20 Best Italian Meatballs And Sauce Recipe Dive Into Deliciousness!
Published on: Mar 14, 2024
The perfect Italian meatballs and sauce recipe can elevate any meal to a whole new level. Whether it's a classic spaghetti and meatballs dish or a hearty meatball sub, this recipe is a must-have in any cook's repertoire. Not only is it delicious, but it's also surprisingly easy to make. With just a few simple ingredients and some cooking know-how, you can create a mouth-watering meal that will have your friends and family begging for seconds.
To make the best Italian meatballs, you'll need a combination of ground beef and pork. This mix of meats provides the perfect balance of flavors and textures, resulting in tender and juicy meatballs. Look for a lean ground beef and a fattier ground pork for the best results.
Breadcrumbs
The breadcrumbs serve as a binder for the meatballs and help keep them moist. You can use plain or seasoned breadcrumbs, depending on your preference. For a gluten-free option, you can use almond flour or ground oats instead.
Eggs
Eggs are another essential ingredient in meatballs. They also help bind the meat mixture and add moisture. Be sure to use large eggs for this recipe.
Garlic and Onion
No Italian meatball recipe is complete without garlic and onion. These aromatics add depth of flavor to the meatballs and sauce. You can either finely chop them or use a food processor to get a fine mince.
Herbs and Spices
To give your meatballs that classic Italian flavor, you'll need some dried oregano, basil, and parsley. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little kick. Don't be afraid to play around with the amounts to suit your taste.
Salt and Pepper
Every good meatball needs a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Be sure to season the meat mixture well to enhance the flavors.
Ingredients for the Sauce
Olive Oil
For the sauce, you'll need some good quality olive oil. This will serve as the base for the sauce and add a rich and fruity flavor.
Garlic and Onion
Just like in the meatballs, garlic and onion are essential in the sauce. They provide a savory base and add depth to the flavors.
Crushed Tomatoes
Canned crushed tomatoes are the perfect base for a meatball sauce. They have a deep and rich flavor, making them a great choice for this recipe.
Tomato Paste
To add even more depth of flavor to the sauce, you'll need some tomato paste. This concentrated tomato flavor will give your sauce a rich and robust taste.
Red Wine
A splash of red wine adds a touch of acidity and a deep, rich flavor to the sauce. If you don't have red wine on hand, you can use beef broth instead.
Herbs and Spices
To complement the meatballs, you'll need some of the same herbs and spices used in the meat mixture. This will tie the flavors together and create a cohesive dish.
Salt and Pepper
As with the meatballs, don't forget to season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
Now that you have all the ingredients, it's time to put them together to create the best Italian meatballs and sauce. Simply mix the meatball ingredients together, form them into balls, and brown them in a pan. While the meatballs are cooking, prepare the sauce by sautéing the garlic and onion, then adding the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, red wine, and herbs and spices. Let the sauce simmer for a few minutes, then add the meatballs and let them cook in the sauce for another 15-20 minutes. Serve over your favorite pasta or in a sub, and enjoy!
With this recipe, you'll have a delicious and authentic Italian meal that will have everyone asking for the recipe. Don't be afraid to experiment with different herbs and spices to make it your own. Buon appetito!
