16 Italian Meatballs Recipe Old School You Won't Believe The Taste!
Published on: Mar 17, 2024
Italian meatballs are a classic, hearty dish that has been enjoyed for generations. These flavorful spheres of meat are perfect on their own or paired with your favorite pasta and sauce. While there are many variations of meatball recipes out there, sometimes it's nice to go back to the old school version that has been passed down through Italian families. Here is a tried and true Italian meatball recipe that will have your taste buds dancing and your family begging for seconds.
Main Ingredients: Ground Beef, Ground Pork, Egg, Fresh Bread Crumbs
Italian meatballs are a classic dish that has been loved for generations. Whether you're Italian or not, there's something comforting about a big plate of steaming hot meatballs, smothered in rich tomato sauce and served with a side of spaghetti. These great big Italian meatballs are no exception - they're packed with flavor and are sure to satisfy any appetite.
When it comes to making Italian meatballs, there are a few key ingredients that you can't skimp on. For the best flavor, use a combination of ground beef, pork, and veal. This will give your meatballs a rich and complex taste that can't be replicated with just one type of meat. You'll also need plenty of garlic, breadcrumbs, and grated Parmesan cheese to add depth and texture to your meatballs.
3of 20
Homemade Italian Meatballs
Main Ingredients: Italian Bread, Grated Romano Cheese, Garlic, Fresh
While it may be tempting to buy pre-made meatballs from the store, there's nothing quite like the taste of homemade Italian meatballs. Plus, making them from scratch allows you to control the ingredients and customize the flavors to your liking. It may take a little more effort, but the end result is well worth it.
4of 20
Baked Italian Meatballs
Main Ingredients: Meatballs, Marinara Sauce, Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
If you're watching your calorie intake or just prefer a healthier option, baked Italian meatballs are a great alternative to frying. They still have the same delicious flavor, but without all the extra grease and fat. Simply place them on a lined baking sheet and bake in the oven until they're cooked through and slightly crispy.
When it comes to Italian cuisine, authenticity is key. For truly authentic Italian meatballs, try using a mixture of ground beef, pork, and veal, along with fresh breadcrumbs, garlic, and herbs. Avoid using pre-made sauces or frozen meatballs, as these can take away from the authentic taste.
There are plenty of meatball recipes out there, but these are truly the best Italian meatballs you'll ever have. The combination of meats, herbs, and seasonings creates a perfectly balanced and flavorful dish that will have you coming back for seconds (and maybe even thirds).
Don't let the thought of making meatballs from scratch intimidate you. These easy Italian meatballs are simple to make and require minimal ingredients. You can even make a big batch and freeze them for later use, making meal prep a breeze.
There's something to be said about sticking to the classics. These classic Italian meatballs are a tried and true recipe that will never go out of style. Made with a combination of ground beef, pork, and veal, along with fresh herbs and spices, these meatballs are sure to become a family favorite.
9of 20
Italian Meatballs and Noodles
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Finely Chopped Onion, Garlic, Italian
While spaghetti and meatballs is a classic combination, don't be afraid to switch things up and serve your Italian meatballs with a different type of pasta. Noodles like penne, rigatoni, or even tortellini can make for a delicious and unique twist on this traditional dish.
10of 20
Incredible Italian Meatballs
Main Ingredients: Gluten Free White Bread, Onion, Egg, Garlic, Dried
The name says it all - these Italian meatballs are simply incredible. The combination of meats, herbs, and seasonings creates a depth of flavor that will leave your taste buds dancing. Serve them with your favorite pasta and sauce for a truly delicious meal.
If you're following a low-carb or keto diet, these Italian meatballs are a great option for a satisfying and flavorful meal. Made with a combination of ground beef and pork, along with almond flour and herbs, these meatballs are low in carbs but high in taste.
12of 20
Italian Meatballs andSpaghetti
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Onion, Garlic, Dry Red Wine, Crushed
While spaghetti and meatballs may seem like a simple and basic meal, there's something about the combination of tender meatballs and perfectly cooked pasta that just can't be beat. Serve with your favorite tomato sauce and some fresh herbs for a classic Italian dinner.
With so many meatball recipes out there, it can be hard to know which one is the best. But trust us, these are the best Italian meatballs you'll ever have. The mixture of meats, herbs, and spices creates a depth of flavor that is truly unbeatable.
