Learn how to make juicy, flavorful pork meatballs at home. Step-by-step instructions for a simple, comforting recipe everyone will love!
These succulent pork meatballs are a family favorite - perfect as a main dish, appetizer, or party snack. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you'll have juicy, flavorful meatballs ready in no time.
Ingredients: 12 | Prep Time: 30 minutes | Cook Time: 20 minutes | Servings: 30 meatballs | Difficulty: Easy
You can serve them in a flavorful marinara sauce, on a bed of spaghetti, with mashed potatoes, or as part of a delicious meatball sub; they are definitely versatile.
Check out more of our favorite recipes: Beef Meatballs with Zucchini, Veal Meatballs, or Romanian Meatballs - Chiftele.
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Recipe ingredients
Ground pork: You can also make them with various combinations of meats such as beef, pork, veal, chicken, or turkey. Try these Spanish Meatballs - Albondigas, too; they are amazing! Or make a super hearty Pork Meatball Soup.
Breadcrumbs: Use plain breadcrumbs or seasoned ones. Alternatively, you can use crushed crackers, panko breadcrumbs, white bread, or rolled oats.
Mayonnaise: The secret ingredient that adds moisture and flavor.
See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.
How to make pork meatballs step-by-step?
Step #1: Place the meatballs' ingredients in a bowl.
Step #2: Gently mix the ingredients until well combined. Avoid overmixing, as it can result in tougher meatballs.
Step #3: Shape the mixture into small balls and dredge them through a bit of flour.
Step #4: Pan-fry the meatballs in batches in a large cast-iron or nonstick skillet over medium heat; the pan's bottom should be covered in a thin layer of oil.
Step #5: Cook for about 8-10 minutes, turning them occasionally to brown all sides and ensure they are cooked through (6,7).
Second batch: If the skillet is dry, add a bit more oil and fry the second batch.
Keep warm: Remove them from the pan and keep them warm. To achieve that, place them in an oven-safe dish and keep them in the warm oven at 200ยฐF/ 95ยฐC while you cook the rest of the meatballs.
Alternative Cooking Method: Baking
For a lighter version, you can bake the meatballs:
- Preheat your oven to 190ยฐC (375ยฐF).
- Place the floured meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
Tips for perfect meatballs
Chill the mixture: Before shaping, refrigerate the meatball mixture for 30 minutes. This helps the flavors meld and makes the mixture easier to handle.
Don't overmix: Mixing the meat too much can result in tough meatballs. Combine ingredients until just incorporated.
Even sizing: Use a cookie scoop to ensure uniform-sized meatballs, promoting even cooking.
Use a meat thermometer (the Amazon link opens in a new tab) to ensure that the pork meatballs are cooked through and avoid overcooking. The internal temperature for pork should reach 160ยฐF (71ยฐC).
Make ahead, store, and reheat
Make the mixture ahead and refrigerate it in an airtight container or in a bowl covered with plastic wrap until you're ready to cook. You can also shape the balls in advance and keep them refrigerated until needed.
Refrigerate them in an airtight container for 3-4 days. Serve them cold or reheat them.
Freeze them in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Defrost them in the fridge overnight and reheat as desired.
Reheat them in the preheated oven (350ยฐF/ 180ยฐC) for about 15 minutes or until heated through.
Reheat them in a skillet on the stovetop, turning them occasionally.
Microwave them, covered, in short bursts, turning them occasionally.
How to serve them?
These pork meatballs are versatile and can be served in various ways:
Classic style: Serve with spaghetti and marinara sauce for a traditional meal. You can use them to make this Pork Meatballs in Tomato Sauce Recipe.
Sandwiches: My favorite and super simple meatball sandwich is made with two slices of good sourdough bread, spread with mustard and a bit of sweet chili sauce, some lettuce leaves, and a slice of cheese.
Appetizer: Serve with toothpicks and a dipping sauce at parties. You can have them with this super hot Peri Peri Sauce.
Meal prep: Pair with roasted vegetables or a salad with Yogurt Dressing, with Buttered Rice, bulgur, or couscous.
Recipe
Tender Pork Meatballs
Ingredients
- 2 lb ground pork
- 2 large eggs
- โ cup dried breadcrumbs
- 1 small red onion
- 3 garlic cloves grated
- ยผ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard Note 1
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
- ยฝ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ยฝ teaspoon thyme
- ยผ teaspoon red pepper flakes or to taste
- ยฝ teaspoon fine sea salt more to taste
- ยผ teaspoon black pepper
- ยฝ cup all-purpose flour 60
- 4-5 tablespoons oil for frying, more as required
Instructions
- Combine the ground pork, beaten eggs, breadcrumbs + finely chopped onion, grated garlic, mayonnaise, mustard, spices, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Mix gently and avoid overmixing, as it can result in tougher meatballs.2 lb ground pork + 2 large eggs + โ cup dried breadcrumbs + 1 small red onion + 3 garlic cloves + ยผ cup mayonnaise + 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard + 1 teaspoon sweet paprika + ยฝ teaspoon smoked paprika + ยฝ teaspoon thyme + ยผ teaspoon red pepper flakes + ยฝ teaspoon fine sea salt + ยผ teaspoon black pepper
- Shape the meatballs: Take a small portion (about ยผ cup = 55 g) and roll it between your palms to form a ball. Repeat the process with the remaining mixture. You will have 27-30 meatballs.
- Flour the meatballs: Place the flour on a large plate or into a shallow bowl. Dredge the meatballs through the flour and gently pat them to remove the excess. Place them on a baking sheet or a plate, ensuring they don't touch each other.ยฝ cup all-purpose flour
- Pan fry the meatballs in batches: Heat 2-3 tablespoons of oil in a large skillet over medium heat; the pan's bottom should be covered in a thin layer of oil. Add the first batch, ensuring they have enough space to cook evenly. Cook for about 8-10 minutes, turning them occasionally to brown all sides and ensure they are cooked through (Note 2).half of 4-5 tablespoons oil
- Keep warm: Remove them from the pan and keep them warm. To achieve that, place them in an oven-safe dish and keep them in the warm oven at 200ยฐF/ 95ยฐC while you cook the rest of the meatballs.
- If the skillet is dry, add the remaining oil and fry the second meatball batch.
- Baking method: Preheat the oven to 375ยฐF /190ยฐC. Place the shaped balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake them for about 20-25 minutes or until they are cooked through and browned on the outside.
Notes
- Mustard: Substitute Dijon with yellow mustard.
- Use a meat thermometer (the Amazon link opens in a new tab) to ensure that the pork meatballs are cooked through and avoid overcooking. The internal temperature for pork should reach 160ยฐF (71ยฐC).
- Storage: Refrigerate in an airtight container for 3-4 days. Serve cold or reheat as desired.
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