Authentic Italian Meatball Perfection: A Hearty and Flavorful Dish

4 stars
4.26 (16)
Authentic Italian Meatball Perfection: A Hearty and Flavorful Dish
Prep Time:
20 mins
Cook Time:
60 mins
Total Time:
80mins
Category:
Recipe by Administrator
Published on September 09, 2023

Experience the authentic flavors of Italy with this recipe for Italian Meatball Perfection. These hearty and flavorful meatballs are made with a combination of ground beef, pork, and aromatic spices. They are then simmered in a rich tomato sauce until tender and packed with savory goodness. Serve these meatballs over a bed of pasta or as a mouth-watering appetizer at your next gathering. This classic recipe is sure to impress even the most discerning palates.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1/2 pound ground pork
  • 1/2 cup bread crumbs
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1 egg, beaten
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
  • 1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon sugar
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

Directions

  1. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes, beaten egg, and milk. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated.
  2. Shape the mixture into small meatballs, about the size of a golf ball. Place the meatballs on a baking sheet and refrigerate for 30 minutes to firm up.
  3. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, and sauté until the onion is translucent and the garlic is fragrant.
  4. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and sugar. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  5. Carefully place the meatballs into the simmering sauce, making sure they are submerged. Cover the skillet and cook for 30 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through.
  6. Garnish with chopped fresh basil and parsley before serving. Serve the meatballs over cooked pasta or as an appetizer with toothpicks.
  7. Enjoy the authentic flavors of Italian meatball perfection!

Interesting Facts

  • Meatballs have been a part of Italian cuisine since ancient Roman times.
  • Traditionally, Italian meatballs contain a mixture of ground meat, bread crumbs, and Parmesan cheese.
  • The size of meatballs can vary across regions in Italy, from small marble-sized balls to larger palm-sized meatballs.