When I'm in need of a delicious appetizer, I go immediately to meatballs. They are delicious, easy to make and a clear party favorite. This version of Spicy Italian Meatballs is a bit different. These meatballs are simmered in a red sauce with a bit of a kick!
If you like this recipe, you may also enjoy my Easy BBQ Meatballs, my Swedish Meatballs, or even my Cranberry Meatballs recipe.
Jump to:
what are italian meatballs made of?
Italian meatballs are usually made of a blend of ground meats such as ground beef and ground pork. This blend gives the meatballs their distinct flavor and helps balance out the fat content as well. Don't get me wrong, all beef meatballs are delicious, but using a blend of meats creates a more complex flavor.
how do meatballs become tough?
- Meatballs are overcooked
- They are made with too lean of a meat
- Over mixing
- The meatballs didn't have enough breadcrumbs and milk
How to cook meatballs
- Baking: Place all meatballs on a parchment lined baking sheet. Bake at 375 for 15-20 minutes or until browned all over and cooked through. This method is great if you want an easy cleanup and a hands off route. If you like a crispy exterior, this may not be the method for you.
- Pan Fried: In a large cast iron, add cooking oil and brown all meatballs. Place on a baking sheet and bake at 300 degrees for 10 minutes. This is the best method for crispy outsides, however you have twice as many dishes to clean. (You can also cook meatballs completely in the frying pan)
- Cooked in Sauce: add uncooked meatballs to red sauce and simmer for 20 minutes, turning so that all sides are cooked through. This is the best method if you want juicy flavorful meatballs.
How to prepare frozen meatballs
Frozen meatballs can be used in lieu of making meatballs from scratch in this recipe for Spicy Italian Meatballs.
- Baking: Place frozen meatballs on a baking sheet. Bake at 375 for 10-15 minutes or until cooked through.
- Cooked in Sauce: Place frozen meatballs in the red sauce and bring to a simmer. Cook for 25 minutes or until meatballs have cooked through and are warm in the center.
Ingredients Needed
Meatballs
- 1 Cup Bread Crumbs
- ½ Cup Milk
- 1 Pound Ground Beef
- 1 Pound Ground Pork
- 1 Onion Minced
- 3 Cloves Garlic Minced
- 2 Eggs
- ¼ Cup Fresh Parsley Chopped
- Salt
- Pepper
Sauce
- 3 Tbsp Olive Oil
- 1 Onion Diced
- 4 Garlic Cloves Minced
- 1 Tbsp Crushed Red Peppers
- 28 Oz Crushed Red Tomatoes
- Salt
- 1 Tbsp Basil
Equipment Needed
- Mixing Bowl
- Parchment Paper
- Baking Sheet
- Dutch Oven or similar
- Wooden Spoon
Storage Tips
Fridge: Meatballs can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days in a sealed container. To reheat either warm in the microwave or on the stovetop.
Freezer: Meatballs can be stored in the freezer in an airtight container for up to 2 months. To reheat, defrost in the microwave and heat until warmed through.
Spicy Italian Meatballs
Equipment
Ingredients
Meatballs
- 1 Cup Bread Crumbs
- ½ Cup Milk
- 1 Pound Ground Beef
- 1 Pound Ground Pork
- 1 Onion Minced
- 3 Cloves Garlic Minced
- 2 Eggs
- ¼ Cup Fresh Parsley Chopped
- Salt
- Pepper
Sauce
- 3 Tbsp Olive Oil
- 1 Onion Diced
- 4 Garlic Cloves Minced
- 1 Tbsp Crushed Red Peppers
- 28 Oz Crushed Red Tomatoes
- Salt
- 1 Tbsp Basil
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine milk and bread crumbs. let sit while preparing the other ingredients.
- Combine all ingredients with the milk and bread crumb mixture until ingredients are just fully incorporated. Form mixture into 1 inch balls and place balls on a parchment lined baking sheet.
- Bake meatballs at 375 degrees for 20 minutes or until browned on all sides.
- While meatballs are baking, in a large pot add olive oil, onion and garlic and cook on medium-high heat until onion is translucent, 3-5 minutes. Add crushed red pepper, crushed red tomatoes, basil and season to taste with salt. Bring to a simmer.
- Add meatballs to sauce and toss to coat. Enjoy!
Nutrition
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About Michelle
Hello! I'm Michelle Boulé. I'm a photography nerd, cat mom and all around foodie. Join me in making some of my favorite comfort foods!
Dannii says
These meatballs look perfect. The ultimate comfort food!
rebecca says
yum! love the spicy sauce with your classic meatballs in this recipe
Megan says
These meatballs were perfectly fatty and tender with the combo of beef and pork. I substituted out the breadcrumbs with chopped mushrooms and they still came out delicious!
Tara says
Meatballs are one of my favorite appetizers too! Yours look absolutely amazing and I love the addition of the red peppers to the sauce. Yum!
Michelle says
These meatballs were amazing! The addition of milk really keeps the meatballs super moist and tender. A keeper!