Italian Meatball Recipe
Italian meatballs, or "polpette," have a rich history dating back to ancient Rome. Though not originally paired with spaghetti, these savory delights have evolved into a beloved staple in Italian-American cuisine.
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Medium saucepan
- Large Skillet
- Baking sheet
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon
- Knife and cutting board
Ingredients
Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 lb ground pork
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
Tomato Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, chopped parsley, egg, milk, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.the ingredients
- Form Meatballs: Using your hands, shape the mixture into meatballs about 1-2 inches in diameter. Place them on a baking sheet.
- Heat the Skillet: In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the meatballs in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan.
- Brown the Meatballs: Cook the meatballs for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until all sides are browned. Remove the meatballs from the skillet and set aside.set them
- Sauté Onions and Garlic: In a medium saucepan, heat two tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- Add Tomatoes and Spices: Pour in the crushed tomatoes, and add the dried oregano and basil. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir well to combine.
- Simmer the Sauce: Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for about 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Add Meatballs to Sauce: Gently place the browned meatballs into the tomato sauce. Ensure they are well-coated with the sauce.
- Simmer Together: Let the meatballs simmer in the sauce for an additional 20 minutes, allowing them to cook through and absorb the sauce's flavors.
- Serve: Once the meatballs are cooked through, serve them hot. They can be enjoyed over spaghetti, in a meatball sub, or on their own with a side of crusty bread.