20 Grandmas Italian Meatball Recipe You Won't Believe The Taste!
Published on: Mar 15, 2024
Grandma's Italian meatball recipe has been a treasured family tradition for generations. Passed down from my great-grandmother, this mouth-watering dish has stood the test of time and remains a beloved favorite among family and friends. With its rich flavors and hearty texture, this recipe is sure to bring warmth and comfort to any gathering. In this article, I will share the secret to making the perfect Italian meatballs, just like Grandma used to make.
This classic Italian dish gets a twist with the addition of juicy meatballs stuffed inside a crusty baguette. Perfect for a quick lunch or hearty dinner, this Italian meatball sandwich is sure to satisfy your cravings.
Start by making your meatballs with a mix of ground beef and pork for extra flavor. Season them with garlic, oregano, and red pepper flakes for a hint of spice. Fry them up in a pan until they are golden brown and cooked through.
Next, slice your baguette in half and spread a layer of marinara sauce on the bottom half. Place your meatballs on top and sprinkle with shredded mozzarella cheese. Broil in the oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Finish off with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and enjoy your delicious Italian meatball sandwich.
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Slow Cooker Italian Meatball Soup
Main Ingredients: Medium Carrots, Celery, Yellow Onion, Italian
This slow cooker Italian meatball soup is the perfect comfort food for a chilly night. It is packed with vegetables, tomatoes, and spices for a flavorful and hearty meal.
To make this soup, start by making your meatballs with a mixture of ground beef, breadcrumbs, and parmesan cheese. Brown them in a pan before adding them to your slow cooker. Next, add in chopped celery, carrots, onion, and garlic to the slow cooker. Pour in chicken broth and a can of diced tomatoes before seasoning with Italian seasoning, paprika, and salt and pepper.
Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Serve with a sprinkle of fresh basil and crusty bread for a complete and comforting meal.
This Italian meatball soup is a lighter version of the traditional Italian wedding soup. It is packed with flavor and nutrients to keep you satisfied and healthy.
Start by making your meatballs with lean ground turkey, breadcrumbs, and parmesan cheese. Roll them into small balls and bake in the oven until they are browned and cooked through. In a large pot, heat chicken broth and add in chopped spinach, diced tomatoes, and chopped carrots. Let simmer for 10 minutes before adding in your meatballs.
Serve with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and a drizzle of olive oil for a healthy and delicious twist on a classic Italian dish.
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Italian Meatball Bites
Main Ingredients: Italian Meatballs, Biscuits, Shredded Mozzarella
These Italian meatball bites are a fun and delicious appetizer for any occasion. They are easy to make and can be customized with your favorite toppings.
To make the meatballs, mix together ground beef, breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning. Roll them into small balls and bake in the oven until they are browned and cooked through. For the toppings, use marinara sauce, shredded mozzarella cheese, and sliced black olives. Broil in the oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
These Italian meatball bites are sure to be a hit at your next party or gathering.
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Slow Cooker Italian Meatball Stew
Main Ingredients: Italian Meatballs, Olive Oil, Carrots, Celery, Red Bell
This slow cooker Italian meatball stew is a hearty and comforting meal that is perfect for a cold day. It is packed with vegetables, tomatoes, and seasonings for a flavorful and filling dish.
Start by making your meatballs with a mix of ground beef, breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning. Brown them in a pan before adding them to your slow cooker. Next, add in diced potatoes, sliced carrots, chopped onion, and garlic. Pour in beef broth and a can of diced tomatoes before seasoning with salt and pepper.
Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Serve with a sprinkle of fresh thyme and crusty bread for a delicious and comforting meal.
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Slow Cooker Italian Meatball and Tortellini Soup
Main Ingredients: Dried Basil, Dried Oregano, Diced Onion, Grated
This slow cooker Italian meatball and tortellini soup is a delicious twist on traditional Italian wedding soup. It is packed with vegetables, meatballs, and tortellini for a filling and flavorful meal.
To make this soup, start by making your meatballs with a mix of ground beef, breadcrumbs, and parmesan cheese. Brown them in a pan before adding them to your slow cooker. Next, add in diced tomatoes, chopped carrots, chopped celery, and chicken broth. Let simmer for 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high.
