20 Barefoot Contessa Recipe For Italian Meatballs They're Simply Irresistible!
Published on: Mar 16, 2024
When it comes to comfort food, few dishes can beat a hearty plate of Italian meatballs. These flavorful, tender bites of ground meat are a staple in many households around the world. But if you're tired of the same old recipe, look no further than the Barefoot Contessa's take on this classic dish. Her recipe for Italian meatballs is a delicious and easy way to elevate your weeknight dinner game.
Main Ingredients: Dried Tomatoes, Cream Cheese, Sour Cream, Mayonnaise
If you're looking for a delicious and easy appetizer to serve at your next party, look no further than Barefoot Contessa's sun-dried tomato dip. Made with rich and tangy sun-dried tomatoes, creamy cream cheese, and flavorful herbs, this dip is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Serve it with your favorite crackers or vegetables for a tasty and satisfying snack.
2of 20
Barefoot Contessa Penne
Main Ingredients: Kosher Salt, Heavy Cream, Crushed Tomatoes, Pecorino
Barefoot Contessa's penne pasta dish is a hearty and flavorful meal that is perfect for any night of the week. Made with tender penne pasta, savory Italian sausage, and a creamy tomato sauce, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. And the best part? It's easy to make and can be on the table in just 30 minutes!
3of 20
Barefoot Contessa Marinated Steak
Main Ingredients: Steak, Dry White Wine, Olive Oil, Stone Ground Mustard
For a delicious and impressive main course, try Barefoot Contessa's marinated steak recipe. The secret to the amazing flavor of this dish is the homemade marinade, made with balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, and fresh herbs. The result is a tender and flavorful steak that your guests will love.
4of 20
Barefoot Contessa Carrot Salad
Main Ingredients: Golden Raisins, Carrots, Lemon Juice, Sour Cream
Looking for a light and refreshing side dish? Barefoot Contessa's carrot salad is the perfect choice. Made with sweet and crunchy carrots, tangy dried cranberries, and a zesty dressing, this salad is a great addition to any meal. Plus, it's packed with vitamins and nutrients for a healthy boost.
5of 20
Barefoot Contessa Tequila Lime Chicken
Main Ingredients: Tequila, Fresh Lime Juice, Orange Juice, Red Chili
This tequila lime chicken recipe from Barefoot Contessa is a delicious and unique twist on the classic grilled chicken dish. The tequila and lime marinade adds a tangy and slightly boozy flavor to the chicken, making it perfect for a fun summer barbecue. Serve it with some fresh salsa and guacamole for a fiesta-inspired meal.
6of 20
Barefoot Contessa Baba au Rhum
Main Ingredients: Sugar, Dark Rum, Pure Vanilla Extract, Heavy Cream
If you have a sweet tooth, you'll love Barefoot Contessa's baba au rhum recipe. This decadent dessert is made with a rich and buttery yeast cake, soaked in a rum-infused syrup, and topped with a dollop of whipped cream. It's the perfect way to end a meal and impress your guests with your baking skills.
7of 20
Barefoot Contessa Apple Pear Crisp
Main Ingredients: Pears, Apples, Dried Cranberries, Grated Orange Zest
Warm, gooey, and full of fall flavors, Barefoot Contessa's apple pear crisp is the ultimate comfort food. The combination of sweet apples and juicy pears, topped with a crunchy oat and brown sugar topping, is simply irresistible. Serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the perfect dessert.
8of 20
barefoot contessa chicken Waldorf salad
Main Ingredients: Bone In, Skin On Chicken Breasts, Olive Oil, Kosher
This chicken Waldorf salad from Barefoot Contessa is a light and refreshing lunch option that is full of flavor. Made with tender chicken, crisp apples and celery, and crunchy walnuts, this salad is tossed in a tangy and creamy dressing for a delicious meal that will leave you feeling satisfied and energized.
9of 20
Barefoot Contessa Indonesian Ginger Chicken
Main Ingredients: Honey, Soy Sauce, Minced Garlic, Fresh Ginger Root
Barefoot Contessa's Indonesian ginger chicken is a flavorful and exotic dish that is perfect for a dinner party. The chicken is marinated in a blend of ginger, soy sauce, and brown sugar, giving it a sweet and spicy flavor. Serve it with rice and vegetables for a complete and delicious meal.
10of 20
Barefoot Contessa Fresh Lemon Mousse
Main Ingredients: Eggs, Extra Large Eggs, Sugar, Grated Lemon Zest, Fresh
If you're a fan of lemon desserts, you have to try Barefoot Contessa's fresh lemon mousse. This light and airy dessert is made with tangy lemon juice, creamy whipped cream, and a touch of lemon zest for a burst of flavor in every bite. It's the perfect way to end a meal on a bright and refreshing note.
11of 20
Barefoot Contessa Orange Chocolate Chunk Cake
Main Ingredients: Unsalted Butter, Sugar, Extra Large Eggs, Grated Orange
For a decadent and indulgent dessert, try Barefoot Contessa's orange chocolate chunk cake. This moist and flavorful cake is made with fresh orange juice and zest, studded with chunks of dark chocolate, and drizzled with a rich chocolate glaze. It's a show-stopping dessert that your guests will love.
