Italian Meatball – Experience the pleasure of our Meatball Recipe. Bursting with flavors these meatballs are a combination of ground beef, pork and veal delicately seasoned and simmered to perfection in a sauce. This recipe guarantees a taste of Italy with every mouthful.
When I first decided to try my hand at making these meatballs it turned out to be an experiment that quickly became a beloved family dish. The enticing aroma of garlic and Parmesan wafting through the kitchen had my husband and child eagerly anticipating dinner. Witnessing their joy as they savored each tender bite inspired me to refine this recipe over the years.
What makes this Italian Meatball truly special?
Embark, on a journey with our Meatball Recipe, where the harmonious blend of ground beef, pork and veal creates a symphony of flavors. What sets these meatballs apart is not the combination of meats but also the utmost care taken in crafting each mouthwatering morsel. Simmered in a sauce infused with the warmth of garlic, Parmesan cheese and aromatic herbs these meatballs absorb a depth of flavor. What truly elevates this recipe is the dedication, to maintaining their tenderness and succulence by handling all ingredients. From your savory bite onwards you will experience the true essence of Italy – making this dish a timeless favorite that surpasses ordinary meatball recipes.
What You Need To Make This Italian Meatball Recipe?
Ground Beef, Pork, and Veal: Imagine a trio of meaty maestros, each bringing its unique personality to the stage. The beef adds robustness, the pork contributes a hint of indulgence, and the veal, well, it’s the subtle charm. Feel free to play with their proportions, like a chef composing a symphony, until you find your perfect harmony.
Eggs: These little orbs of potential act as the binding notes, weaving the meaty trio into a harmonious blend. Beating them lightly is like giving your mixture a gentle pep talk, encouraging the ingredients to dance together without losing their individuality.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated into a powdery cloud, Parmesan is the silent storyteller in this culinary saga. Its salty whispers and nutty undertones add depth, turning every bite into a savory revelation. Choose quality Parmesan; it’s the supporting actor that steals the show.
Garlic: The four cloves of garlic aren’t just ingredients; they’re the storytellers, infusing warmth and character into the mix. Finely diced, they become the narrators of a flavorful tale, ensuring that each meatball is a chapter worth savoring.
Italian Breadcrumbs: Think of these breadcrumbs as the breadcrumbs of memory, preferably homemade. They add a touch of nostalgia, creating a texture that’s more than just crunch—it’s a connection to tradition, a nod to the grandmothers who knew that great meatballs are made with a bit of history.
Parsley: Meet the conductor of this flavor symphony. Finely chopped, parsley directs the taste experience, ensuring that every bite is a well-orchestrated sensation. It’s not just a garnish; it’s the unsung hero that ties everything together.
Salt and Freshly Ground Pepper: These are the seasonings that allow you to fine-tune the flavor, adding a pinch of personality to suit your taste. Like a dash of attitude, they transform the ordinary into the extraordinary.
Olive Oil: Picture the sun-drenched hills of Italy as you reach for the olive oil. It’s not just a cooking medium; it’s a journey to the Mediterranean, infusing the dish with a touch of warmth and a swirl of sophistication. Drizzle it with love; it’s the liquid gold that ties the entire experience together.
Steps To Make Italian Meatball:
For the meatballs:
Step 1: Combine all the ingredients, for the meatballs in a bowl. Handle the mixture gently to make them tender.
Step 2: Shape the mixture into balls that are around 1+1/2 inches in size.
Step 3: In a saucepan heat some olive oil over medium heat.
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Step 4: Cook the meatballs in batches giving them a few minutes on each side until they turn brown.
Step 5: Set the meatballs aside while you prepare the sauce then let them simmer in it for 45 minutes.
For the sauce:
Step 6: Using the saucepan heat some olive oil over medium heat.
Step 7: Sauté onions until they become soft which usually takes 5 minutes.
Step 8: Add garlic. Sauté it, for another 1 to 2 minutes.
Step 9: Put in crushed tomatoes, bay leaf, parsley, red pepper flakes, salt and pepper.
Step 10: Allow it to gently boil before reducing it to a simmer.
Step 11: Add the cooked meatballs into the sauce. Mix them together well.
Step 12: Let everything simmer for another 45 minutes.
Step 13: Enjoy your meatballs with this homemade sauce!
Tip:
To add a kick of flavor consider searing the meatballs before simmering them in the sauce. This straightforward approach not only enhances the process but also donates a scrumptious depth to the general taste. It’s a trick that elevates your meatballs from good, to exceptional leaving everyone at the table curious about the enchantment, in each mouthful.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I freeze these meatballs?
Of course! After you’ve cooked the meatballs allow them to cool down. Once they’re, at room temperature you can place them in a container that seals tightly and store them in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy them just. Reheat for a delicious meal.
Can I use store-bought breadcrumbs?
Yes, absolutely! While homemade breadcrumbs offer a texture you can certainly use store-bought ones well. If you opt for store-bought breadcrumbs I recommend going for seasoned ones to add a kick of flavor.
Can I make the sauce in advance?
Definitely! In fact making the sauce, in advance is an idea as it allows the flavors to develop further over time. You can prepare the sauce a day ahead. Then let it sit in the refrigerator. This way it will have a taste when you serve it.
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<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Italian Meatball Recipe
Ingredients
Meatballs:
- 1/2 lb ground beef
- 1/2 lb ground pork see notes
- 1/2 lb ground veal see notes
- 2 large eggs lightly beaten
- 1/4 c Parmesan cheese grated into a powder
- 4 cloves garlic finely diced
- 1/4 c Italian breadcrumbs preferably homemade
- 1/4 c parsley finely chopped
- Salt and freshly ground pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Homemade Sauce:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 Spanish onion finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic finely chopped and sauteed
- 56 ounces crushed tomatoes
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 bunch parsley
- 1 pinch red pepper flakes
- Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
- 6 basil leaves sliced into strips
Instructions
Meatballs:
- Begin by mixing parts of ground beef, pork and veal, with eggs, Parmesan cheese, garlic, fresh parsley and Italian breadcrumbs.
- Form the mixture into meatballs that are approximately 1+1/2 inches in size.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a pan and carefully brown the meatballs until they develop a color.
- Remove the meatballs from the pan. Set them aside for now.
Homemade Sauce:
- In the pan used for browning the meatballs, sauté chopped onion until it becomes soft. Then add minced garlic to the pan.
- Pour in 56 ounces of crushed tomatoes along with bay leaf, parsley leaves, red pepper flakes (if desired) salt and pepper. Mix everything well.
- Gently place the set-aside meatballs back into the sauce. Cover the pan. Let it simmer for 45 minutes to allow all flavors to meld together beautifully.
- Before serving your dish of meatballs, in homemade sauce stir in some thinly sliced strips of fresh basil for an extra burst of flavor.
- Enjoy your meal!
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
