17 Grandpa's Italian Meatball Recipe You Must Try Them!

Published on: Mar 16, 2024

Grandpa's Italian meatball recipe has been passed down for generations and is a beloved family tradition. These meatballs are a perfect blend of herbs and spices, creating a rich and flavorful dish that will transport you straight to Italy. In this article, we will dive into the history of this famous recipe and share the secrets to making the perfect meatballs, just like grandpa used to make.

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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

If you're a fan of Italian flavors, then this recipe is a must-try. Tender and juicy meatballs are nestled in a crusty baguette, topped with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella cheese. It's a hearty meal that's perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a game day snack.

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Slow Cooker Italian Meatball Soup

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

Slow Cooker Italian Wedding Soup

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

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

This slow cooker version of Italian meatball soup is perfect for those busy days when you don't have time to cook. Simply throw all the ingredients in the crockpot and let it simmer away until the meatballs are tender and the flavors have melded together. Serve with some crusty bread for a satisfying meal.

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Italian Meatball Soup

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

Warm & Cozy Italian Meatball Soup Recipe | Little Spice Jar

Slow Cooker Italian Meatball Soup Recipe - Its Yummi

If you're looking for a comforting soup that's packed with flavor, look no further than this Italian meatball soup recipe. The meatballs are made with a blend of ground beef, pork, and Italian herbs, giving them a deliciously savory taste. The addition of vegetables like carrots and celery makes this soup a well-rounded and nutritious meal.

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Italian Meatball Bites

Main Ingredients: Italian Meatballs, Biscuits, Shredded Mozzarella

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

Authentic Italian Meatballs | Kitchen Vista's | Authentic italian ...

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These bite-sized meatballs are perfect for parties and gatherings. They're made with a combination of ground beef, herbs, and breadcrumbs, then baked until golden and crispy. Serve them with some marinara sauce for dipping and watch them disappear in no time.

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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 stew is filled with tender meatballs, vegetables, and a rich tomato-based broth. It's a one-pot meal that's perfect for chilly nights and can be left to cook in the slow cooker all day. Serve with some crusty bread for a complete and satisfying meal.

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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 soul-warming soup is a perfect blend of meatballs, tortellini, and vegetables. The slow cooker does all the work for you, allowing you to come home to a delicious and comforting meal. This recipe is sure to become a family favorite.

7 of 20

Easy Italian Meatball Sandwiches

Main Ingredients: Italian Style Meatballs, Sandwiches, Marinara Sauce

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These easy Italian meatball sandwiches are perfect for a quick and tasty lunch or dinner. The meatballs are made with a blend of ground beef, herbs, and breadcrumbs, then simmered in a flavorful marinara sauce. Serve on a crusty roll with some melted mozzarella cheese for a delicious and satisfying meal.

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Meatball Casserole

Main Ingredients: Italian Meatballs, Mashed Potatoes, Mozzarella Cheese

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This meatball casserole is a delicious twist on classic spaghetti and meatballs. The meatballs are coated in a creamy tomato sauce and baked with pasta and cheese. It's a perfect weeknight meal that the whole family will love.

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Meatball Sub Casserole

Main Ingredients: Refrigerated Buttermilk Biscuits, Italian Meatballs

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

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If you love meatball subs, you'll love this casserole version. It has all the flavors of a classic meatball sub, but in an easy-to-make casserole form. Layers of bread, meatballs, cheese, and marinara sauce come together for a delicious and hearty meal.

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Crock Pot Italian Meatball Soup

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

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This crockpot Italian meatball soup is an easy and comforting meal that's perfect for busy days. With minimal prep, you can have a delicious and hearty soup waiting for you when you get home. Serve with some crusty bread for a complete and satisfying meal.

11 of 20

Italian Meatball Sliders

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

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These Italian meatball sliders are perfect for parties or as a game day snack. The meatballs are made with a blend of ground beef, pork, and Italian herbs, then topped with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella cheese. They're easy to make and even easier to eat!

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Easy Italian Meatball Soup

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

Italian Meatball Soup - Baker by Nature

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This easy Italian meatball soup is perfect for busy weeknights. It's made with store-bought frozen meatballs, veggies, and a flavorful broth. It's a quick and easy meal that the whole family will love.

