Ultimate Easy Meatball Recipe with Ground Beef & Italian Sausage

Craving delicious, juicy meatballs but don't want to spend hours in the kitchen? Then you've come to the right place! This article is your ultimate guide to an easy meatball recipe with ground beef and Italian sausage. Forget complicated recipes and long ingredient lists; we're keeping it simple and flavorful. We'll walk you through a straightforward shopping list, ensuring you have everything you need for meatball success. Then, get ready to mix up the magic as we guide you through the simple steps of creating the perfect meatball mixture. Next, we'll explore the best cooking methods – baking or frying – ensuring your meatballs are cooked to perfection, juicy on the inside and perfectly browned on the outside. Finally, we'll unleash your creativity with exciting serving suggestions that go far beyond the classic spaghetti and meatballs. So, ditch the takeout menus and get ready to impress your family and friends with these unbelievably easy, yet incredibly delicious, meatballs. Let's get cooking!

Gathering Your Ingredients: A Simple Shopping List

Gathering Your Ingredients: A Simple Shopping List

So, you're ready to make some amazing meatballs? Fantastic! Let's start with the shopping list. It's super simple, I promise. First, you'll need the stars of the show: ground beef and Italian sausage. Aim for a good blend – I usually go for about a 1:1 ratio, but you can adjust to your taste. For a richer flavor, consider using a mix of ground beef and pork; check out our beef and pork meatball recipe for ideas. Next up, we need some binding agents. Breadcrumbs are a classic choice, but you can also use panko for a lighter texture. A little milk or egg helps everything stick together nicely.

Don't forget the flavor enhancers! Garlic, onion (freshly grated or finely chopped works best), and Italian seasoning are essential. A little Parmesan cheese adds a delicious salty tang. For extra depth, consider adding some Worcestershire sauce or even a splash of red wine. If you're looking for a low-carb option, check out our keto beef meatballs recipe for some inspiration. These additions really elevate the flavor profile. Finally, you'll need some olive oil for cooking (or your preferred cooking spray) and of course, your favorite pasta sauce if you're planning on serving them with pasta. That's it! Easy peasy, right?

• Ground Beef (1 lb)
• Italian Sausage (1 lb)
• Breadcrumbs (1 cup)
• Milk or Egg (1/4 cup)
• Garlic (2 cloves, minced)
• Onion (1/2 cup, finely chopped)
• Italian Seasoning (1 tsp)
• Parmesan Cheese (1/4 cup, grated)
• Olive Oil or Cooking Spray
• Pasta Sauce (optional)

Mixing the Magic: The Easy Meatball Recipe

Alright, ingredients assembled? Let's get our hands dirty! In a large bowl, gently combine your ground beef and Italian sausage. Don't overmix; you want to keep the meat relatively loose for tender meatballs. Now, add your breadcrumbs, milk (or egg), minced garlic, and finely chopped onion. If you're feeling adventurous, a little grated Parmesan cheese and some Italian seasoning will add a fantastic kick. For a truly authentic Italian flavor, check out our beef Italian meatball recipe for some extra tips and tricks. Mix everything together until it's just combined—again, don't overmix!

• Gently combine ground beef and Italian sausage.
• Add breadcrumbs, milk/egg, garlic, and onion.
• Stir in Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning (optional).
• Mix until just combined – don't overmix!

Season generously with salt and pepper. Taste the mixture – you might want to add a little more garlic or seasoning depending on your preference. Remember, this is your masterpiece, so adjust to your liking. Now, here's a little secret: let the mixture rest for about 10-15 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and makes for even more tender meatballs. While it's resting, you can prep your baking sheet or get your frying pan ready. Think of this as your pre-game warm-up; it's all about getting ready for the main event! For a fun twist, consider adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce for a deeper umami flavor. Want a different take? Explore our sausage and beef meatball recipe for some inspiration.

Cooking Up Perfection: Baking or Frying Your Meatballs

Baking for Juicy Perfection

Ready to bake those beauties? Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper – this prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. Roll your meatball mixture into 1-inch to 1.5-inch balls. Arrange them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one for even browning. Drizzle them lightly with olive oil or spray with cooking spray. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until they're cooked through and nicely browned. For extra flavor, you can broil them for the last 2-3 minutes, but keep a close eye on them to prevent burning. Want a healthier option? Check out our beef meatball recipe (no cheese) for some tips!

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Line baking sheet with parchment paper.
• Roll into 1-1.5 inch balls.
• Bake for 20-25 minutes.
• Broil for 2-3 minutes (optional).

Frying for Crispy Goodness

If you prefer a crispier exterior, frying is the way to go! Heat about 1 inch of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot (a pinch of breadcrumbs should sizzle immediately), carefully add your meatballs to the skillet. Avoid overcrowding the pan; work in batches if necessary. Fry for about 4-5 minutes per side, until they're golden brown and cooked through. Remove them from the skillet and place them on a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. For an extra crispy coating, try using panko breadcrumbs. Looking for a different frying method? Check out our recipe for ultimate fried beef meatballs for some more advanced techniques. Remember, safety first! Always supervise closely when frying.

Serving Suggestions: Beyond Spaghetti and Meatballs

Meatball Subs: A Lunchtime Delight

Let's face it, sometimes you want a meatball sub. These aren't your average deli meatballs; we're talking homemade deliciousness. Simply warm your meatballs in a little sauce, then place them on toasted hoagie rolls. Add your favorite toppings: melted mozzarella, marinara sauce, and maybe a sprinkle of Parmesan. This makes for a quick and satisfying lunch or a casual dinner. For extra flavor, check out our recipe for beef meatball sauce to really elevate your sub. It's a winner every time!

• Warm meatballs in sauce.
• Place on toasted hoagie rolls.
• Add mozzarella, marinara, Parmesan.

Meatball Bowls: A Hearty and Customizable Option

Meatball bowls are super versatile and customizable. Think of them as a blank canvas for your culinary creativity! Start with a base of quinoa, rice, or even zucchini noodles for a lower-carb option. Then, add your meatballs, along with your favorite vegetables. Roasted vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and onions add a nice sweetness and texture. A dollop of pesto or a drizzle of balsamic glaze adds a touch of sophistication. Need more ideas? Our beef meatball soup recipe might offer some inspiration for your bowl creation!

Beyond the Plate: Creative Meatball Applications

Let's get creative! Think outside the box (or, in this case, the plate). Your meatballs can be the star of many dishes. Add them to your favorite salads for a protein boost. Use them as a topping for baked potatoes or sweet potatoes. They're also fantastic in pasta bakes, adding a delicious meaty element. For a fun twist, try adding them to a hearty stew or chili. Want a more decadent approach? Check out our beef stroganoff recipe with meatballs for a luxurious twist on a classic dish. The possibilities are truly endless!

• Add to salads.
• Top baked potatoes.
• Use in pasta bakes.
• Include in stews or chili.