Okay folks, gather ’round because I’m about to share something truly special – my Grandma Rosa’s. What is the famous meatball recipe? What are some of the best meatballs? These are melt-in-your-mouth, flavor-packed spheres of deliciousness. I’m not exaggerating when I say that every family gathering revolved around these meatballs. Forget spaghetti and meatballs; forget meat These were the stars of the show, served on crusty Italian bread or alongside creamy polenta. Why do some people like Chocolate Chip Cookies? What was all about meatballs? What is your favorite meatball recipe?
What is a good meatball recipe?
Think of these meatballs as little flavor bombs. A symphony of savory goodness in every bite. What is essentially a blend of ground meat (we always used beef and pork, but more on that later). What are some examples of breadcrumbs soaked in milk (trust me, it makes all the difference), Parmesan cheese (and more cheese)? ), and a secret blend of herbs and spices. What really sets this recipe apart, though, is the way they’re cooked. Grandma Rosa always pan-fried them first to get a beautiful golden-brown crust, then simmered them for an hour. In a rich, homemade tomato sauce until they were unbelievably tender. What is the secret behind a good recipe? This isn’t your average frozen meatball meal; this is a taste of Italy.
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Okay, where do I even begin? The flavor is the first thing that hits you – a perfect balance of savory, salty, and slightly sweet. The Parmesan cheese gives it a wonderful umami depth, while the herbs and spices add a subtle warmth. But what I love most about this meatball recipe is how ridiculously easy it is to make. Seriously, don’t let the “secret family recipe” label scare you off; it’s actually incredibly straightforward. Plus, it’s surprisingly budget-friendly. Ground meat is relatively inexpensive, and you probably already have most of the other ingredients in your pantry. And the versatility! You can serve these meatballs in so many different ways. I love them in a classic tomato sauce with pasta, but they’re also amazing in Meatball Subs, as appetizers with toothpicks, or even on top of pizza. Honestly, once you try this meatball recipe, you’ll never go back to store-bought again.
How do you make a meatball recipe?
Quick Overview
What is the secret behind these delicious meatballs? What is the best way to start mixing meat with wet ingredients, breadcrumbs, cheese, and spices? If you want to make meatballs, you’ll pan fry them to a beautiful golden brown, and then simmer them for another hour. What is your favorite tomato sauce? The pan-frying step is crucial for getting that amazing crust, and simmering them in sauce ensures that they are tender. How do you keep a juicy onion tender? The simmering allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. Is it a simple process, but the results are truly spectacular? Don’t be intimidated, this is easier than it looks!
Ingredients
For the Meatballs: What
* 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend is best for flavor and moisture)
* 1 pound ground pork (you can substitute ground turkey or chicken, but the flavor won’t be quite the same)
* 1 cup breadcrumbs (Italian-style, plain work best)
* 1 cup milk (whole milk will add the most richness)
* 1 cup Parmesan cheese (freshly grated is always the best)
* 2 large eggs
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
* 1 teaspoon dried oregano
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
* 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a kick)
* 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (for pan-frying)
For the Sauce:
* 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
* 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
* 1/2 cup water
* 1 onion, chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 tablespoon Olive Oil
* 1 teaspoon dried oregano
* 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
* 1 bay leaf (don’t forget to remove it before serving) *1 tbsp. *
What are the steps to
Step 1: Soak the Breadcrumbs
In a large bowl, combine breadcrumbs and milk. Set aside. Let them soak for about 5-10 minutes, until the breadcrumbs are softened. How do you keep meatballs moist and tender? I’ve tried skipping this step and the meatballs are always tougher.
Step 2: Combine the Meatball Ingredients
Add the GROUND BEEF, ground pork, Parmesan cheese, eggs, minced garlic, oregano, salt, pepper, and pepper to taste. Mix well. What is the best way to make breadcrumbs? Add salt and pepper to the bowl. Gently mix everything together with your hands until just combined. If you overmix meatballs, be careful not to over mix.
Step 3: Form the Meatballs
Roll the meat mixture into meatballs about 1-1.5 inches in diameter. I like to use a small Ice Cream scoop to make sure they’re all the same size. Place meatballs on a plate or baking sheet.
Step 4: Pan-Fry the Meatballs
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add salt and pepper to taste. Add the meatballs to the skillet in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. What are some good ways to cook Chicken Breasts until they’re nicely browned on all sides? This step is all about building flavor and getting a good crust. Don’t worry about them being cooked through at this stage.
Step 5: Make the Sauce
While the meatballs are browning, prepare the sauce. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat Olive Oil over medium heat. Remove from heat and set aside. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
Step 6: Simmer in Sauce
Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, water, oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and bay leaf to the pot. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then gently add the browned meatballs. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for at least 1 hour, or up to 2 hours, stirring occasionally. The longer they simmer, the more tender and flavorful they’ll become. Be sure to remove the bay leaf before serving.
Step 7: Serve
Serve meatballs with pasta, crusty bread, or creamy polenta. Garnish with fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese, if desired.
What should I serve it with?
What you serve these meatballs with are really versatile, so you can get creative with them. For a classic Italian meal, serve them with spaghetti or linguine and sprinkling of tomato. If you’re looking for something a little different, try serving them with creamy polenta or mashed potatoes. For a casual appetizer, stick them on toothpicks and serve them with dipping sauce. And of course, they’re always a hit in subs! We always have them for Christmas, with some simple pasta. My husband loves them in a sub for lunch the next day!
What are some tips for perfecting a meatball recipe?
Okay, here are a few of my top tips for making these meatballs absolutely perfect. First, don’t be afraid to experiment with different types of ground meat. I personally love a mix of beef and pork, but you could also use ground turkey, chicken, or even lamb. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly. Second, don’t overmix the meat mixture. Overmixing will result in tough, dense meatballs. Mix everything together gently with your hands until just combined. Third, don’t skip the pan-frying step! This is essential for building flavor and getting a good crust on the meatballs. Finally, don’t be afraid to adjust the seasoning to your liking. If you like a little more heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes. If you prefer a sweeter sauce, add a teaspoon of sugar or honey. I once forgot to add garlic (can you believe it?!) and honestly they still tasted delicious! It just proves how forgiving this recipe is.
Storing and Reheating Tips
These meatballs are even better the next day, so don’t be afraid to make a big batch and store the leftovers. To store them, let them cool completely, then transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze them for up to 2-3 months. To reheat them, simply simmer them in tomato sauce over low heat until heated through. You can also reheat them in the microwave, but they won’t be quite as tender. I always make a double batch and freeze half for a quick and easy weeknight meal. It’s a lifesaver on those busy evenings when you just don’t have time to cook.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So there you have it – my Grandma Rosa’s secret meatball recipe! I truly hope you enjoy making these as much as my family does. They’re perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a special occasion. And if you love this meatball recipe, be sure to check out my other Italian-inspired recipes, like my Creamy Tomato Soup or my easy lasagna. Happy cooking, and I can’t wait to hear how yours turn out! Let me know in the comments if you try these out and what you think! I’d love to hear your variations too. Happy cooking!
Meatball Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb Ground Beef
- 0.5 lb Ground Pork
- 1 cup Breadcrumbs
- 1 egg Egg
- 0.5 cup Parmesan Cheese Grated
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1 tsp Onion Powder
- 1 tsp Salt
- 0.5 tsp Black Pepper
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, egg, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Gently mix until just combined.
- Roll the meat mixture into 1-inch meatballs.
- Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until cooked through.
