19 Italian Meatball Recipe Giada De Laurentiis They're Simply Irresistible!
Published on: Mar 15, 2024
When it comes to classic Italian cuisine, there's nothing quite as iconic as a plate of steaming hot meatballs. These savory, flavorful balls of meat have been a staple of Italian-American cooking for generations, and for good reason. They're hearty, comforting, and incredibly versatile. While there are countless variations of meatball recipes out there, we turn to the queen of Italian cooking, Giada De Laurentiis, for her take on this beloved dish. Her Italian meatball recipe is a true crowd-pleaser, and with a few simple tips and tricks, you can recreate it in your own kitchen with ease.
This hearty and flavorful soup is the perfect comfort food for a chilly night. Made with tender Italian meatballs, vegetables, and a savory broth, this dish will warm you up from the inside out. Pair it with a crusty loaf of bread for a complete and satisfying meal.
2of 20
Giada De Laurentiis' Gravy
Main Ingredients: Chicken Broth, Thyme, Bay Leaf, Cornstarch, Water
This rich and delicious gravy is a staple in Giada De Laurentiis' Italian kitchen. Made with a combination of beef and chicken stock, red wine, and fresh herbs, this gravy is the perfect addition to any Italian dish. Serve it over mashed potatoes, pasta, or your favorite meat for a burst of flavor.
3of 20
Giada De Laurentiis' Moscow Mule
Main Ingredients: Vodka, Fresh Mint, Water, Sugar, Fresh Ginger, Mint
This refreshing and zesty cocktail is a twist on the classic Moscow Mule. Made with fresh ginger, lime juice, and vodka, this drink is the perfect balance of sweet and spicy. Serve it in a classic copper mug for a touch of elegance.
4of 20
Giada De Laurentiis’ Sticky Baked Korean Wings (GF,...
Main Ingredients: Chicken Wings, Salt, Pepper, Gochujang, Soy Sauce
These wings are a delicious and healthier alternative to traditional fried wings. Made with a sticky and flavorful glaze made from coconut aminos, honey, and Sriracha, these wings are perfect for a game day appetizer or a quick and easy weeknight dinner.
This classic Italian meatball sauce is the perfect accompaniment to any type of pasta. Made with ripe tomatoes, garlic, and Italian herbs, this sauce is simmered for hours to develop a rich and savory flavor. Use it as a base for your favorite Italian dishes or simply serve it over pasta for a quick and tasty meal.
This traditional Italian meatball recipe is a must-have in any Italian kitchen. Made with a combination of ground beef, pork, and veal, these meatballs are tender, flavorful, and perfect for adding to soups, sandwiches, or pasta dishes.
If you're looking for the ultimate Italian meatball recipe, look no further. This recipe combines the best of both worlds - a tender and flavorful meatball made with a combination of ground beef, pork, and veal, and a rich and savory tomato sauce that will have you going back for seconds.
8of 20
Easy Italian Meatball Sandwiches
Main Ingredients: Italian Style Meatballs, Sandwiches, Marinara Sauce
These easy and delicious Italian meatball sandwiches are perfect for a quick and satisfying lunch or dinner. Made with homemade meatballs, marinara sauce, and crusty Italian bread, these sandwiches are a crowd pleaser. Top with melted mozzarella cheese for an extra indulgent twist.
9of 20
Italian Meatball Casserole {Keto/Low Carb}
Main Ingredients: Ground Beef, Grated Parmesan Cheese, Mozzarella Cheese
If you're following a keto or low carb diet, this Italian meatball casserole is the perfect dinner option. Made with tender meatballs, low carb vegetables, and a creamy tomato sauce, this casserole is both delicious and satisfying. Plus, it's quick and easy to throw together on a busy weeknight.
10of 20
Slow Cooker Italian Meatball Soup
Main Ingredients: Medium Carrots, Celery, Yellow Onion, Italian
This slow cooker Italian meatball soup is the perfect meal for a busy day. Simply throw all the ingredients into your slow cooker in the morning and come home to a delicious and comforting soup made with tender meatballs, vegetables, and a savory broth. Serve with crusty bread for a complete meal.
There's nothing quite like a classic Italian meatball recipe passed down from generation to generation. This recipe comes straight from Grandma's kitchen and is made with simple ingredients like breadcrumbs, garlic, and parmesan cheese. Serve these meatballs over your favorite pasta or in a hearty meatball sandwich.
12of 20
Easy Italian Meatball Bake
Main Ingredients: Frozen Garlic Bread, Frozen Meatballs, Marinara Sauce
This easy Italian meatball bake is a one-pan dish that's perfect for a busy weeknight. Made with homemade meatballs, marinara sauce, and creamy mozzarella cheese, this dish will quickly become a family favorite. Serve with a side salad for a complete and delicious meal.
