17 Best Old School Italian Meatball Recipe Try These Culinary Delights!

Published on: Mar 16, 2024

For centuries, meatballs have been a staple in Italian cuisine. Whether served in a hearty bowl of spaghetti and meatballs or on their own as an appetizer, these savory balls of meat are a beloved dish that has stood the test of time. While there are countless variations and modern twists on this classic recipe, sometimes it's best to stick with the tried and true. That's why we're sharing the best old school Italian meatball recipe, passed down through generations and perfected over time.

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Italian Meatball Sandwich

Main Ingredients: Hoagie Rolls, Italian Meatballs, Mozzarella, Marinara

Italian Meatball Subs | - Tastes Better From Scratch

Italian Meatball Subs | Pocket Change Gourmet

Looking for a delicious and easy meal idea? Look no further than this mouth-watering Italian meatball sandwich recipe! Tender and juicy meatballs are smothered in a rich tomato sauce and topped with melted mozzarella cheese, all sandwiched between a warm, crusty roll. It's a classic Italian dish that is sure to please everyone at the dinner table.

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Slow Cooker Italian Meatball Soup

Main Ingredients: Medium Carrots, Celery, Yellow Onion, Italian

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Slow Cooker Italian Meatball Stew - The Seasoned Mom

Slow Cooker Italian Meatball Soup - An Italian in my Kitchen

If you love the convenience of using a slow cooker, then this Italian meatball soup is the perfect recipe for you. Simply toss all the ingredients into your crockpot and let it do all the work. The result is a hearty and flavorful soup that is perfect for a chilly day. Serve it with some crusty bread for a complete and satisfying meal.

3 of 20

Oven Baked Meatballs (Old School Italian Meatball)

Main Ingredients: Parmesan Cheese, Fresh Parsley, Salt, Pepper, Ground

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There's nothing quite like the taste of old school Italian meatballs. This recipe takes a traditional approach, baking the meatballs in the oven for a crispy exterior and juicy interior. They are then simmered in a rich and flavorful tomato sauce, making them the perfect addition to any pasta dish or served on their own with some crusty bread.

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Italian Meatball Soup

Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Onion, Garlic, Tomato Paste, Italian

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Slow Cooker Italian Meatball Soup Recipe - Its Yummi

This Italian meatball soup is a twist on the classic minestrone soup. It's loaded with vegetables, beans, and of course, delicious meatballs. The combination of flavors and textures makes for a comforting and satisfying meal. Plus, it's a great way to sneak in some extra veggies for picky eaters.

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Italian Meatball Bites

Main Ingredients: Italian Meatballs, Biscuits, Shredded Mozzarella

Meatball Mozzarella Bites | Entertaining recipes, Food, Mozzarella

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Easy Spaghetti and Meatball Appetizers by Pretty Providence

These bite-sized Italian meatballs are perfect for parties or as a fun twist on a traditional meatball dish. They are loaded with flavor and can be served with toothpicks for easy snacking. Whether you're hosting a game night or a family gathering, these meatball bites are sure to be a hit.

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Slow Cooker Italian Meatball Stew

Main Ingredients: Italian Meatballs, Olive Oil, Carrots, Celery, Red Bell

Slow Cooker Meatball Stew {Easy & Tasty} - Hint of Healthy

This hearty and comforting slow cooker Italian meatball stew is the perfect meal for a busy day. Simply toss all the ingredients into your slow cooker in the morning, and come home to a delicious and filling meal. The tender meatballs, vegetables, and beans make for a well-rounded and satisfying dish.

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Slow Cooker Italian Meatball and Tortellini Soup

Main Ingredients: Dried Basil, Dried Oregano, Diced Onion, Grated

Slow Cooker Tortellini Sausage and Kale Soup

This soup is a match made in heaven – tender and juicy Italian meatballs combined with cheesy tortellini pasta in a flavorful broth. It's a hearty and comforting dish that is perfect for a cold winter night. Plus, the slow cooker does all the work, making it an easy and convenient meal option.

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Easy Italian Meatball Sandwiches

Main Ingredients: Italian Style Meatballs, Sandwiches, Marinara Sauce

Easy Italian Meatball Casserole • Low Carb Nomad

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These easy Italian meatball sandwiches are perfect for a quick and delicious weeknight meal. The meatballs are simmered in a flavorful tomato sauce and then piled onto a crusty roll with some melted mozzarella cheese. It's a simple and tasty dish that the whole family will love.

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Meatball Casserole

Main Ingredients: Italian Meatballs, Mashed Potatoes, Mozzarella Cheese

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Meatball Sub Casserole - Sweet Pea's Kitchen

Need a new idea for a comforting and hearty casserole? Look no further than this meatball casserole. Tender meatballs are layered with pasta and a rich tomato sauce, then topped with cheese and baked until bubbly and golden. It's a filling and satisfying dish that is sure to become a family favorite.

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Meatball Sub Casserole

Main Ingredients: Refrigerated Buttermilk Biscuits, Italian Meatballs

Cheesy Keto Meatball Casserole - Eat Yourself Skinny

Meatball Sub Casserole | Life Tastes Good

This meatball sub casserole is a fun and delicious twist on a classic sandwich. It's made with all the same ingredients – meatballs, marinara sauce, and melted cheese – but baked in a casserole dish for a crowd-pleasing meal. Serve with some chips or a side salad for a complete and satisfying dinner.