If you're short on time or just prefer to let your appliances do the cooking, slow cooker Italian meatballs are a great option. Simply mix up the ingredients, form the meatballs, and let them cook in your slow cooker for a few hours. They'll come out tender, juicy, and full of flavor.
15of 20
Crock Pot Italian Meatballs
Main Ingredients: Italian Style Meatballs, Frozen Meatballs, Shredded
Similar to slow cooker meatballs, crock pot Italian meatballs are a great option for an easy and delicious meal. Just throw all the ingredients into your crock pot and let them cook for a few hours. When you come back, you'll have perfectly cooked and flavorful meatballs.
There's something special about old school Italian recipes - they're tried and true, and always delicious. This old school Italian meat sauce is no exception. Made with a combination of ground beef, pork, and veal, along with tomatoes, herbs, and spices, this meat sauce is perfect for topping your favorite pasta or serving with meatballs.
17of 20
Old School Italian Gravy
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Beef Bone, Yellow Onion, Minced Garlic
In Italian cooking, meat sauce is often referred to as "gravy." This old school Italian gravy is packed with flavor and will make you feel like you're dining at an authentic Italian restaurant. Serve it over pasta or use it as a base for your meatballs.
18of 20
Quick and Easy Italian Meatballs
Main Ingredients: 85 Lean Ground Beef, Garlic, Large Eggs, Dried
Just because you're short on time doesn't mean you have to sacrifice flavor. These quick and easy Italian meatballs come together in no time and are bursting with flavor. Serve them over pasta or use them in your favorite meatball sub recipe for a delicious and satisfying meal.
19of 20
New Old School Italian Meatballs
Main Ingredients: Lean Ground Beef, Italian Bread, Eggs, Pine Nuts
For a twist on traditional Italian meatballs, try these new old school Italian meatballs. Made with a combination of ground beef, pork, and veal, along with fresh herbs and spices, these meatballs have a unique and irresistible flavor that will leave you wanting more.
20of 20
Italian Meatballs and Zucchini Noodles
Main Ingredients: Finely Chopped Onion, Minced Fresh Garlic, Grated
If you're looking for a healthier option without sacrificing taste, try serving your Italian meatballs with zucchini noodles instead of traditional pasta. The zucchini noodles add a fresh and light element to the dish, while still allowing you to enjoy the delicious flavors of the meatballs and sauce.
The Importance of Quality Ingredients
Using fresh and high-quality ingredients is key in creating the perfect Italian meatball.
Italian cuisine is all about simplicity and letting the natural flavors shine. This holds especially true when it comes to making meatballs. Using fresh ingredients not only enhances the taste of the dish, but it also ensures that your meatballs are moist and tender. When selecting your meat, opt for a mixture of ground beef, pork, and veal for the best flavor and texture. Be sure to also use freshly gratedparmesan cheese and breadcrumbs for added depth and richness.
The Art of Seasoning
Balancingflavors and textures is crucial in creating a well-rounded Italian meatball.
The key to a successful meatball lies in the seasoning. It's important to strike a balance between salty, savory, and sweet flavors. In addition to the standard salt and pepper, be sure to add a pinch of garlic powder, dried oregano, and fresh parsley to give your meatballs that classic Italian taste. For a touch of sweetness, consider adding a splash of milk and a sprinkle of sugar. The milk helps to keep the meatballs moist while the sugar adds a subtle sweetness that pairs perfectly with the savory ingredients.
The Perfect Cooking Method
The browning and braising method is essential in achieving the perfect texture and flavor for your Italian meatballs.
While some may opt to fry or bake their meatballs, the traditional method is to brown them in a pan before braising them in your favorite sauce. This allows the meatballs to develop a crispy exterior while remaining juicy on the inside. Once browned, add your meatballs to a pot of simmering sauce and let them cook for at least 20 minutes, allowing them to absorb all the delicious flavors of the sauce. This method ensures that your meatballs are perfectly cooked and loaded with flavor.
In Conclusion
With the right ingredients, seasoning, and cooking method, you can create the perfect old school Italian meatballs that will have your family and friends coming back for more.
So next time you're craving a taste of Italy, skip the store-bought frozen meatballs and try this authentic recipe. Your taste buds will thank you.