Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Extra-large, restaurant-style meatballs
- Tender and juicy texture
- Rich homemade tomato sauce
- Great for feeding a crowd
- Freezer-friendly
- Perfect with pasta, subs, or on their own
Ingredients
For the Monster Meatballs
- 1½ lbs (680 g) ground beef (80/20 preferred)
- 1 lb (450 g) ground pork
- 1 cup Italian breadcrumbs
- ½ cup whole milk
- 2 large eggs
- ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 5 cloves garlic, finely minced
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for browning)
For the Homemade Marinara Sauce
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, finely diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cans (28 oz / 800 g each) crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- ¼ cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Large skillet or Dutch oven
- Baking sheet
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
Step 1: Prepare the Meat Mixture
In a small bowl, combine:
- Breadcrumbs
- Milk
Allow the mixture to sit for 5 minutes. This creates a panade, which helps keep the meatballs soft and juicy.
In a large mixing bowl combine:
- Ground beef
- Ground pork
- Soaked breadcrumbs
- Eggs
- Parmesan cheese
- Garlic
- Parsley
- Basil
- Oregano
- Salt
- Pepper
- Red pepper flakes
Mix gently using your hands until everything is just combined.
Do not overmix, as this can make the meatballs tough.
Step 2: Shape the Monster Meatballs
Divide the mixture into 6–8 equal portions.
Roll each portion into a large meatball approximately:
- 3 inches (7–8 cm) wide
- About the size of a baseball
Place the meatballs on a baking sheet.
For easier shaping, lightly wet your hands with water.
Step 3: Brown the Meatballs
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Carefully add the meatballs and brown them on all sides.
Cook for about:
- 2–3 minutes per side
- Total 8–10 minutes
The goal is not to cook them through, only to develop a flavorful crust.
Transfer the browned meatballs to a plate.
Step 4: Make the Marinara Sauce
Using the same skillet:
Sauté the Aromatics
Add olive oil if needed.
Cook onions for:
- 5–7 minutes
until soft and translucent.
Add garlic and cook for:
- 30 seconds
until fragrant.
Build the Sauce
Stir in:
- Tomato paste
Cook for 1 minute.
Add:
- Crushed tomatoes
- Sugar
- Basil
- Oregano
- Thyme
- Bay leaf
Season with salt and pepper.
Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.
Cook uncovered for:
- 15 minutes
stirring occasionally.
Step 5: Simmer the Meatballs
Return the meatballs to the sauce.
Spoon sauce over each meatball.
Reduce heat to low.
Cover partially and simmer for:
35–45 minutes
During cooking:
- Turn meatballs once or twice
- Spoon sauce over them occasionally
The meatballs are done when they reach:
Internal Temperature: 165°F (74°C)
and are completely cooked through.
Step 6: Finish the Sauce
Remove the bay leaf.
Stir in fresh basil.
Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
Allow everything to rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Monster Meatballs with:
Classic
- Spaghetti
- Linguine
- Fettuccine
Comfort Food
- Creamy mashed potatoes
- Polenta
- Garlic bread
Sandwich Style
- Toasted hoagie rolls
- Melted mozzarella cheese
- Extra marinara sauce
Low-Carb
- Zucchini noodles
- Roasted vegetables
- Cauliflower mash
Storage
Refrigerator
Store in an airtight container for up to:
- 4 days
Freezer
Freeze meatballs and sauce separately or together for:
- Up to 3 months
Thaw overnight before reheating.
Chef’s Tips
✔ Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor.
✔ Combining beef and pork creates a richer, juicier meatball.
✔ Browning before simmering adds depth and color.
✔ Let the sauce simmer slowly for maximum flavor.
✔ For cheesy Monster Meatballs, place a cube of mozzarella in the center of each meatball before shaping.
Yield
- 6–8 giant meatballs
Prep Time
- 25 minutes
Cook Time
- 1 hour
Total Time
- 1 hour 25 minutes
These Monster Meatballs are massive, juicy, and packed with Italian flavor, making them the ultimate comfort-food centerpiece for a hearty family meal.
