Italian Sausage Meatballs

These classic Italian Sausage Meatballs are full of flavor, mixed with fresh Parmesan, and ready in no time for the perfect family meal.

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While meatballs are popular worldwide, I associate them with tangy, savory marinara sauce over fresh pasta. I recently discovered that the traditional dish of spaghetti, meatballs, and tomato sauce is an Italian-American creation from New York’s Little Italy around the turn of the 20th century.

I love Little Italy in New York. If you have never been, be sure to add it to your itinerary the next time you’re in the Big Apple. The food is out of this world and there is a whole Italian culture and history right in downtown Manhattan. If you go, check out Lombardi’s, the oldest pizzeria in the country, down on Spring Street. They serve beef and pork meatballs as an appetizer or primo, without pasta but with gravy (a.k.a. red sauce or marinara). Trust me when I say, they are worth the trip alone.

If you can’t make it to Italy or Manhattan, I have the next best thing. Though these tasty bites are traditionally made with beef and pork, today we are using just pork in the form of ground Italian sausage. It is mixed with egg, breadcrumbs, garlic, and Parmesan, and provides a deep flavor. These sausage meatballs are so easy, my kids help make them and they come out perfect in just a half hour! I recommend making extra, not only because you will want seconds, but because they freeze easily and are great for a large group or family-style meal.

Are Italian Sausage Meatballs Healthy?

These meatballs are high in protein, a great source of amino acids, and relatively low in carbs. They are also baked instead of fried, which is better since we don’t use extra oil to cook the meatballs. To make it a healthier meal, skip the carb-heavy pasta and use spaghetti squash or zoodles (i.e., zucchini noodles) instead. For a dish that is keto friendly and gluten-free, substitute the breadcrumbs with a mix of Parmesan and almond flour, or try pork panko breadcrumbs.

Which Sausage is right for my meatballs?

The best part of Italian Sausage Meatballs is that you can have a range of flavors depending on the type of sausage you use. Sausage is pork that is already mixed with seasoning. You can usually find sweet, spicy, or mild Italian sausage. Whichever you choose depends on your preferences. Can’t decide? Do what I do and mix the sweet and spicy together!

INGREDIENTS

1 pound ground Italian sausage
1 large egg
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

INSTRUCTIONS

Preheat

Prepare oven and baking sheet.

Mix

Combine ingredients and form meatballs.

Bake

Cook meatballs until done.

Devour!

FAQs & Tips

How to Make Ahead and Store?

Leftovers should be allowed to cool to room temperature then stored in an airtight container in the fridge for no more than two days. They can also be frozen for up to two months. You may want to flash freeze them on a sheet pan first. This way, you can put the whole lot of them in a freezer-safe Ziploc bag and not worry about them sticking together. You can reheat them from frozen in the oven. Put a sheet of aluminum foil over them so they don’t dry out.

Why are my meatballs falling apart?

While you do not want to over-mix your meat mixture (this will make them tough) you do want to form firm, even-sized balls to prevent them from crumbling. So apply just enough pressure that they stick together. You can also add more eggs, as egg acts as a binder. The brand or type of breadcrumbs you use could also be the culprit. Don’t use panko breadcrumbs; they are lighter and coarser and may interfere with the integrity of your meatballs.

Can I fry Italian Sausage meatballs?

Yes! If you are opposed to baking meatballs, these guys fry up great and will have that caramelized outer layer. Note that baking is a bit healthier since there is no need for additional oil, and will also result in a crispy outside.

Serving Suggestions

Skip traditional spaghetti and meatballs, and pair these Italian sausage meatballs with either angel hair pasta or give it a boost of flavor and veggies with colorful ratatouille pasta. As I mentioned, you can also cut the carbs and make Instant Pot spaghetti squash. For a complete Italian feast that is a bit more guilt-free, serve your meatballs with this cauliflower pizza and this delicious air-fryer chicken Parmesan.