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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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If you love pizza and meatballs, then this recipe is for you. This Italian meatball pizza is loaded with juicy meatballs, mozzarella cheese, and marinara sauce. It's a fun and delicious twist on a classic pizza and is sure to be a hit with the whole family.

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Italian Meatball Stromboli

Main Ingredients: Italian Style Meatballs, Butter, Baby Portabella

Meatball Stromboli made with your favorite Italian meatballs, sauce and ...

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This Italian meatball stromboli is a fun and tasty twist on a classic Italian dish. The meatballs are wrapped in pizza dough with cheese and marinara sauce, then baked until golden and crispy. It's a perfect meal for a cozy night in.

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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 delicious appetizer that's perfect for any gathering. Juicy meatballs, fresh mozzarella, and cherry tomatoes are skewered together and drizzled with balsamic glaze for a burst of flavor in every bite.

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Crock Pot Italian Meatball Soup

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

This crockpot Italian meatball soup is a hearty and comforting meal that's perfect for chilly days. The meatballs are made with a blend of ground beef, pork, and Italian herbs, and simmered in a flavorful broth. Serve with some crusty bread for a satisfying meal.

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Easy Slow Cooker Italian Meatball Subs

Main Ingredients: Italian Style Meatballs, Olive Oil, Crushed Tomatoes

Slow cooker meatball subs are a hearty weeknight meal idea, made easy ...

Easy Slow Cooker Italian Meatball Subs Recipe

Easy, Italian Meatball Sub recipe made from homemade meatballs ...

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These easy slow cooker Italian meatball subs are a delicious and convenient meal that's perfect for busy weeknights. The meatballs are simmered in a flavorful marinara sauce, then served on a crusty roll with melted mozzarella cheese. It's a family favorite that's always a hit.

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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 a delicious and filling meal that's perfect for any day of the week. The meatballs are made with a blend of ground beef, pork, and Italian herbs, and paired with cheese tortellini in a flavorful broth. It's a complete and satisfying meal in a bowl.

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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 a fun and tasty appetizer or snack that's perfect for any occasion. The meatballs are served with a creamy marinara dipping sauce, making them the perfect finger food for parties or game day.

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Slow Cooker Italian Meatball Soup

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

This slow cooker Italian meatball soup is a delicious and easy meal that's perfect for those busy days. The meatballs are made with a blend of ground beef, pork, and Italian herbs, and simmered in a flavorful broth. Serve with some crusty bread for a complete and satisfying meal.

The History of Grandpa's Italian Meatball Recipe

Origin of the Recipe

The origins of Grandpa's Italian meatball recipe can be traced back to the early 19th century in Southern Italy. During this time, meat was a luxury and was often mixed with breadcrumbs and other inexpensive ingredients to stretch the meat further. It was also a way for families to use every part of the animal, including the tougher cuts of meat, making it a sustainable and economical option.

Family Tradition

As Italians immigrated to other parts of the world, they brought their meatball recipe with them, passing it down from generation to generation. For many Italian families, including our own, making meatballs is a cherished tradition, often done together with grandparents, parents, and children. Each family may have their own unique twist on the recipe, but the key ingredients and techniques remain the same.

The Secrets to Perfect Meatballs

The Meat

The key to making delicious Italian meatballs is to use a combination of ground beef, pork, and veal. This blend creates a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Choose high-quality meat and ask your butcher to grind it fresh for the best results.

The Seasonings

The secret to the amazing flavor of Grandpa's Italian meatball recipe lies in the combination of herbs and spices. The key ingredients include fresh parsley, garlic, oregano, and parmesan cheese. These ingredients not only add depth of flavor but also help to bind the meatballs together.

The Technique

To achieve the perfect texture and shape, it's essential to mix the meat mixture gently and not overwork it. Using your hands, gently combine all the ingredients, being careful not to compact the meat. Roll the mixture into golf ball-sized meatballs and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in the oven for about 20 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. In conclusion, Grandpa's Italian meatball recipe is more than just a dish, it's a symbol of family and tradition. With its rich history and delicious flavor, it's no wonder this recipe has stood the test of time and continues to be a favorite in many households. So next time you're craving a taste of Italy, gather your loved ones and make some memories while creating this cherished family recipe.