Copycat Pizza Hut Meatball Recipe: The Ultimate Homemade Delight

Few things compare to the comfort of biting into a juicy, flavorful meatball—especially when it’s inspired by one of America’s favorite pizza chains. This Pizza Hut Meatball recipe is a delicious homemade version that brings the bold, seasoned flavor of restaurant-style meatballs straight to your kitchen. Whether you’re making a meatball sub, topping your pizza, or serving them as a hearty appetizer, this recipe is versatile, crowd-pleasing, and surprisingly simple.

Picture a chilly Friday night in—movie ready, cozy blanket on, and the aroma of savory meatballs bubbling in marinara sauce filling your home. That’s the kind of evening this recipe was made for. Inspired by the nostalgic taste of Pizza Hut’s classic Italian-American flavors, this meatball recipe is a tribute to the meals we grew up with—bold seasoning, melt-in-your-mouth texture, and a deeply satisfying finish.

Why You’ll Love This Copycat Recipe

There’s something uniquely satisfying about recreating restaurant-style dishes at home, especially when they turn out just as good—or even better—than the original. Here’s why this recipe is bound to become a household favorite:

• Authentic flavor: With a blend of Italian herbs, garlic, parmesan cheese, and beef, these meatballs pack the same umami punch you’d expect from Pizza Hut.

• Versatile usage: Perfect for meatball subs, pizza toppings, pasta, or served as a standalone appetizer.

• Freezer-friendly: Make a big batch and freeze extras for busy weeknights.

• Customizable: Easily adjust the seasoning or meat blend to suit your tastes.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To mimic the Pizza Hut flavor profile, we use a mix of bold seasonings and high-quality ground beef. Here’s your shopping list:

For the Meatballs:

• 1 lb ground beef (80/20 for optimal juiciness)

• 1/2 lb ground pork (adds richness and softness)

• 1/2 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs

• 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1/4 cup whole milk

• 1 large egg

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tsp onion powder

• 1 tsp dried oregano

• 1 tsp dried basil

• 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

• 1 tsp salt

• 1/2 tsp black pepper

• 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (or 1 tsp dried)

For the Sauce (Optional but Recommended):

• 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 clove garlic, minced

• 1/2 tsp dried Italian seasoning

How to Make Pizza Hut-Style Meatballs at Home

Making these meatballs from scratch is straightforward and can be done in under an hour. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Prepare the Meatball Mixture

In a large bowl, combine the ground beef and pork. Add in breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, milk, egg, garlic, onion powder, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, pepper, and parsley.

Using clean hands or a spatula, gently mix until everything is fully combined. Avoid overmixing—this can make the meatballs dense rather than tender.

Step 2: Shape the Meatballs

Using a cookie scoop or your hands, form the mixture into balls roughly 1½ inches in diameter. You should end up with about 20–24 meatballs, depending on size.

Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet and chill in the fridge for 15–20 minutes. This helps them hold their shape while cooking.

Step 3: Sear the Meatballs (Optional but Adds Flavor)

Heat a skillet over medium-high heat with a splash of oil. Brown the meatballs on all sides, working in batches if necessary. This step adds a golden crust and enhances the flavor.

Step 4: Bake Until Cooked Through

Transfer the seared meatballs to a baking dish. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.

Step 5: Simmer in Marinara Sauce

While the meatballs are baking, heat olive oil in a saucepan. Sauté the garlic until fragrant, then add marinara sauce and Italian seasoning. Simmer for 5–10 minutes.

Add the baked meatballs to the sauce and let them simmer together for another 5–10 minutes. This allows the meatballs to absorb the sauce’s flavor.

How to Serve Pizza Hut Meatballs

The beauty of this recipe lies in its flexibility. Here are a few delicious ways to serve your homemade Pizza Hut-style meatballs:

1. Classic Meatball Sub

Toast hoagie rolls, spoon in three to four meatballs, cover with sauce, and top with shredded mozzarella and parmesan. Broil until the cheese melts for a melty, gooey sandwich.

2. Pizza Topping

Top your favorite pizza crust with marinara, sliced meatballs, mozzarella, and fresh basil. Bake as usual for an Italian-American classic.

3. Over Pasta

Serve the meatballs on a bed of spaghetti or penne for a comforting, crowd-pleasing dinner.

4. Appetizer Style

Serve toothpick-skewered meatballs in a mini crockpot of marinara sauce for a party platter.

