Meat Balls Sicilian

Sicilian Beef Meatballs with Tomato Gravy and Italian-Inspired Herbs

Region / culture: Italy | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Meat Balls Sicilian is a delicious and hearty dish that is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a special occasion. These savory meatballs are cooked in a rich and flavorful sauce, making them a favorite among many.

History

The recipe for Meat Balls Sicilian has its origins in the Sicilian region of Italy. It is a traditional dish that has been passed down through generations, with each family adding their own unique twist to the recipe.

Ingredients

1.5 lb (680 g) lean ground beef
1 cup soft breadcrumbs
1 cup finely chopped celery
0.5 cup finely chopped onion
2 eggs
2 tsp salt
0.25 tsp garlic powder
0.33 cup vegetable oil
1 15-0.5 oz (14 g) jar spaghetti sauce with mushrooms, divided
1 11 oz (312 g) can condensed cheddar cheese soup
0.5 cup burgundy or beef broth
2 cup hot cooked rice

How to prepare

Combine beef, breadcrumbs, celery, onion, eggs, salt, garlic powder, and 2 tbsp of spaghetti sauce. Shape into 18 balls, each about 2 inches in diameter.
Heat oil in a large skillet. Add the meatballs and brown them on all sides. Remove the meatballs from the pan and drain off any excess fat.
Add the spaghetti sauce, cheese soup, and wine to the skillet. Return the meatballs to the pan. Cover and simmer for 20 minutes.
Serve the meatballs over beds of fluffy rice. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Variations

Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter version.
Add chopped bell peppers or carrots to the meatball mixture for added flavor and nutrition.
Use different types of cheese soup or pasta sauce for a different twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to brown the meatballs on all sides to seal in the juices and flavor.

- Use lean ground beef to keep the meatballs from becoming too greasy.

- Simmer the meatballs in the sauce for at least 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Meat Balls Sicilian over hot cooked rice or pasta. Garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley.

Cooking Techniques

Browning the meatballs before simmering them in the sauce helps to seal in the juices and flavor.

- Simmering the meatballs in the sauce for at least 20 minutes allows the flavors to meld together and creates a rich and flavorful dish.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use ground pork or a combination of ground meats instead of beef.

- Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond meal for a gluten-free version.

- Substitute vegetable broth for beef broth for a vegetarian option.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the meatballs ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking. You can also freeze the meatballs for up to 3 months.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the Meat Balls Sicilian in a large serving dish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese on top. You can also serve them in individual bowls for a more elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Meat Balls Sicilian pairs well with a side salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables. A glass of red wine or sparkling water with lemon is a perfect accompaniment.

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 Sicilian contains approximately 400 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Meat Balls Sicilian contains approximately 25 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Meat Balls Sicilian contains approximately 20 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Meat Balls Sicilian contains approximately 30 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Meat Balls Sicilian is a good source of iron, vitamin B12, and zinc.

Alergens

This recipe contains eggs, wheat, and dairy.

Summary

Meat Balls Sicilian is a balanced meal that provides a good amount of protein, fats, and carbohydrates. It is a hearty and satisfying dish that is perfect for a family dinner.

Summary

Meat Balls Sicilian is a classic and comforting dish that is perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion. With its rich and flavorful sauce and tender meatballs, it is sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of discovering this recipe is still vivid in my mind. It was a warm summer day in Sicily, and I was visiting my dear friend Maria. Maria was known throughout the village for her exquisite cooking skills, and I always looked forward to our time together in the kitchen.

On this particular day, Maria invited me to help her prepare a special dish for dinner - Meat Balls Sicilian. I had never tried this dish before, but I was eager to learn. Maria guided me through each step of the recipe, sharing her secrets and tips along the way.

As we gathered the ingredients - ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, eggs, parsley, garlic, and seasonings - Maria told me the story of how she learned to make Meat Balls Sicilian. She explained that the recipe had been passed down through generations in her family, with each cook adding their own twist to make it their own.

Maria's version of the recipe was a perfect blend of flavors and textures. The meatballs were tender and juicy, with a rich tomato sauce that coated them perfectly. I could tell that this dish was something special, and I was determined to learn how to make it myself.

As we mixed the ingredients together and formed the meatballs, Maria shared more stories from her past. She told me about her grandmother, who had taught her how to cook when she was just a young girl. Her grandmother had been a talented cook, with a knack for creating delicious meals out of simple ingredients.

I could see the love and passion Maria had for cooking in every dish she prepared. Her hands moved with ease as she shaped the meatballs, her face glowing with joy as she talked about her family and their traditions. I knew that this recipe was more than just a dish - it was a symbol of love and connection, a way to honor the past and create new memories for the future.

As the meatballs cooked in the simmering sauce, filling the air with mouth-watering aromas, Maria and I sat down to enjoy a glass of wine together. We laughed and talked, reminiscing about our childhoods and the many meals we had shared over the years.

When the meatballs were finally ready, Maria served them over a bed of al dente spaghetti, sprinkled with fresh basil and grated Parmesan cheese. The first bite was pure bliss - the flavors of the meatballs melting in my mouth, the sauce tangy and savory, the pasta perfectly cooked.

I knew that I had discovered something truly special that day. Not just a recipe for Meat Balls Sicilian, but a connection to my past, a way to honor my heritage and share it with others.

Now, whenever I make Meat Balls Sicilian for my family and friends, I think back to that warm summer day in Sicily, to the laughter and joy shared with Maria in her kitchen. And I am grateful for the gift she gave me - not just a recipe, but a piece of her heart and soul, passed down through generations for me to cherish and enjoy.