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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
Servings: 6
Course: dinner, lunch
Calories: 500
Ingredients Method

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

Method
 

Prep the Breadcrumbs:
  1. Soak breadcrumbs in a little milk for 5 minutes. This keeps meatballs moist.
Makethe Meatball Mixture:
  1. In a large bowl, mix beef, soaked breadcrumbs, eggs, garlic, onion, Parmesan, parsley, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
  2. Use your hands to mix gently. Don’t overwork it.
Shape the Meatballs:
  1. Roll the mixture into golf ball-sized meatballs. Place them on a tray.
  2. Chill in the fridge for 15 minutes. This helps them hold shape.
Fry the Meatballs:
  1. Warm olive oil in a pan over medium to high heat.
  2. Fry meatballs in batches until browned on all sides (about 6–8 minutes).
  3. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
Make the Tomato Sauce:
  1. If necessary, pour additional olive oil into the same pan.
  2. Pour in crushed tomatoes, sugar, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
  3. Simmer for 20 minutes on low heat.
Simmer Meatballs in Sauce:
  1. Add meatballs to the sauce. Spoon sauce over them to coat.
  2. Simmer for 20–25 minutes, covered. Stir occasionally.
Finish and Serve:
  1. Stir in fresh basil and sprinkle more Parmesan on top.
  2. Serve meatballs with spaghetti, garlic bread, or as a sub.