Before serving, add in frozen tortellini and cook for an additional 15 minutes. Serve with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and crusty bread for a delicious and comforting meal.
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Easy Italian Meatball Sandwiches
Main Ingredients: Italian Style Meatballs, Sandwiches, Marinara Sauce
These easy Italian meatball sandwiches are the perfect weeknight meal. They are simple to make and packed with flavor.
To make the meatballs, mix together ground beef, breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning. Roll them into small balls and bake in the oven until they are browned and cooked through. In a pan, heat marinara sauce and add in your meatballs. Serve on a toasted hoagie roll and top with sliced provolone cheese.
These easy Italian meatball sandwiches are a crowd-pleasing meal that the whole family will love.
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Meatball Casserole
Main Ingredients: Italian Meatballs, Mashed Potatoes, Mozzarella Cheese
This meatball casserole is a delicious and comforting meal that is perfect for a cozy night in. It is packed with flavor and nutrients for a satisfying and balanced dish.
To make this casserole, start by making your meatballs with a mix of ground beef, breadcrumbs, and parmesan cheese. Brown them in a pan before adding cooked pasta and marinara sauce to the pan. Mix together and transfer to a baking dish. Top with shredded mozzarella cheese and bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
This meatball casserole is sure to become a new family favorite.
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Meatball Sub Casserole
Main Ingredients: Refrigerated Buttermilk Biscuits, Italian Meatballs
This meatball sub casserole is a delicious and easy way to enjoy the flavors of a classic meatball sub. It is packed with flavor and ready in under 30 minutes.
Start by making your meatballs with a mix of ground beef, breadcrumbs, and parmesan cheese. Brown them in a pan before adding them to a baking dish. Top with marinara sauce and shredded mozzarella cheese. Bake in the oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve with a side salad for a complete and satisfying meal.
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Crock Pot Italian Meatball Soup
Main Ingredients: Italian Style Meatballs, Beef Broth, Diced Tomatoes
This crock pot Italian meatball soup is a delicious and easy meal that is perfect for a busy weeknight. It is packed with flavor and ready in under 4 hours.
To make this soup, start by making your meatballs with ground beef, breadcrumbs, and parmesan cheese. Brown them in a pan before adding them to your slow cooker. Next, add in chopped carrots, chopped celery, and chicken broth. Let simmer for 3-4 hours on high or 6-8 hours on low.
Before serving, add in frozen tortellini and cook for an additional 15 minutes. Serve with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and crusty bread for a delicious and comforting meal.
These Italian meatball sliders are a fun and delicious twist on traditional meatball sandwiches. They are perfect for a party or game day snack.
To make these sliders, start by making your meatballs with a mix of ground beef, breadcrumbs, and parmesan cheese. Brown them in a pan before adding them to a baking dish. Top with marinara sauce and shredded mozzarella cheese. Bake in the oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Serve on slider buns and top with sliced black olives, chopped parsley, and a drizzle of olive oil.
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Easy Italian Meatball Soup
Main Ingredients: Cooking Oil, Carrots, Celery, Onion, Tomato Paste
This easy Italian meatball soup is a quick and delicious meal that is perfect for a busy weeknight. It is packed with flavor and ready in under 30 minutes.
To make this soup, start by making your meatballs with a mix of ground beef, breadcrumbs, and parmesan cheese. Brown them in a pan before adding them to a pot with chicken broth, diced tomatoes, chopped carrots, and chopped celery. Let simmer for 15 minutes before adding in cooked pasta. Serve with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and a side of garlic bread.
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Italian Meatball Pizza
Main Ingredients: Pillsbury Pizza Crust, Pizza Sauce, Cooked Italian
This Italian meatball pizza is a fun and tasty twist on traditional pizza. It is packed with flavor and perfect for a family pizza night.
To make this pizza, start with your favorite pizza crust. Top with marinara sauce, sliced black olives, chopped red onion, and sliced mushrooms. Add your sliced meatballs and top with shredded mozzarella cheese. Bake in the oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Serve with a sprinkle of fresh basil for an extra burst of flavor.
