19 Meatball Recipe Using Italian Ground Sausage & Ground Beef Unleash Your Inner Chef!
Published on: Mar 18, 2024
When it comes to delicious, hearty meals, nothing beats a classic meatball recipe. These savory balls of ground meat are a staple in Italian cuisine and can be enjoyed in a variety of ways – from topping a plate of spaghetti to being served as the main course with a side of garlic bread. While there are many variations of meatball recipes, one of the most flavorful and popular combinations is using Italian ground sausage and ground beef. In this article, we will show you how to create the perfect meatballs using these two meats, and provide some tips and tricks to make them even more mouth-watering. So, let's get cooking!
Johnsonville Italian All Natural Ground Sausage Lasagna
Main Ingredients: Lasagna Noodles, Ground Sausage, Onion, Chopped Garlic
This delicious Italian sausage lasagna recipe uses Johnsonville's all natural ground sausage, making it a healthier option for your family. The combination of juicy sausage, rich tomato sauce, and layers of gooey cheese will have everyone coming back for seconds. Plus, it's easy to make and perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Warm up on a chilly day with this hearty and flavorful Italian sausage soup. Packed with vegetables, sausage, and a delicious broth, this soup is a complete meal in a bowl. Serve with a crusty loaf of bread and enjoy the comfort of a warm and satisfying meal.
3of 20
Spicy Italian Keto Stuffed Peppers
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Italian Seasoning, Ground Sausage, Small
If you're following a keto diet, these spicy Italian stuffed peppers are a must-try. Filled with a mixture of Italian sausage, cream cheese, and spices, these peppers are packed with flavor and low in carbs. They're also a great option for meal prep, as they can be easily reheated for a quick and tasty lunch.
Put an Italian twist on the classic egg roll with this delicious recipe. Filled with a mixture of ground Italian sausage, cheese, and vegetables, these egg rolls are perfect for game day snacks or as a fun and unique appetizer for your next party. Serve with a side of marinara sauce for dipping.
5of 20
Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta
Main Ingredients: Penne Pasta, Ground Sausage, Olive Oil, Heavy Cream
If you're a fan of creamy pasta dishes, then this recipe is for you. The addition of Italian sausage, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach gives this dish a Tuscan flare and adds a burst of flavor. Plus, the creamy sauce is made with just a few simple ingredients, making it an easy and delicious meal option.
For a fun and unique twist on traditional nachos, try making Italian nachos. This recipe uses Italian sausage, peppers, and onions for a flavorful topping, and instead of tortilla chips, it uses crispy wonton wrappers. Top with mozzarella cheese and your favorite Italian seasonings for a tasty appetizer or snack.
You can't go wrong with a classic Italian meatball recipe. These juicy and flavorful meatballs are perfect for topping your favorite pasta dish or for making into a delicious meatball sub. Use a combination of beef and pork for the best flavor, and don't forget to add some bread crumbs and parmesan cheese for added texture and taste.
This hearty and comforting soup is a staple in Italian households. Made with simple ingredients like Italian sausage, potatoes, and kale, this soup is budget-friendly and perfect for a cold winter night. Serve with a side of crusty bread for dipping and enjoy the warm and cozy flavors of this Italian classic.
Despite its name, this soup is not typically served at weddings. However, it is a favorite in Italian-American communities and is loved for its delicious combination of meatballs, veggies, and pasta. This recipe uses Italian sausage to add extra flavor and will leave you feeling satisfied and warmed from the inside out.
10of 20
Italian Stuffed Shells
Main Ingredients: Jumbo Shells, Ground Sausage, Ground Beef, Cream
Stuffed shells are a classic Italian dish that is perfect for feeding a crowd. This recipe uses Italian sausage and a creamy ricotta and spinach filling, making it a tasty and flavorful option. Don't forget to top with a generous amount of marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese for a delicious and cheesy finish.
A twist on the traditional lasagna, this recipe uses Italian sausage and a creamy alfredo sauce for a rich and indulgent dish. Layered with lasagna noodles, sausage, and a mixture of cheeses, this lasagna is a family favorite and perfect for a special occasion or a cozy family dinner.
12of 20
Easy Italian Ragu Sauce
Main Ingredients: Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Ground Sausage, Onion, Garlic
This flavorful and easy Italian ragu sauce is perfect for topping your favorite pasta or for using in dishes like lasagna or stuffed shells. Made with ground Italian sausage, tomatoes, and seasonings, this sauce is full of delicious flavors and can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge or freezer for later use.
For a delicious and filling meal, try these Italian stuffed peppers. Filled with a mixture of Italian sausage, rice, and cheese, these peppers are a complete meal in one dish. Plus, they're a great way to sneak in some extra veggies for a healthier option.