13of 20
Italian Meatball and Tortellini Soup with Spinach
Main Ingredients: Ground Beef, Egg, Milk, Dry Breadcrumbs, Pine Nuts
This hearty and flavorful soup is a meal in itself. Made with tender meatballs, cheese tortellini, and spinach, this soup is packed with protein and veggies. Serve with crusty bread for a satisfying and delicious meal.
14of 20
Italian Meatball Sandwich on Garlic Ciabatta
Main Ingredients: Lean Ground Beef, Egg, Breadcrumb, Grated Parmesan
This Italian meatball sandwich is the ultimate comfort food. Made with homemade meatballs, marinara sauce, and melted mozzarella cheese, this sandwich is packed with flavor. Serve on garlic ciabatta bread for an extra burst of garlic flavor.
These Italian meatball sliders are perfect for a party or game day gathering. Made with homemade meatballs, marinara sauce, and mini rolls, these sliders are easy to assemble and will be a hit with any crowd. Serve with a side of marinara sauce for dipping.
These classic Italian meatball subs are perfect for a quick and easy lunch or dinner. Made with homemade meatballs, marinara sauce, and crusty sub rolls, these subs are packed with flavor and will satisfy any craving for Italian food. Top with your favorite Italian cheese for an extra indulgent twist.
If you're feeling adventurous, try making this giant Italian meatball for your next family dinner. Made with ground beef, Italian sausage, and a variety of herbs and spices, this meatball is sure to impress. Serve with your favorite pasta and sauce for a show-stopping meal.
18of 20
Giada De Laurentiis' Italian Sheet-Pan Chicken With...
Main Ingredients: Garlic, Onion Powder, Fennel Seed, Dried Oregano
This easy and delicious sheet-pan chicken dish is a staple in Giada De Laurentiis' kitchen. Made with fresh herbs, lemon, and a variety of vegetables, this dish is both healthy and flavorful. Plus, it's all cooked on one sheet pan for easy cleanup.
19of 20
Giada De Laurentiis' Spicy One-Skillet Lasagna
Main Ingredients: Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Spicy Italian Sausage
This spicy and flavorful one-skillet lasagna is a twist on the classic Italian dish. Made with spicy sausage, creamy ricotta cheese, and a rich tomato sauce, this dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner. Plus, it's all made in one skillet for easy cleanup.
20of 20
Giada De Laurentiis’ Italian Antipasto Salad
Main Ingredients: Fusilli Pasta, Fresh Basil, Red Wine Vinegar, Garlic
This Italian antipasto salad is a delicious and refreshing side dish for any Italian meal. Made with fresh vegetables, cured meats, and a homemade vinaigrette, this salad is packed with flavor and will add a burst of color to your dinner table.
The Importance of Quality Ingredients
The Meat Matters
One of the keys to a delicious meatball is starting with high-quality meat. Giada suggests using a combination of ground beef and ground pork to achieve the perfect balance of flavors and textures. When shopping for your meat, look for lean cuts and avoid any that have a high fat content, as this can make your meatballs greasy and unappetizing.
Don't Forget the Cheese
Another essential ingredient in Giada's meatball recipe is Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese. This rich, nutty cheese adds depth of flavor and helps bind the meatballs together. Be sure to use freshly grated cheese for the best results, as pre-packaged grated cheese can be dry and lack flavor.
The Secret to Tender, Juicy Meatballs
Soak Your Bread in Milk
One of the unique elements of Giada's recipe is the addition of soaked bread to the meat mixture. This may seem unconventional, but it helps keep the meatballs moist and tender, even after cooking. Simply tear a few slices of crusty Italian bread into small pieces and soak them in milk for a few minutes before adding them to your meat mixture.
Don't Overmix
When it comes to forming the meatballs, it's important not to overmix the meat mixture. Overmixing can result in tough, dense meatballs. Instead, use a light hand and mix the ingredients just until combined.
The Perfect Cooking Method
Bake, Don't Fry
While traditional Italian meatballs are often fried, Giada's recipe calls for baking them in the oven. Not only does this method save you from the mess and hassle of frying, but it also results in healthier, less greasy meatballs. Plus, baking allows the flavors to develop and meld together, resulting in a more flavorful dish.
Give Them Some Space
When placing the meatballs on a baking sheet, be sure to leave some space between them. This allows for better air circulation and helps the meatballs cook evenly. If you overcrowd the pan, the meatballs may end up steaming instead of browning.
Final Thoughts
With Giada's expert tips and her delicious Italian meatball recipe, you'll be able to create a batch of mouth-watering meatballs that will impress your family and friends. So next time you're craving a taste of Italy, whip up a batch of these flavorful, tender meatballs and let your taste buds transport you to the streets of Rome. Buon appetito!