Marys Pizza Shack Style Meatballs (Printable version)
Juicy meatballs featuring beef, pork, fresh herbs, Parmesan, and simmered in tomato sauce for rich flavor.
# What You'll Need:
→ Meats
01 - 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend preferred)
02 - 1/2 pound ground pork
→ Dairy
03 - 1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
04 - 1/2 cup whole milk
→ Binders
05 - 1 cup fresh breadcrumbs
06 - 2 large eggs
→ Aromatics & Herbs
07 - 1/2 cup yellow onion, finely chopped
08 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
09 - 1/4 cup fresh Italian parsley, chopped
10 - 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped or 1 teaspoon dried basil
→ Seasonings
11 - 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
12 - 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
13 - 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
→ For Cooking
14 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
→ Sauce
15 - 3 cups tomato sauce (homemade or store-bought)
# How to Prepare:
01 - Pour whole milk over fresh breadcrumbs in a small bowl and allow to sit for 5 minutes until breadcrumbs are softened.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, gently mix ground beef, ground pork, soaked breadcrumbs, eggs, Parmesan, onion, garlic, parsley, basil, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes until evenly incorporated.
03 - Form mixture into golf ball–sized meatballs, about 2 inches in diameter, and arrange on a tray.
04 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Working in batches if necessary, brown meatballs on all sides for about 5 minutes per batch.
05 - Transfer browned meatballs to a large pot with tomato sauce. Cover and simmer gently for 20 to 25 minutes until meatballs are tender and fully cooked.
06 - Serve meatballs hot accompanied by pasta, in a sub roll, or as an appetizer with additional sauce if desired.
# Expert advice:
01 -
- Uses everyday ingredients found in most kitchens
- Ultra tender and juicy thanks to the milk soaked breadcrumbs
- Herb loaded for that authentic Italian American flavor
- Works equally well for pasta night subs or meal prepping
02 -
- High in protein and a source of iron with every serving
- Make ahead friendly and freezer friendly for busy weeks
- Naturally crowd pleasing
03 -
- Mix gently do not knead overworking toughens the texture
- Use damp hands to roll smooth meatballs and prevent sticking
- Brown the meatballs well before simmering for flavor layers that rival your favorite restaurant