Home Cooked Recipes

A comforting classic passed down with love

When I was a little girl, meatballs were my favorite food. A heaping plate of spaghetti with meatballs on top always felt comforting and familiar. That memory has stayed with me, and every time I make them, it brings a quiet kind of joy.

These tender meatballs—made with ground beef and pork, Parmesan, and fresh herbs—are soft, flavorful, and deeply satisfying. Now, I get to share that same comforting meal with my daughter. Watching her dig in—sauce covering her little toddler face, eyes wide with delight—is one of my favorite parts of the day. It’s a small tradition, but one that feels meaningful. A way to pass down something simple and nourishing, bite by bite.

Whether you’re making these for your own family or just for yourself, I hope they bring a sense of joy to your table. Because sometimes, the meals we love as children become the ones we love sharing most.

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🍝 Recipe:

Ingredients (Serves 4–6)

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 lb ground pork
• 2/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 3/4 cup fresh breadcrumbs (preferably from rustic bread)
• 2 large eggs
• 1/4 cup whole milk
• 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh basil (or 1 tsp dried)
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 ½ tsp kosher salt
• ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
• Olive oil for searing

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine breadcrumbs and milk. Let sit for 5 minutes to soften.
3. Add ground beef, ground pork, Parmesan, eggs, garlic, herbs, salt, and pepper to the breadcrumb mixture.
4. Mix gently with your hands until just combined—don’t overwork it.
5. Form into 2-inch meatballs and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
6. Heat a few tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear meatballs in batches until browned on all sides (about 2–3 minutes per side).
7. Return seared meatballs to the baking sheet and bake for 15–20 minutes, or until cooked through.
8. Serve with marinara sauce over spaghetti, or tucked into crusty bread with melted provolone.

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💬 From My Kitchen to Yours

If you make these meatballs, I’d love to hear how they turned out—or see a photo of your own little one enjoying them. Tag me or leave a comment below. And if you’re building your own comfort-food traditions, I hope this recipe finds a place in them.