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A dark ceramic bowl filled with Italian meatballs in a rich tomato sauce, garnished with fresh basil leaves and grated Parmesan cheese. A slice of lemon is placed in the background, with sliced bread on a wooden plate nearby.

Italian Meatballs Like Jamie Oliver: Straightforward Recipe

This ItalianMeatballs recipe inspired by Jamie Oliver serves 4 to 6 people andtakes about 1 hour and 5 minutes to make. It features a mix of groundbeef and pork, soaked breadcrumbs, fresh herbs, and a rich tomato sauce. Eachserving has about 450–500 calories. The meatballs are browned first,then simmered in sauce for maximum flavor and tenderness. Serve them withspaghetti, garlic bread, or as a sub for a comforting Italian meal!
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Course dinner, lunch
Servings 6
Calories 500 kcal

Ingredients
  

Forthe Meatballs

  • o 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 lb ground pork
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs soaked in milk
  • 2 eggs
  • 3 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 small onion finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese grated
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley chopped
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Forthe Tomato Sauce

  • 1 can 28 oz crushed tomatoes (San Marzano if possible)
  • 2 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 small onion finely chopped
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • 1 tsp red pepper flakes optional
  • Fresh basil leaves
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
 

Prep the Breadcrumbs:

  • Soak breadcrumbs in a little milk for 5 minutes. This keeps meatballs moist.

Makethe Meatball Mixture:

  • In a large bowl, mix beef, soaked breadcrumbs, eggs, garlic, onion, Parmesan, parsley, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
  • Use your hands to mix gently. Don’t overwork it.

Shape the Meatballs:

  • Roll the mixture into golf ball-sized meatballs. Place them on a tray.
  • Chill in the fridge for 15 minutes. This helps them hold shape.

Fry the Meatballs:

  • Warm olive oil in a pan over medium to high heat.
  • Fry meatballs in batches until browned on all sides (about 6–8 minutes).
  • Transfer to a plate and set aside.

Make the Tomato Sauce:

  • If necessary, pour additional olive oil into the same pan.
  • Pour in crushed tomatoes, sugar, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
  • Simmer for 20 minutes on low heat.

Simmer Meatballs in Sauce:

  • Add meatballs to the sauce. Spoon sauce over them to coat.
  • Simmer for 20–25 minutes, covered. Stir occasionally.

Finish and Serve:

  • Stir in fresh basil and sprinkle more Parmesan on top.
  • Serve meatballs with spaghetti, garlic bread, or as a sub.
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