Jul 13 2026
RestaurantsJuniper Grill - BallantyneClassic Meatballs Recipe

Classic Meatballs Recipe

Time1h
Serves4

Traditional meatballs made with beef and pork.

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Ingredients

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Meatball Ingredients

Sauce Ingredients

Method

Meatball Preparation

  1. 1

    Mix Ingredients

    In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef and ground pork. Add the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything together using your hands or a spoon until well combined.

  2. 2

    Form Meatballs

    Once the mixture is well combined, use your hands to shape the mixture into meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

  3. 3

    Brown the Meatballs

    In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the meatballs in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Brown the meatballs on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the browned meatballs and set aside.

Sauce Preparation

  1. 4

    Cook the Sauce Base

    In the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil if needed and sauté the diced onion and minced garlic until the onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes.

  2. 5

    Add Tomatoes and Seasoning

    Add the crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Bring the sauce to a simmer.

  3. 6

    Simmer with Meatballs

    Carefully add the browned meatballs back into the skillet with the sauce. Cover and let simmer for 20-25 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the meatballs to cook through.

  4. 7

    Finish with Fresh Basil

    Just before serving, stir in the chopped fresh basil into the sauce for added flavor.

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