Tips for the Best Homemade Meatballs

Want to elevate your meatball game even further? Here are some expert tips:

Use a Beef and Pork Blend

Using both types of meat gives you the ideal combination of flavor and tenderness. All-beef meatballs can sometimes be too dry or dense.

Don’t Skip the Chilling Step

Chilling the formed meatballs before cooking helps them retain their shape and prevents cracking.

Sear for Flavor

While you can bake meatballs from raw, searing them first adds a deeper flavor and a more appealing texture.

Avoid Overmixing

Overworking the mixture can result in rubbery meatballs. Mix just until everything is combined.

Simmer in Sauce

Letting the meatballs finish in marinara sauce not only enhances flavor but keeps them moist.

Storing and Reheating

One of the best parts of this recipe is that it’s meal-prep friendly. Here’s how to store and reheat your meatballs:

Refrigerator:

Store cooked meatballs in an airtight container with sauce. They’ll keep for up to 4 days.

Freezer:

Place cooled meatballs (with or without sauce) in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 3 months. For best results, freeze on a tray before transferring to a container to prevent sticking.

Reheating:

Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop. If frozen, let thaw in the fridge overnight or reheat directly from frozen on low heat with sauce until heated through.

FAQs About Pizza Hut Meatballs

Are these the same meatballs used at Pizza Hut?

While Pizza Hut doesn’t publicly share their exact recipe, this version is inspired by the flavors and texture commonly found in their Italian-style dishes.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes! Swap out traditional breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers.

Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can make the meatball mixture up to 24 hours ahead. Just keep it refrigerated until you’re ready to cook.

What kind of sauce should I use?

A classic marinara or Pizza Hut-style pizza sauce works best. You can also spice things up with a spicy arrabbiata or a creamy tomato sauce.

Nutrition Information (Approx. per meatball with sauce)

• Calories: 110

• Protein: 7g

• Fat: 8g

• Carbohydrates: 3g

• Sodium: 210mg

Note: Nutritional values will vary based on ingredient brands and portion sizes.

More Recipes Inspired by Pizza Night

If you loved this Pizza Hut Meatball copycat, try out some of these other delicious comfort food recipes:

• Homemade Stuffed Crust Pizza

• Garlic Parmesan Breadsticks

• Deep Dish Pepperoni Pizza

• Cheesy Baked Ziti

• Spicy Italian Sausage Calzones

  Print

  Copycat Pizza Hut Meatball Recipe: The Ultimate Homemade Delight

  

  Print Recipe

  Bring the nostalgic flavor of Pizza Hut’s savory meatballs to your home kitchen with this easy, crowd-pleasing recipe. Juicy, perfectly seasoned, and simmered in marinara, these meatballs are ideal for pizza night, meatball subs, or cozy pasta dinners.

  • Author: JACK STONE
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 20–24 meatballs 1x

  Ingredients

  Scale 1x2x3x

  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20)

  • 1/2 lb ground pork

  • 1/2 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs

  • 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese

  • 1/4 cup whole milk

  • 1 large egg

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 tsp onion powder

  • 1 tsp dried oregano

  • 1 tsp dried basil

  • 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

  • 1 tsp salt

  • 1/2 tsp black pepper

  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 tsp dried)

  For the sauce (optional):

  • 2 cups marinara sauce

  • 1 tbsp olive oil

  • 1 clove garlic, minced

  • 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning

  Instructions

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef and pork.

  • Add breadcrumbs, Parmesan, milk, egg, minced garlic, onion powder, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, pepper, and parsley.

  • Gently mix with hands or a spatula until just combined—do not overmix.

  • Form into 1½-inch meatballs and place on a lined baking sheet.

  • Chill meatballs in the refrigerator for 15–20 minutes to help retain shape.

  • (Optional) Heat a skillet with oil and sear meatballs on all sides for 3–4 minutes to create a golden crust.

  • Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Transfer meatballs to a baking dish and bake for 15–20 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 160°F.

  • In a saucepan, heat olive oil and sauté minced garlic for 30 seconds. Add marinara sauce and Italian seasoning. Simmer for 5–10 minutes.

  • Add baked meatballs to the sauce and simmer together for 5–10 minutes to absorb flavor.

  • Serve hot on subs, over pasta, on pizza, or as an appetizer.

  Notes

  • For extra-soft meatballs, increase milk to 1/3 cup.

  • Ground turkey can be used in place of pork or beef.

  • These meatballs freeze well for up to 3 months.

  • Searing is optional but adds more flavor.