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Italian Meatball Stromboli
Main Ingredients: Italian Style Meatballs, Butter, Baby Portabella
This Italian meatball stromboli is a delicious and easy twist on traditional stromboli. It is packed with flavor and ready in under 30 minutes.
To make this stromboli, start by making your meatballs with a mix of ground beef, breadcrumbs, and parmesan cheese. Brown them in a pan before adding them to a pizza dough with marinara sauce and shredded mozzarella cheese. Roll up and bake in the oven until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted. Serve with a side of marinara sauce for dipping.
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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 for any occasion. They are packed with flavor and ready in under 30 minutes.
To make these skewers, start by making your meatballs with a mix of ground beef, breadcrumbs, and parmesan cheese. Brown them in a pan before assembling on skewers with cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella balls, and fresh basil leaves. Drizzle with balsamic glaze and serve as a fun and delicious appetizer.
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Crock Pot Italian Meatball Soup
Main Ingredients: Italian Style Meatballs, Low Sodium Beef Broth, Water
These easy slow cooker Italian meatball subs are the perfect meal for a busy day. They are packed with flavor and ready in under 4 hours.
To make these subs, start by making your meatballs with ground beef, breadcrumbs, and parmesan cheese. Brown them in a pan before adding them to your slow cooker with marinara sauce. Let cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Serve on hoagie rolls and top with sliced provolone cheese.
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Easy Slow Cooker Italian Meatball Subs
Main Ingredients: Italian Style Meatballs, Olive Oil, Crushed Tomatoes
This Italian meatball and tortellini soup is a delicious and comforting meal that is perfect for a cold day. It is packed with flavor and ready in under 30 minutes.
To make this soup, start by making your meatballs with ground beef, breadcrumbs, and parmesan cheese. Brown them in a pan before adding them to a pot with chicken broth, diced tomatoes, chopped carrots, and chopped celery. Let simmer for 15 minutes before adding in frozen cheese tortellini. Serve with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and a side of garlic bread.
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Italian Meatball and Tortellini Soup
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Red Bell Pepper, Chopped Onion, Diced
The Secret to Perfect Italian Meatballs
Quality Ingredients Make All the Difference
One of the key factors that sets Grandma's Italian meatball recipe apart from others is the use of high-quality ingredients. From the beef and pork mix to the breadcrumbs and seasonings, every ingredient is carefully selected to ensure the best flavor and texture. Grandma always said, "You can taste the love in every bite," and that love comes from using the best ingredients.
Beef and pork are the two main meats used in this recipe, and they are what give the meatballs their rich and savory flavor. For best results, use a mixture of 80% lean beef and 20% pork. This combination provides the perfect balance of fat and flavor.
Breadcrumbs are a crucial ingredient in meatballs, as they add texture and help bind the meat together. Instead of using store-bought breadcrumbs, Grandma always made her own by grinding up day-old Italian bread. This added an extra level of flavor and made the meatballs more authentic.
The Power of Seasonings
Seasonings are what give Grandma's Italian meatballs their signature taste. The key to getting the perfect balance of flavors is to use a variety of fresh herbs and spices. Some of the must-have seasonings include parsley, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and oregano. These ingredients not only add delicious flavor but also provide health benefits, making this recipe a nutritious choice.
Rolling the Perfect Meatball
Rolling meatballs may seem like a simple task, but it's an art that Grandma perfected. The secret is to make them all the same size, about 1 ½ inches in diameter. This ensures that they cook evenly and have a consistent texture. Use your hands to gently roll the mixture into balls, being careful not to overwork the meat.
The Perfect Cooking Method
Grandma always cooked her meatballs in a cast-iron skillet, as it provided the perfect amount of heat and helped them brown evenly. However, you can also bake them in the oven or cook them in a slow cooker. The key is to make sure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure they are fully cooked.
In Conclusion
In conclusion, Grandma's Italian meatball recipe is a cherished family tradition that has stood the test of time. With its high-quality ingredients, flavorful seasonings, and perfect cooking method, this dish is sure to be a hit at any gathering. So why not try making Grandma's Italian meatballs for your next family dinner and experience the love and deliciousness for yourself.
