

If you want to add flavors to your usual meatballs, give these Italian Style Beef Meatballs a try. They're sure to impress your taste buds and your guests.

Easy Recipe for Italian Style Beef Meatballs

Making Italian Style Beef Meatballs is easy and doesn't require many ingredients. You can use them for spaghetti, meatball subs or just enjoy them as a snack. Here's what you need to prepare them:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1/2 cup bread crumbs
• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 egg, lightly beaten
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Mix all these ingredients in a bowl and form them into meatballs about 1-2 inches in diameter. Bake them at 350°F for about 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F. You can also pan-fry or grill them, depending on your preference.

Nutrition Facts of Italian Style Beef Meatballs

One serving of Italian Style Beef Meatballs (about 3 meatballs) contains the following nutritional values:

• calories: 240
• Total Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Cholesterol: 75mg
• Sodium: 690mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 10g
• Dietary Fiber: 1g
• Sugars: 2g
• Protein: 18g

These meatballs are a good source of protein and iron, but are also a bit high in sodium. If you need to watch your sodium intake, you can adjust the recipe by using less salt or a low-sodium substitute.

How to Cook Italian Style Beef Meatballs?

There are several ways to cook Italian Style Beef Meatballs, depending on your preference. Here are some options:

• Oven-bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Form the meatballs and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.
• Pan-fry: Heat a tablespoon of oil in a non-stick pan over medium-high heat. Add the meatballs and cook for 10-12 minutes, turning them occasionally, until browned on all sides and the internal temperature reaches 160°F.
• Grill: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Skewer the meatballs (use metal or soaked wooden skewers) and grill for 10-12 minutes, turning them occasionally, until browned on all sides and the internal temperature reaches 160°F.

Make sure to always check the internal temperature of the meatballs with a meat thermometer to ensure they're cooked through.

Ingredients Needed for Italian Style Beef Meatballs

Here's a list of the ingredients you need to make Italian Style Beef Meatballs:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1/2 cup bread crumbs
• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 egg, lightly beaten
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

You can adjust the seasoning and spice level to your preference, or add other ingredients such as onions, bell peppers or chopped fresh herbs.

Serving Suggestions for Italian Style Beef Meatballs

Italian Style Beef Meatballs are versatile and can go well with many dishes. Here are some serving suggestions:

• Spaghetti and meatballs: Serve the meatballs over cooked spaghetti with your favorite tomato sauce.
• Meatball subs: Slice the meatballs and serve them in toasted buns with melted cheese and marinara sauce.
• Meatballs appetizers: Serve the meatballs skewered with toothpicks and accompanied by a dipping sauce, such as honey mustard or ranch dressing.

Get creative and enjoy these delicious meatballs as you like.

Italian Style Beef Meatballs with Spaghetti

One classic way of serving Italian Style Beef Meatballs is with spaghetti. Here's how to make a delicious spaghetti and meatballs dish:

• Cook 1 pound spaghetti according to package instructions.
• Meanwhile, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 chopped onion and 2 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 3-4 minutes, until softened.
• Add 1 can (28 ounces) diced tomatoes, 1/4 cup tomato paste and 1/2 teaspoon oregano. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, until slightly thickened.
• Add 12 Italian Style Beef Meatballs and let them simmer in the sauce for 10-12 minutes, until cooked through.
• Serve the meatballs and sauce over the cooked spaghetti. Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and chopped basil, if desired.

This dish is easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser.

Healthy Italian Style Beef Meatballs Recipe

If you're looking for a healthier version of Italian Style Beef Meatballs, here's a recipe that uses lean ground beef and less bread crumbs:

• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 1/4 cup bread crumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup skim milk
• 1 egg white, lightly beaten
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano

Follow the same instructions as for the regular Italian Style Beef Meatballs recipe. This version is lower in calories and fat, but still packed with flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions About Italian Style Beef Meatballs

Here are some common questions and answers about Italian Style Beef Meatballs:

• Are Italian Style Beef Meatballs gluten-free? No, they contain bread crumbs which are a source of gluten. You can use gluten-free bread crumbs for a gluten-free version.
• Can I freeze Italian Style Beef Meatballs? Yes, you can freeze them after cooking or before for up to 3 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• What sides go well with Italian Style Beef Meatballs? Some sides that complement meatballs well are steamed vegetables, roasted potatoes, or a fresh salad.

Italian Style Beef Meatballs with Tomato Sauce

Tomato sauce is a classic pairing with Italian Style Beef Meatballs. Here's a recipe for a homemade tomato sauce that's easy and delicious:

• 1 can (28 ounces) whole peeled tomatoes
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon sugar
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil

Put the whole peeled tomatoes in a blender and blend until smooth. Heat the olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 2-3 minutes, until fragrant. Add the blended tomatoes, salt, black pepper, and sugar. Bring to a simmer and let cook for 15-20 minutes, until slightly thickened. Stir in the chopped basil and serve with the meatballs.

Why Are Italian Style Beef Meatballs So Delicious?

There's no doubt that Italian Style Beef Meatballs are a favorite for many people. Here are some reasons why they're so delicious:

• They're juicy and tender: The combination of ground beef and added ingredients such as milk and bread crumbs make the meatballs soft and moist.
• They're flavorful: Italian herbs such as basil and oregano, as well as garlic and Parmesan cheese, add a burst of savory flavors to the meatballs.
• They're versatile: You can enjoy them with pasta, as appetizers, or in sandwiches, making them a versatile dish for any occasion.

Whatever the reason, one thing is for sure: Italian Style Beef Meatballs are absolutely delicious!