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Crock Pot Italian Meatball Soup

Main Ingredients: Italian Style Meatballs, Beef Broth, Diced Tomatoes

easy-crockpot-meatball-soup | Meatball soup, Crock pot meatballs, Easy ...

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This crock pot Italian meatball soup is another easy and convenient slow cooker meal option. It's packed with flavor from the tender meatballs, vegetables, and herbs. Serve with some crusty bread for the perfect cozy and comforting meal.

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Italian Meatball Sliders

Main Ingredients: Slider Buns, Fresh Tomatoes, Fresh Mozzarella Ball

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These Italian meatball sliders are perfect for game day or any casual gathering. They are made with juicy and flavorful meatballs, topped with melted cheese and served on mini buns. They are sure to be a hit with both kids and adults alike.

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Easy Italian Meatball Soup

Main Ingredients: Cooking Oil, Carrots, Celery, Onion, Tomato Paste

This easy Italian meatball soup is a great way to use up any leftover meatballs you may have. It's a simple and delicious meal that can be made in just 30 minutes. Serve with some crusty bread for a quick and satisfying dinner.

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Italian Meatball Pizza

Main Ingredients: Pillsbury Pizza Crust, Pizza Sauce, Cooked Italian

An epic meatball pizza featuring medallions of sliced meatball with ...

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Pizza night just got a whole lot tastier with this Italian meatball pizza recipe. The combination of tender meatballs, tangy marinara sauce, and gooey cheese make for a delicious and satisfying pizza experience. It's a fun and easy way to switch up your usual pizza routine.

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Italian Meatball Stromboli

Main Ingredients: Italian Style Meatballs, Butter, Baby Portabella

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This Italian meatball stromboli is perfect for a crowd. It's made with tender meatballs, marinara sauce, and mozzarella cheese, all wrapped in a flaky and buttery dough. It's a fun and delicious twist on a classic Italian dish that is sure to be a hit at any gathering.

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Italian Meatball Caprese Skewers

Main Ingredients: Italian Style Meatballs, Fresh Mozzarella Cheese, Grape

These Italian meatball caprese skewers are a fun and tasty appetizer option. They combine the flavors of a classic Caprese salad with tender meatballs, making for a delicious and flavorful bite. They are perfect for parties or as a fun and easy snack.

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Crock Pot Italian Meatball Soup

Main Ingredients: Italian Style Meatballs, Low Sodium Beef Broth, Water

Another slow cooker option, this crock pot Italian meatball soup is perfect for busy days when you don't have time to cook. Simply toss all the ingredients into your slow cooker and let it do all the work. You'll come home to a delicious and hearty meal that is sure to please everyone.

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Italian Meatball and Tortellini Soup

Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Red Bell Pepper, Chopped Onion, Diced

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This Italian meatball and tortellini soup is another delicious soup option for a cold day. It's loaded with tender meatballs, cheesy tortellini, and hearty vegetables, making for a well-rounded and comforting meal. Serve with some crusty bread for a complete and satisfying dinner.

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Italian Meatball Dunkers

Main Ingredients: Italian Style Meatballs, Pie Crust Dough, Cheese

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These Italian meatball dunkers are perfect for a quick and easy lunch or snack. They are made with tender meatballs, marinara sauce, and melted cheese all served on a warm and crispy baguette. It's a fun and tasty way to enjoy your favorite Italian meatball flavors.

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Slow Cooker Italian Meatball Soup

Main Ingredients: Cooked Italian Meatballs, Broth, Water, Diced Tomatoes

Last but not least, another delicious slow cooker option – this time with a creamy twist. This slow cooker Italian meatball soup is made with a creamy tomato broth that is loaded with tender meatballs and vegetables. It's a hearty and satisfying meal that is perfect for a chilly day.

The Secret to Perfect Italian Meatballs

Quality Ingredients

The key to any great dish is using high-quality ingredients, and Italian meatballs are no exception. Start with fresh ground beef, preferably with a good fat content to keep the meatballs moist and flavorful. Italian sausage is also a must for that traditional Italian flavor. Don't skimp on the garlic and onion, as they add depth and complexity to the meatballs. Finally, make sure to use freshly grated Parmesan cheese rather than the pre-shredded kind for maximum flavor.

Proper Seasoning

Italian meatballs are all about the seasoning. While some may opt for a simple combination of salt and pepper, the best old school recipe calls for a blend of herbs and spices. Parsley, oregano, and basil are essential for that classic Italian flavor. Red pepper flakes add a subtle kick, while garlic powder and onion powder enhance the overall seasoning. Don't forget to add a pinch of salt and black pepper to taste.

Traditional Cooking Methods

To truly achieve that old school Italian flavor, it's important to cook the meatballs using traditional methods. While some may prefer to bake or grill their meatballs, the best results come from frying them in a pan. This allows the meatballs to develop a crispy exterior while staying moist and tender on the inside. You can also try cooking them in a homemade tomato sauce for added flavor and tenderness.

Love and Patience

Lastly, the secret ingredient in any great Italian meatball recipe is love and patience. Take your time when preparing and cooking the meatballs, and don't be afraid to taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. The more love and care you put into your cooking, the more delicious your meatballs will be.

In conclusion, the best old school Italian meatball recipe is all about using quality ingredients, proper seasoning, traditional cooking methods, and a little bit of love and patience. So next time you're craving a taste of traditional Italian cuisine, skip the trendy meatball recipes and give this classic recipe a try. Your taste buds will thank you.