Gordon Ramsay’s Meatballs Recipe: The Secret to Juicy, Flavor-Packed Perfection

Master Chef Gordon Ramsay's iconic meatball recipe combines premium ground meats with fresh herbs and traditional Italian seasonings, creating tender, flavorful meatballs that are perfect for any pasta dish or as a standalone main course.

Gordon Ramsay’s iconic meatballs have become a staple dish across his restaurants and television shows, including Hell’s Kitchen and MasterChef. This recipe combines the finest ground beef and pork with carefully selected seasonings, creating the perfect balance of flavors that has made Chef Ramsay’s meatballs world-renowned.

Drawing from his expertise in Italian cuisine and his classical training, Gordon Ramsay’s meatball recipe incorporates fresh herbs and traditional techniques to achieve the ideal texture and taste. When paired with his signature marinara sauce and topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese, these meatballs transform into a restaurant-quality dish that’s perfect for family dinners or special occasions.

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1/2 pound ground pork
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup whole milk
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 cups marinara sauce
  • Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Begin by combining the ground beef and pork in a large bowl. Add breadcrumbs, eggs, milk, Parmesan, garlic, herbs, salt, and pepper. Mix gently with your hands until just combined, being careful not to overmix. Form mixture into golf ball-sized meatballs. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and brown meatballs on all sides. Add marinara sauce, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes until cooked through. Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil and additional Parmesan cheese.

For best results, chill the meatball mixture for 30 minutes before forming the balls to help them hold their shape better. When mixing ingredients, use cold hands to prevent the meat from warming up too much. Avoid overcrowding the pan when browning the meatballs, as this will prevent proper caramelization.

If made ahead, these meatballs can be frozen before or after cooking in the sauce for up to three months.

Gordon Ramsay Meatballs Recipe

Chef Gordon Ramsay's Traditional Italian meatballs combine quality like ground beef and pork with culinary excellence to create the ultimate comfort food.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Course Sides
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4 servings
Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the Meatballs

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1/2 pound ground pork
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup whole milk
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh basil chopped
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 cups marinara sauce
  • Fresh basil leaves for garnish

For the Sauce

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 shallots, peeled and finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, chopped
  • 1 red pepper, finely sliced
  • 1 ounce dry white wine
  • 2 cans chopped tomatoes
  • A small bunch of basil, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon chopped oregano
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

To Serve

  • Extra grated Italian Romano cheese

Instructions
 

Prepare the Meatballs:

  • In a bowl, soak the breadcrumbs in milk.
  • Combine the soaked breadcrumbs, ground beef, pork, halved garlic cloves, chopped parsley, and grated Romano cheese in a large mixing bowl. Season with salt and pepper.
  • Mix the ingredients until well combined. Form the mixture into small meatballs.
  • Lightly dust the meatballs with flour.

Cook the Meatballs:

  • Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
  • Add the meatballs and cook until browned on all sides. Remove and set aside.

Make the Sauce:

  • In the same skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
  • Add the diced shallots, chopped garlic, and sliced red pepper. Cook until softened.
  • Deglaze the pan with the dry white wine, scraping up any browned bits.
  • Add the canned tomatoes, basil, and oregano. Bring to a simmer.
  • Return the meatballs to the skillet, cover, and let them simmer in the sauce for about 20-30 minutes.
  • Serve the meatballs hot with a sprinkle of extra-grated Romano cheese.
  • Accompany with pasta, bread, or as desired.

Video

Notes

Adapted from Gordon Ramsay’s Ultimate Cookery Course TV Show. 

These restaurant-quality meatballs demonstrate why Gordon Ramsay’s recipes have earned worldwide acclaim. Whether served with spaghetti, in a sub, or as an appetizer, these versatile meatballs deliver exceptional flavor and texture that will upgrade any meal to professional standards.