Italian meatball recipe easy step-by-step guide
Meatballs are a classic comfort food that can be enjoyed in many different ways. One of the most popular ways to eat meatballs is in a hearty Italian-style tomato sauce with spaghetti or other pasta. Making homemade meatballs may seem daunting, but it’s actually quite easy and yields a flavorful and satisfying result.
This Italian-style meatball recipe is perfect for a hearty and delicious meal that will satisfy everyone at the table. Serve the meatballs and sauce over spaghetti or another type of pasta, and top with grated Parmesan cheese for an extra burst of flavor. It’s a classic dish that never goes out of style, and is sure to become a family favorite.
Sure, here is a recipe for Italian meatballs:
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 pound ground pork
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Olive oil, for cooking
- Passata or Italian tomato sauce
Instructions:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, eggs, Parmesan cheese, garlic, parsley, basil, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together with your hands until well combined.
- Form the mixture into balls about 1-2 inches in diameter, depending on your preference.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add enough olive oil to coat the bottom of the pan.
- Once the oil is hot, add the meatballs to the skillet, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Cook the meatballs, turning occasionally until they are browned on all sides and cooked through, about 10-15 minutes.
- Remove the meatballs from the skillet and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and chopped fresh chilies and sauté for about 1 minute.
- Pour the tins of tomatoes into the skillet with the garlic and fresh chilies. Season with salt and pepper to taste and let the sauce simmer for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- add the fresh Basil keeping some for garnish
- Add the meatballs to the tomato sauce and allow to cook on low heat for 15 minutes. remove from heat and serve.
You can now use the meatballs in your favorite Italian dishes, such as spaghetti and meatballs, or with a side of crusty garlic bread. Enjoy!
Best to Fry or bake meatballs before adding the sauce?
Both frying and baking meatballs have their advantages and disadvantages. Ultimately, the best method will depend on personal preference and the recipe being used.
Frying meatballs can create a crispy exterior and add flavor, as the high heat can caramelize the meat’s natural sugars. This method can also create a desirable crust that can hold up well in sauces without falling apart. However, frying can also add extra fat to the meatballs, which may not be desirable for some diets.
Baking meatballs, on the other hand, can be a healthier option since it does not require additional oil or fat. Baking also allows for even cooking and a more consistent texture, and it can be a more hands-off approach. However, baked meatballs may not have the same depth of flavor as fried meatballs, and they may not hold up as well in sauces since they don’t have the same crust.
In many cases, a combination of frying and baking can be used. For example, the meatballs could be fried briefly to create a crust and then baked to finish cooking through. This method could provide the best of both worlds, with the added flavor and texture from frying and the even cooking and reduced fat from baking.
Overall, the decision to fry or bake meatballs before adding them to the sauce will depend on personal preference and the specific recipe being used. Enjoy this fantastic comfort food.
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