Meat Balls Napoli
Meat Balls Napoli Recipe - Authentic Italian Cuisine
Introduction
Meat Balls Napoli is a delicious and hearty dish that combines tender meatballs with a savory tomato sauce, served over a bed of fluffy rice. This classic Italian-inspired recipe is sure to become a family favorite.
History
The origins of Meat Balls Napoli can be traced back to the Italian city of Naples, where meatballs are a popular dish. This recipe has been passed down through generations, with each family adding their own unique twist to the traditional dish.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (454 g) of lean ground beef
- 1 cup of soft bread crumbs
- 0.33 cup of finely chopped onion
- 0.33 cup of finely chopped celery
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp of garlic salt
- 0.25 tsp of ground black pepper
- 1 tsp of italian seasoning
- 1 tbsp of worcestershire sauce
- 1 15.5 oz (439 g) jar of spaghetti sauce, divided
- 1 tbsp of cornstarch
- 1 cup of beef broth
- 1 16 oz (454 g) can of cut green beans, drained
- 3 cups of hot cooked rice
How to prepare
- Combine beef, bread crumbs, onion, celery, egg, garlic salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, Worcestershire sauce, and 3 tbsp spaghetti sauce. Mix thoroughly. Form into 12 meatballs, each measuring 0.25 cup. Place in a greased shallow baking pan. Bake at 375°F (191°C) for 20 minutes.
- Meanwhile, blend cornstarch with broth and the remaining spaghetti sauce. Add green beans and simmer for about 2 minutes. Pour over the meatballs and continue baking for 10 minutes longer. Serve over fluffy rice. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Variations
- For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes to the meatball mixture.
- Substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef for a lighter version of the dish.
- Add chopped bell peppers or mushrooms to the sauce for extra flavor.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
Be sure to mix the meatball ingredients thoroughly to ensure that they hold together well.
- Baking the meatballs before adding them to the sauce helps them retain their shape and prevents them from falling apart.
- Simmering the green beans in the sauce adds a delicious flavor and texture to the dish.
Serving Suggestions
Meat Balls Napoli can be served with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
Cooking Techniques
Baking the meatballs before adding them to the sauce helps them retain their shape and prevents them from falling apart.
Ingredient Substitutions
You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the lean ground beef in this recipe.
Make Ahead Tips
You can prepare the meatballs ahead of time and refrigerate them until ready to bake.
Presentation Ideas
Serve Meat Balls Napoli on a bed of fluffy rice, garnished with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese.
Pairing Recommendations
Meat Balls Napoli pairs well with a glass of red wine, such as Chianti or Merlot.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.
Nutrition Information
Calories per serving
Each serving of Meat Balls Napoli contains approximately 400 calories.
Carbohydrates
Each serving of Meat Balls Napoli contains approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates.
Fats
Each serving of Meat Balls Napoli contains approximately 15 grams of fat.
Proteins
Each serving of Meat Balls Napoli contains approximately 25 grams of protein.
Vitamins and minerals
Meat Balls Napoli is a good source of iron, vitamin C, and vitamin A.
Alergens
This recipe contains gluten from the bread crumbs and eggs.
Summary
Meat Balls Napoli is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, along with essential vitamins and minerals.
Summary
Meat Balls Napoli is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for a family dinner or special occasion. With tender meatballs in a savory tomato sauce, served over fluffy rice, this recipe is sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
How did I get this recipe?
The moment I found this recipe is one that will always be cherished. It was a sunny afternoon in Naples, Italy, and I was wandering the bustling streets, taking in the sights and sounds of this vibrant city. As I strolled past the local market, the delicious aroma of freshly cooked meat balls wafted through the air, drawing me in like a magnet.
I followed my nose to a small food stall, where a kindly elderly woman was busy frying up batch after batch of meat balls. The sizzle of the hot oil, the tantalizing smell of herbs and spices, and the sight of those golden brown orbs of deliciousness made my mouth water. I couldn't resist approaching the woman and asking her for the recipe.
She smiled warmly at me and beckoned me closer. In broken English, she explained the ingredients and the method of making the meat balls. Her hands moved deftly as she mixed the meat, breadcrumbs, herbs, and eggs together, shaping them into perfect spheres before dropping them into the bubbling oil.
I watched in awe as she cooked them to perfection, turning them over with a practiced hand until they were crispy and brown on all sides. As she plated them up and handed me a sample, I took my first bite and was instantly transported to foodie heaven.
The flavors exploded in my mouth – the tender meat, the savory herbs, the crunchy breadcrumbs – it was a taste sensation like no other. I knew in that moment that I had to learn how to make these meat balls for myself.
I begged the woman to teach me her recipe, and she laughed and agreed. We spent the rest of the afternoon together, as she patiently guided me through each step, showing me the secret techniques and tips that made her meat balls Napoli so special.
I took copious notes, making sure to write down every detail so that I could recreate this culinary masterpiece back home. When the time came for me to leave Naples, I said a tearful goodbye to my new friend, promising to cherish her recipe and pass it down through the generations.
Back in my own kitchen, I set to work making the meat balls Napoli. I carefully measured out the ingredients, mixed them together just like the woman had shown me, and shaped them into perfect spheres. As I fried them up in my own pan, the familiar aroma filled the air, bringing back memories of that sunny afternoon in Italy.
When I finally sat down to eat, I closed my eyes and took a bite. The taste was as delicious as I remembered – savory, succulent, and oh-so-satisfying. I knew that I had found a recipe that would become a family favorite for years to come.
And so, every time I make meat balls Napoli, I think back to that fateful day in Naples, and I say a silent thank you to the kind woman who shared her recipe with me. It's a dish that brings joy and warmth to my heart, and I am grateful for the memories and the flavors that it brings into my life. Grazie mille, dear friend, for giving me the gift of meat balls Napoli.
Categories
| Beef Recipes | Beef Stock And Broth Recipes | Garlic Salt Recipes | Green Bean Recipes | Italian Recipes | Main Dish Recipes | Parmesan Cheese Recipes | Rice Recipes |