Italian Meatballs

Authentic Italian Meatballs Recipe - Flavorful & Easy to Make

Region / culture: Italy | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 1 hour | Servings: 6

Introduction

Italian meatballs are a classic comfort food that are loved by many. These savory meatballs are perfect for serving over pasta, in a sandwich, or on their own as a delicious appetizer.

History

Italian meatballs have been a staple in Italian cuisine for centuries. They are believed to have originated in the southern regions of Italy, where meat was often mixed with breadcrumbs and seasonings to create a flavorful dish. Over time, Italian immigrants brought their meatball recipes to the United States, where they became a popular dish in Italian-American households.

Ingredients

5 – 10 lb (4.54 kg) of Meatloaf Mix (ground beef, pork, and veal)
2 eggs per pound of meat
0.5 cup of seasoned breadcrumbs per pound of meat
Diced onions fried in olive oil — 0.5 onion per pound
1 tsp of garlic salt per pound

How to prepare

Fry the onions until they are soft and lightly browned
Mix the ingredients and shape them into meatballs
Broil the meatballs
Add the meatballs to the tomato sauce and cook for a while

Variations

Try using ground beef, pork, or a combination of meats in place of veal for a different flavor.
Add grated Parmesan cheese or fresh herbs to the meatball mixture for added flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to fry the onions until they are soft and lightly browned before mixing them with the other ingredients. This will help to enhance the flavor of the meatballs.

- When shaping the meatballs, be sure to pack them tightly to ensure that they hold their shape during cooking.

- Broiling the meatballs before adding them to the tomato sauce will help to give them a nice crust and seal in the juices.

Serving Suggestions

Italian meatballs are delicious served over pasta with marinara sauce, in a sandwich with melted cheese, or on their own as a tasty appetizer.

Cooking Techniques

Broiling the meatballs before adding them to the tomato sauce helps to give them a nice crust and seal in the juices.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have meatloaf mix, you can use ground beef or ground turkey instead.

Make Ahead Tips

Italian meatballs can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days before cooking.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Italian meatballs in a shallow dish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or grated Parmesan cheese on top for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Italian meatballs pair well with a side of garlic bread, a crisp green salad, or a glass of red wine.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover Italian meatballs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place them in a saucepan with a little water or broth and heat over medium heat until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Italian meatballs contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Italian meatballs are relatively low in carbohydrates, with each serving containing approximately 5 grams of carbs.

Fats

Each serving of Italian meatballs contains approximately 15 grams of fat, making them a rich and flavorful dish.

Proteins

Italian meatballs are a good source of protein, with each serving containing approximately 20 grams.

Vitamins and minerals

Italian meatballs are a good source of iron, zinc, and vitamin B12.

Alergens

Italian meatballs contain dairy (if using cheese) and gluten (if using breadcrumbs), so be sure to check for any allergens before serving.

Summary

Italian meatballs are a delicious and satisfying dish that is relatively low in carbs and high in protein. They are a great option for a hearty meal.

Summary

Italian meatballs are a classic and delicious dish that is perfect for any occasion. With a few simple ingredients and some basic cooking techniques, you can create a flavorful and satisfying meal that your whole family will love. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I can't forget the first time I saw this recipe for Italian meatballs. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my friend Maria in her cozy kitchen. The smell of garlic and tomatoes filled the air, and I could hear the sizzle of meat cooking on the stove.

Maria was busy chopping onions and garlic, her hands moving with practiced ease. I watched in awe as she expertly seasoned the meat and rolled it into perfect little balls. She explained to me the importance of using a mixture of ground beef, pork, and veal for the perfect meatball texture.

As the meatballs cooked in the simmering tomato sauce, Maria shared with me the story of how she learned to make them. She told me about her grandmother, who had immigrated to America from Italy many years ago. Her grandmother had brought with her a treasure trove of family recipes, including the secret to making the most delicious meatballs.

Maria's grandmother had taught her how to make the meatballs when she was just a little girl. She had stood by her side in the kitchen, guiding her hands and sharing stories of their family's heritage. Maria had cherished those moments spent cooking with her grandmother, and now she was passing on the tradition to me.

I was eager to learn the recipe and make it my own. Maria patiently showed me each step, from mixing the meat to forming the balls and cooking them in the sauce. She stressed the importance of seasoning the meat generously with salt, pepper, and herbs to enhance the flavors.

After the meatballs had simmered to perfection, Maria served them over a bed of spaghetti with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. The first bite was pure bliss – tender, flavorful meatballs in a rich tomato sauce that tasted like it had been simmering for hours.

I knew then that I had to master this recipe and make it a staple in my own kitchen. Over the years, I experimented with different variations, adding my own twist to the classic dish. Sometimes I would add a splash of red wine to the sauce for extra depth of flavor, or I would mix in some ricotta cheese for a creamier texture.

Each time I made the meatballs, I thought of Maria and her grandmother, and how they had passed down this culinary tradition to me. I felt a sense of connection to my own heritage through the food I cooked and shared with my family and friends.

Now, whenever I make Italian meatballs, I think of that warm summer day in Maria's kitchen and the lesson she taught me about the power of food to bring people together. I am grateful for the recipe that has become a beloved part of my culinary repertoire, and I look forward to sharing it with future generations to come. Cooking is not just about following a recipe – it's about creating memories and preserving traditions that will last a lifetime. And for that, I am forever grateful.