Meatballs are a beloved classic in Italian cuisine, offering a comforting and flavorful dish that brings warmth to the dinner table. This recipe blends the rich taste of ground beef with the bold spice of Italian sausage, creating a perfect balance that’s both hearty and satisfying. The addition of fragrant herbs and a touch of heat from crushed red pepper adds depth and excitement to every bite. Whether you’re preparing a family meal or hosting guests, these spicy meatballs are sure to impress. They’re versatile enough to be served over pasta, creamy risotto, or even on their own with a side of crusty bread.
Taking time to let the meat mixture rest before cooking enhances the flavors and texture, making each meatball tender and juicy. Cooking them first by browning and then simmering in a seasoned tomato sauce ensures they are cooked through while soaking up all the rich flavors. This recipe is straightforward, yet it delivers an authentic taste that will transport you straight to an Italian kitchen. Enjoy the warmth, spice, and tradition packed into every bite of these classic meatballs.
Ingredients
→ For Meatballs
- 6 oz ground beef
- 6 oz spicy ground Italian sausage
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 slice white bread, crusts removed and shredded
- 1/3 cup Italian seasoned panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons Italian parsley, finely chopped
- 1.5 tablespoons olive oil
→ Meatball Seasonings - 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
→ For Sauce - 1/2 can pasta sauce
- 1/4 teaspoon basil
- 1/4 teaspoon oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
- Pinch dried mint
- Salt and pepper to taste
Servings: 3-4
Instructions
Tear the bread into very small pieces inside a large bowl. Add the ground beef, spicy Italian sausage, egg, chopped onion, minced garlic, shredded bread, Italian seasoned panko breadcrumbs, chopped parsley, crushed red pepper, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything thoroughly by hand until the ingredients are well combined. Using a spoon, scoop about 2 to 3 tablespoons of the mixture and roll it into balls, placing them on a cutting board or plate.
Heat olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium heat. Brown the meatballs in batches, turning them to get a nice golden color on all sides. Remove browned meatballs to a clean plate. In the same pan, pour in the pasta sauce and add basil, oregano, crushed red pepper, dried mint, salt, and pepper. Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the sauce simmer gently.
Return the browned meatballs to the sauce, spooning sauce over each to cover them well. Cover the pan and cook for 5 minutes, then carefully flip the meatballs and cook another 5 minutes until fully cooked and tender. Serve the spicy meatballs hot over your choice of pasta or creamy risotto.
Nutritional and Dietary Information
This dish provides a good source of protein from both the beef and Italian sausage, which helps with muscle maintenance and repair. The inclusion of herbs like basil and oregano adds antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. While flavorful, the recipe contains moderate fat due to the sausage and olive oil, so portion control is recommended for those watching fat intake. The crushed red pepper adds metabolism-boosting capsaicin, but those sensitive to spice should adjust accordingly. This recipe is not gluten-free due to breadcrumbs and bread, but substitutions with gluten-free alternatives can be made easily.
Sharing and Commenting is Caring
Enjoyed this spicy meatball recipe? Sharing it with friends or family helps spread the joy of good food! Your comments and feedback also inspire others to try it and help create a welcoming community where everyone can discover and enjoy delicious homemade meals.