Classic Meatball Inspiration

Classic Meatball Inspiration

There’s nothing quite like a Classic Meatball—comforting, flavorful, and a true crowd-pleaser at the dinner table. By combining tender veal with rich, savory beef, you get the perfect balance of flavor and texture in every bite. But the best part? When you make a big batch of meatballs, you’re not just cooking for tonight’s dinner—you’re setting yourself up for a week of delicious, no-stress meals.

That’s the beauty of this family-friendly recipe: cook once, and enjoy multiple meal options without the extra effort.

Classic Meatball Comfort: with Pasta

The traditional starting point has to be a plate of pasta and sauce paired with a Classic Meatball or two, topped with marinara and a sprinkle of Parmesan. It’s a timeless family favorite and the perfect way to enjoy your first round of freshly cooked meatballs.

Classic meatballs in a bed or spiral pasta with red sauce

Handheld Goodness: Meatball Subs

Once you’ve had your pasta night, transform the leftovers into hearty meatball subs. Nestle a few warmed Classic Meatballs into a crusty roll, spoon on some sauce, and melt mozzarella over the top. It’s quick, easy, and just as satisfying as the first night’s dinner.

Classic Meatball handlheld sub with melty cheese and red sauce

A Fun Twist: Meatball Pizza

For a change of pace, try using your Classic Meatballs as a pizza topping. Slice or crumble them over your favorite dough with marinara and plenty of cheese, and you’ve got a fun and creative way to reinvent leftovers. It’s a guaranteed win with kids and adults alike.

Classic Meatball Pizza

Why This Works

By making one versatile batch of beef and veal Classic Meatballs, you save time in the kitchen while keeping mealtime exciting. Instead of eating the same dish night after night, you can reinvent your meatballs into multiple meals—perfect for busy families who want both convenience and variety.

So next time you’re meal-planning, think beyond a single dinner. With these Italian-inspired Classic Meatballs, you’ll cook once and enjoy a whole week of flavor.

Recipe and Imagery developed by Holly Sander at tasteandsee.com.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground beef – 80% to 85% lean
  • 1 pound ground veal – 80% to 85% lean
  • 2 large eggs
  • ½ cup plain breadcrumbs
  • ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • ½ cup finely minced yellow onion (or 1 tablespoon onion powder)
  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
  • 1 Tablespoon minced garlic – or 3 minced cloves
  • ⅓ cup fresh chopped parsley

Instructions

Heat the Oven – Set the oven rack to the center position. Heat the oven to 400°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.

Make the Meatball Mixture – In a large bowl, add the ground beef, ground veal, eggs, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, minced onion, salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and minced garlic. Mix thoroughly until the ingredients are well combined.

Shape the Meatballs – Measure out a 1½-inch scoop of the ground meat mixture and roll it into a ball. Space them evenly on the prepared baking sheet. This should yield 34-36 meatballs.

Bake the Meatballs – Transfer the meatballs to the preheated oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the internal temperature is 165°F.

  • NOTES:
  • Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour.
  • Storing: Let the meatballs cool and store them in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
  • Freezing: Store the uncooked meatballs in a large freezer bag for up to 1 month, defrost them in the fridge overnight before baking. Freeze the cooked meatballs for up to 1 month. Defrost them in the fridge overnight and reheat in the oven or microwave.

Prep
Time:

10 minutes

Cook
Time:

20 minutes

Total
Time:

30 minutes

Recipes