12of 20
Adapted from Barefoot Contessa (Printable)
Main Ingredients: Unflavored Gelatin, Cold Water, Granulated Sugar, Light
If you're a fan of Barefoot Contessa's recipes, you'll love this printable collection of some of her best dishes. From appetizers to desserts, this recipe book has everything you need to recreate Ina Garten's delicious and comforting meals in your own kitchen. Print it out and keep it handy for your next cooking adventure.
13of 20
Balsamic Roasted Beet Salad
Main Ingredients: Beets, Balsamic Vinegar, Olive Oil, Dijon Mustard
This balsamic roasted beet salad from Barefoot Contessa is a beautiful and flavorful dish that is perfect for a dinner party or special occasion. The beets are roasted until tender and then tossed with tangy balsamic vinegar and fresh herbs for a delicious and unique salad that will impress your guests.
14of 20
Cinnamon Baked Doughnuts
Main Ingredients: Baking Spray, All Purpose Flour, Sugar, Baking Powder
Barefoot Contessa's cinnamon baked doughnuts are a delicious and healthier alternative to traditional fried doughnuts. Made with whole wheat flour and baked instead of fried, these doughnuts are still soft, fluffy, and full of warm cinnamon flavor. They're the perfect treat for a lazy weekend morning.
15of 20
Lemon Chicken Breasts
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Minced Garlic, Dry White Wine, Grated Lemon
This lemon chicken breast recipe from Barefoot Contessa is a simple and tasty way to elevate a plain chicken dinner. The chicken is marinated in lemon juice, garlic, and herbs, giving it a bright and tangy flavor. Serve it with your favorite sides for a quick and easy weeknight meal.
16of 20
Mustard-Roasted Fish
Main Ingredients: Fish Fillets, Kosher Salt, Freshly Ground Black Pepper
Barefoot Contessa's mustard-roasted fish is a simple and flavorful way to prepare any white fish, such as tilapia or cod. The fish is coated in a tangy mustard and herb mixture and then roasted until tender and flaky. Serve it with some roasted vegetables for a healthy and delicious meal.
17of 20
Penne alla Vodka
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Yellow Onions, Minced Garlic, Dried Oregano
This penne alla vodka recipe from Barefoot Contessa is a rich and indulgent pasta dish that is perfect for a special occasion. The penne is tossed in a creamy and slightly spicy vodka sauce, giving it a unique and delicious flavor. Top it with some Parmesan cheese for a cheesy and satisfying meal.
18of 20
Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms
Main Ingredients: White Mushrooms, Olive Oil, Marsala Wine, Sweet Italian
Barefoot Contessa's sausage stuffed mushrooms are a delicious and easy appetizer that is perfect for any gathering. The mushrooms are stuffed with a savory mixture of Italian sausage, breadcrumbs, and Parmesan cheese, and then baked until golden and bubbly. They're sure to be a hit at your next party.
19of 20
Chicken Marbella, Updated
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Red Wine Vinegar, Pitted Prunes, Green
This updated version of Barefoot Contessa's famous chicken Marbella is a flavorful and impressive dish that is perfect for a dinner party. The chicken is marinated in a tangy and slightly sweet sauce and then roasted with olives, prunes, and capers for a unique and delicious flavor combination.
20of 20
Roasted Cherry Tomatoes
Main Ingredients: Cherry Tomatoes, Olive Oil, Kosher Salt, Freshly Ground
Barefoot Contessa's roasted cherry tomatoes are a delicious and versatile side dish that pairs well with almost any main course. The tomatoes are roasted until tender and caramelized, bringing out their natural sweetness. Serve them with some crusty bread for a simple and satisfying appetizer.
The Secret to Perfect Italian Meatballs
Using a Mix of Ground Beef and Pork
One of the key elements to the Barefoot Contessa's Italian meatball recipe is the use of a combination of ground beef and pork. This duo of meats provides the perfect balance of flavor and texture for the meatballs. The beef adds a rich, savory taste while the pork adds a subtle sweetness. It's important to use high-quality, lean cuts of meat to ensure the best results.
Fresh Herbs and Spices
To give her meatballs a burst of flavor, the Barefoot Contessa uses a variety of fresh herbs and spices. These include parsley, thyme, and oregano, as well as garlic and onion powder. The combination of these herbs and spices not only adds depth to the flavor of the meatballs but also makes your kitchen smell incredible while they're cooking.
Panko Breadcrumbs for Light and Fluffy Texture
Instead of the traditional breadcrumbs, the Barefoot Contessa uses panko breadcrumbs in her meatballs. These Japanese-style breadcrumbs are lighter and fluffier, resulting in a more tender and delicate texture for the meatballs. They also absorb less oil, making the meatballs less greasy and heavy.
Browning the Meatballs for Extra Flavor
After mixing all the ingredients together, the next step is to brown the meatballs in a skillet before finishing them off in the oven. This step not only adds a beautiful golden crust to the meatballs but also creates a complex and rich flavor that can't be achieved by simply baking them.
Final Thoughts
The Barefoot Contessa's recipe for Italian meatballs is a simple yet delicious way to elevate your comfort food game. With the perfect balance of meats, fresh herbs and spices, and a unique browning technique, these meatballs are sure to become a staple in your household. Serve them over your favorite pasta or as a tasty appetizer, and you'll have a crowd-pleasing dish that's sure to impress. Try it out for yourself and taste the difference!
