9 Things Grandma Never Told You About Making Meatballs from Scratch (2024)

Home Test Kitchen Test Kitchen Tips

Updated: Sep. 28, 2022

Grandma was a pro at making meatballs from scratch. Here are some of her best-kept-secrets for getting them just right.

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If your Grandma was anything like mine, she was a fabulous cook. There was nothing better than the smell of homemade meatballs simmering in red sauce in her kitchen! I’ve rounded up some of Nonna’s best-kept secrets for making meatballs from scratch.

Just pair your meatballs with fresh spaghetti and warm Italian bread, and you’re all set for Sunday supper.

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Use a Mix of Beef and Pork

Sure, spices add a lot of flavor to meatballs, but it’s the fat in the meat that makes them so juicy. Use a 50/50 mix of beef and pork as your base, or try a blend of beef, pork and veal.

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Make Your Own Breadcrumbs

To make homemade breadcrumbs the way Nonna used to, soak leftover stale bread in milk for a few minutes. Remove the excess milk by squeezing the bread with your hands, then break up the bread into small pieces.

Here’s another easy way to make breadcrumbs at home.

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Add Garlic and Herbs

Using fresh garlic will deliver flavor with a kick. Pair that with classic Italian herbs and spices like oregano, red pepper flakes and fresh parsley—and don’t forget the salt and pepper!

Grandma never measured; it was always a pinch of this and some of that, so experiment to find the perfect flavors.

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Use Cheese, Please

Another classic ingredient for Grandma’s Italian meatballs is cheese. Try using freshly grated Parmesan, Parmigiano-Reggiano or Romano cheese to add flavor.

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Add Milk for Moisture

A little bit of milk will add moisture to your meatballs. (Many people think it’s the eggs that add the moisture, but their role is to bind the meat, breadcrumbs, cheese and herbs.)

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Mix Ingredients by Hand

Don’t be afraid to roll up your sleeves and use your hands. With clean hands, gently combine the ingredients, being careful not to overwork the meat. To prevent the mix from sticking as you form your meatballs, try lightly coating your hands with oil or water.

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Shape the Meatballs

The size of your meatballs depends on how you plan to serve them. For soups, you’ll want smaller, bite-sized meatballs. If they’re going to be served on top of spaghetti, try a medium-sized meatballs (about 1-1/2-inch rounds).

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Brown the Meatballs First

Yes, you can cook your meatballs by putting them directly in the sauce and letting them simmer for a good, long time. But browning them before they hit the sauce enhances the flavor and the texture. You can either brown them in batches on your stovetop or in the oven.

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Add Meatballs to Sauce

The secret to Grandma’s meatballs is time, patience and a good homemade sauce. The meatballs need to simmer low and slow for maximum flavor. In addition to having a delicious meal, your house will smell amazing.

Originally Published: February 07, 2019