Classic 3 Meat Meatballs

Classic 3 Meat Meatballs

We all need a classic meatball recipe to have around because classics really shouldn’t be lost. 

The 3 meats make it. It’s really a simple recipe but with the combination of the 3 meats – you have it made! The textures, fat contents, and tastes from each of them go so well together and covered with your favorite tomato sauce, Parmesan and fresh basil. YUM.

And you know what I love about classic recipes? They have been tested over and over again. Plus you can change things up by adding different similar ingredietns to make it your own. 

Close up of Classic 3 Meat Meatballs

Here is the ingredients list...
and ideas to make it your own.

  • Ground beef, pork and Italian sausage
  • Shallots
  • Italian Seasoning, dried basil + oregano
  • Garlic and onion powder
  • Gluten free bread crumbs
  • Milk
  • Salt + pepper

Ideas to make it your own + change it up a bit.

  • Spicy sausage
  •  Ground Turkey (turkey thighs)
  • Parmesan cheese
Close up of Classic 3 Meat Meatballs in Cast Iron Pan

Double or Triple the recipe.

You know why I love doubling a recipe like this? FREEZER!

Your freezer is your friend. Really. Use it to your advantage. 

A recipe with sauce or liquid (like broth or stock) – freezes so well.

When I freeze meatballs, I always cook them and add sauce to the bottom of the container. Make sure it’s air tight and freeze. Don’t forget to label. Grab when you don’t have time or can’t think of what to make for dinner.

FINALLY, give your freezer friendly meals away to friends, family or strangers. It’s really a gift of love, kindness and something to warm everyone’s bellies. 

Classic 3 Meat Meatballs in Cast Iron Pan with basil, red pepper flakes and Parmesan

You need to try these classic recipes too!

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Close up of Classic 3 Meat Meatballs

Classic 3 Meat Meatballs


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  • Author: Kat with White Sparrow
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 24 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb. ground beef (90%)
  • 1 lb. ground pork
  • 1 lb. ground mild Italian sausage
  • 1 small to medium shallot, minced
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons Italian seasoning
  • 1 heaping teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1/21 teaspoon red pepper flakes (depending on how spicy you like them)
  • 3/4 cup gluten free bread crumbs
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 2 jars of your favorite tomato sauce
  • fresh basil and Parmesan to garnish

Instructions

  1. In a large mixing bowl, add in all of the ingredients (except the tomato sauce, fresh basil and Parmesan cheese). Using your hands (I like to put on food grade gloves), mix everything together until fully combined.
  2. Using a 2 inch scoop (I use a vintage ice cream scoop), press the meat mixture into it and press it against the side of the bowl – leaving one side flat. Release the scoop and place it onto a baking sheet tray. Repeat until all the meat is formed into meatballs. Place the tray filled with meatballs into your freezer.
  3. After the meatballs are in your freezer, preheat your oven to 425F (convection bake). When the oven is fully preheated, add the sheet tray to your oven and bake the meatballs for 14-16 minutes or until fully cooked. Remove from the oven.
  4. If serving right away, heat your favorite tomato sauce in a large skillet over medium heat. Transfer the cooked meatballs to the skillet. Garnish with fresh basil and Parmesan cheese. If you are making these to freeze, add about 2 inches of your favorite tomato sauce to the bottom of a container (that has a lid), place the desired number of meatballs on top of the sauce. Let cool for about 20 minutes, cover, label and place in your freezer.

Notes

You can use a stand mixer to combine all the ingredients together, if you don’t like using your hands.

For an extra step to 2 – roll the meatballs in between your hands to form into a ball and place on your baking sheet tray.

A quick way to check for doneness on meatballs, is to press two fingers ontop of one of the meatballs. If it feels firm – then they are finished cooking.

  • Prep Time: 10
  • Cook Time: 15
  • Category: beef
  • Method: oven
  • Cuisine: dinner

Did you make this recipe? Take a picture and tag me @whitesparrowfoodco or #whitesparrowfoodco I’d love to hear what you thought of the recipe! 

Classic 3 Meat Meatballs in Cast Iron Pan with basil
Enjoy the Recipe, Personal Chef Kat

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