I love the flavor of Italian sausage, and I’ve found that adding some to a batch of meatballs creates the best flavor and texture—without the need to add much else to the mix. This recipe uses inexpensive ingredients and usually makes enough for at least two meals (depending on the number of people in your house, of course). We like these in jarred tomato sauce, my Hidden Veggie Pasta Sauce, or my Extra Veggie Marinara to serve with pasta. They are also great in a meatball sandwich or served diced up with a side of bread. You could also add them to my Meatball Soup or Giambotta, or serve alongside salad with Caesar Dressing.
Ingredients You Need
To make this Italian Sausage Meatballs recipe you’ll need to have the following ingredients on hand and ready to go. Sign up for our email updates to get tips and ideas sent to your inbox.
Ground beef: You can use any percentage of fat. I typically use 85-90%. Italian sausage: Either bulk or the kind in casings both work here, though starting with bulk mild Italian sausage is a little easier. Grated Parmesan cheese: Parmesan cheese in the meatball mixture adds flavor, and grated cheese blends in nicely. Italian-flavor bread crumbs: These help the meatball mixture hold together nicely and add flavor to the mix. (Use gluten-free bread crumbs if needed.) Egg: I like to add an egg to my meatballs to add moisture and to help the ground meat mixture hold together.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Here’s a look at the steps involved in this recipe. Scroll down to the bottom of the post for the full recipe, including the amounts and timing. TIP: You can bake them on a greased baking sheet lined or unlined with foil. Using foil will make cleanup slightly easier.
Serving Suggestions
We love them in tomato sauce (though my kids will eat them plain, too!) with pasta, or as a meatball sandwich. You can serve the elements of a classic meatball sandwich deconstructed to make sure it’s easy for kids to eat.
Other Meatballs for Kids
Healthy Meatballs Mini Meatballs Baked Chicken Meatballs Teriyaki Meatballs Chicken Sweet Potato Meatballs Pesto Meatballs Turkey Baby Meatballs
How to Store
Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3-5 days in the fridge and reheat to serve. Or freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge or in a pot of simmering tomato sauce on the stove top.
Best Tips for Success
Use raw Italian sausage, not precooked. Choose sausage that’s bulk or that comes in casings. Either works. Use gluten-free bread crumbs and sausage to make this recipe gluten-free. Serve the meatballs in warm tomato sauce with pasta or as meatball sandwiches with bread. You might also like more of my easy meatball recipes, my One-Pot Taco Pasta, and my Postpartum Freezer Meals.
I’d love to hear what you think of the recipe if you try it, so please comment below to share!
Turkey Sweet Potato Baby Meatballs
Favorite Mini Meatballs (with Veggies)
4-Ingredient Baked Chicken Meatballs
Favorite Pesto Meatballs
This recipe was first published June 2019.
