Italian Meatball Recipe

When it comes to classic comfort food, few dishes rival the beloved Italian meatball. These savory spheres of seasoned ground meat, bathed in rich tomato sauce, evoke memories of family gatherings and hearty meals shared around the table. Whether served over spaghetti or nestled in a crusty sandwich, Italian meatballs are a culinary delight cherished worldwide.

Ingredients:

For the Meatballs:

• 1 pound ground beef (preferably 80% lean)
• 1/2 pound ground pork
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 egg, lightly beaten
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• Olive oil, for frying

For the Tomato Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
• 1/4 cup tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Meatballs:

• In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, parsley, milk, beaten egg, salt, and pepper.
• Mix the ingredients gently but thoroughly until well combined. Be careful not to overmix to keep the meatballs tender.
• Shape the mixture into meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter, and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

2. Cook the Meatballs:

• In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
• Working in batches to avoid overcrowding, add the meatballs to the skillet and cook until browned on all sides, about 6-8 minutes. Adjust the heat as needed to ensure even cooking.
• Once browned, transfer the meatballs to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.

3. Prepare the Tomato Sauce:

• In the same skillet used for the meatballs (discard excess oil if needed), heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.
• Add chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
• Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
• Add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, sugar, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
• Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer gently for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld together.

4. Combine and Serve:

• Carefully add the cooked meatballs to the simmering tomato sauce, coating them evenly with the sauce.
• Continue to simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and tender.
• Serve the meatballs hot, either on a bed of spaghetti, in a sandwich, or as a standalone dish garnished with fresh basil or grated Parmesan cheese.

Conclusion:

This Italian meatball recipe offers a perfect balance of savory meat, aromatic herbs, and rich tomato sauce—a true taste of Italy that brings warmth and comfort to any meal. Whether you’re cooking for family dinner or hosting a gathering, these meatballs are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Enjoy the hearty flavors and the joy of sharing good food with loved ones, Italian-style.