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Italian Style Meatballs with Fresh Basil and Tomato Sauce

Italian Style Meatballs with Fresh Basil and Tomato Sauce
These tender meatballs blend ground beef and pork with fresh basil, Parmesan, and a touch of milk for richness, then baked to perfection before being nestled into a simmering tomato sauce. They’re juicy on the inside, lightly golden on the outside, and deliver deep herbal aroma with every bite. Serve in bowls with pasta, a swirl of spinach, and a bright finish of lemon for a rustic, soul-warming meal that fills the house with the scent of slow Sunday cooking—no matter the day of the week.
Ingredients
  • 450 g (1 lb) ground beef and pork blend
  • 2 large eggs
  • 60 ml (1/4 cup) milk
  • 50 g (1/2 cup) finely grated Parmesan cheese
  • 20 g (1/2 cup) fresh basil, chopped
  • 120 g (1/2 cup) fresh breadcrumbs
  • 6 g (1 tsp) fine sea salt
  • 2 g (1/4 tsp) freshly ground black pepper
  • 20 g (1 1/2 tbsp) unsalted butter, diced
  • Tomato sauce, for serving (about 600 ml / 2 1/2 cups)
  • Cooked pasta, for serving (optional)
  • Fresh spinach, for serving (optional)
  • Lemon wedges, for serving (optional)
Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 190°C (375°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef and pork, chopped basil, salt, and pepper. Mix lightly with your hands.

3. In a small bowl, whisk together eggs and milk. Pour over the meat mixture and fold in gently.

4. Add Parmesan, breadcrumbs, and mix until just combined. Do not overwork.

5. Scoop and roll meat mixture into 3.8 cm (1.5 inch) balls—about 20 to 25.

6. Place meatballs on baking sheet, leaving 2.5 cm (1 inch) between each.

7. Press a small piece of butter into the top of each meatball.

8. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, or until meatballs are firm and cooked through.

9. While baking, warm tomato sauce in a large saucepan over medium heat.

10. Transfer baked meatballs to the sauce and simmer for 5 minutes to absorb flavor.

11. Serve over cooked pasta, topped with a handful of fresh spinach and a squeeze of lemon juice, if desired.

Tools
  • mixing bowl
  • wooden spoon
  • baking sheet
  • parchment paper
  • saucepan
  • oven

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