Restaurant-Style Giant Meatballs for Spaghetti

These restaurant-style giant meatballs are perfect for a hearty and satisfying meal. Made with a blend of ground beef, pork, and veal, these meatballs are tender and flavorful, simmered in a rich marinara sauce. Serve them over spaghetti for a classic Italian dish that everyone will love!

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend)
• 1/2 lb ground pork
• 1/2 lb ground veal (or substitute with more ground beef or pork)
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 egg
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Homemade marinara sauce, or 1-2 jars of your favorite store-bought marinara sauce
• Spaghetti, cooked according to package instructions
• Fresh basil, for garnish
• Additional grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

Instructions

1. Prepare the Panade:
   • In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and milk.
   • Let them soak for about 5 minutes until the breadcrumbs absorb the milk and become soft.
2. Prepare the Meatball Mixture:
   • In a large bowl, combine the soaked breadcrumbs, ground beef, ground pork, ground veal, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic, parsley, salt, black pepper, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes.
   • Mix until all ingredients are well combined, but do not overmix.
3. Form the Meatballs:
   • Using your hands, form the mixture into large meatballs, about 2 inches in diameter. You should get about 8-10 meatballs.
4. Cook the Meatballs:
   • Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
   • Add the meatballs to the skillet, being careful not to overcrowd them.
   • Cook the meatballs, turning occasionally, until they are browned on all sides, about 8-10 minutes.
5. Simmer in Marinara Sauce:
   • Once the meatballs are browned, add the marinara sauce to the skillet.
   • Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let the meatballs simmer in the sauce for 20-25 minutes, or until they are cooked through.
6. Serve:
   • Serve the meatballs over cooked spaghetti.
   • Garnish with fresh basil and additional grated Parmesan cheese.

Enjoy your restaurant-style giant meatballs with spaghetti!