This Italian sausage lasagne recipe is a little different from the traditional version. Instead of using ground beef, it uses Italian sausage for a more flavorful and unique twist. Layered with lasagna noodles, sausage, and a creamy sauce, this lasagne is sure to become a family favorite.
15of 20
Mushroom Rigatoni with Italian Sausage
Main Ingredients: Rigatoni, Olive Oil, Ground Sausage, Baby Bella
If you're a fan of creamy pasta dishes, then you'll love this mushroom rigatoni with Italian sausage. The addition of mushrooms adds a delicious earthy flavor to the dish, while the Italian sausage gives it a bit of spice. This dish is perfect for a date night at home or for a special occasion.
16of 20
Healthy Italian Wedding Soup
Main Ingredients: Ground Turkey, Ground Sausage, Almond Meal, Grated
This healthy version of Italian wedding soup is made with ground turkey instead of beef or pork, making it a leaner option. The combination of meatballs, veggies, and pasta makes for a nourishing and satisfying meal that won't leave you feeling guilty. Plus, it's easy to make and perfect for a weeknight dinner.
17of 20
Italian Sausage Rigatoni with Tomato Cream Sauce
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Butter, Ground Sausage, Onion, Minced
This Italian sausage rigatoni with tomato cream sauce is a delicious and indulgent dish that is perfect for a special occasion. The cream sauce adds a rich and velvety texture, while the Italian sausage adds a burst of flavor. Serve with a side of garlic bread for a complete and satisfying meal.
18of 20
Spinach Cheese Tortellini With Italian Sausage
Main Ingredients: Ground Sausage, Baby Bella Mushrooms, Diced Tomatoes
This spinach cheese tortellini with Italian sausage is a quick and easy meal that is full of flavor. The combination of tortellini, sausage, and spinach creates a delicious and well-balanced dish that can be made in just a few minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.
19of 20
Mozzarella Stuffed Italian Meatballs for Slow Cooker
Main Ingredients: Lean Ground Beef, Ground Sausage, Bread Crumbs, Eggs
These mozzarella stuffed Italian meatballs are a mouthwatering and easy dish that can be made in your slow cooker. Filled with gooey cheese and seasoned with Italian spices, these meatballs are perfect for topping your favorite pasta or for making into a delicious sub. Just set it and forget it for a stress-free dinner.
20of 20
Italian Easter Pie (Pizza Rustica, Pizza Gaina, Pizza...
Main Ingredients: Ground Sausage, Bread Dough, Ricotta, Large Eggs, Fresh
This Italian Easter pie, also known as pizza rustica, pizza gaina, or pizza chiena, is a traditional dish served during the Easter holiday. Made with a variety of cured meats and cheeses, this savory pie is a delicious and unique addition to any Easter celebration. It's also a great dish for potlucks or family gatherings.
The Perfect Blend: Italian Ground Sausage and Ground Beef
When it comes to meatballs, the type of meat you use is crucial in creating the perfect texture and flavor. Many traditional recipes call for a combination of ground beef and pork, but using Italian ground sausage adds a whole new level of flavor to the mix. The spices and herbs typically used in Italian sausage, like fennel, garlic, and paprika, add a unique and delicious kick to the meatballs. Plus, the combination of the two meats creates a juicy and tender texture that is hard to resist.
Choosing the Right Meats
When selecting your ground beef and Italian sausage, it's important to choose high-quality meat. Look for lean cuts of beef, preferably 85% lean, to avoid the meatballs becoming too greasy. For the Italian sausage, opt for a mild or sweet variety, as the spices and seasonings will already provide plenty of flavor. It's also important to use a good ratio of the two meats – try a 50/50 split for the perfect balance.
Mixing and Seasoning
To achieve the perfect blend of meat, mix the ground beef and Italian sausage together in a large bowl. Make sure to handle the meat gently, as overworking it can result in tough and dense meatballs. Once combined, it's time to add some seasonings. While the Italian sausage already has plenty of flavor, adding some garlic, onion, and Italian herbs like oregano, basil, and parsley will take your meatballs to the next level. Don't forget to add a pinch of salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Methods
Now that your meatballs are perfectly seasoned and mixed, it's time to cook them. You can either bake, fry, or simmer them in a sauce. Baking is the healthiest option, as the excess fat will drip off, resulting in leaner and healthier meatballs. Frying will give them a crispy exterior, while simmering in a sauce will infuse the meatballs with even more flavor. Whichever method you choose, make sure to cook them thoroughly, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F.
In conclusion, using a combination of Italian ground sausage and ground beef is a sure-fire way to create the most flavorful and delicious meatballs. With the right meat ratio, seasonings, and cooking method, you'll have a perfect batch of meatballs that will be a hit with the whole family. So, why not give this recipe a try and elevate your meatball game to the next level?
Johnsonville Italian All Natural Ground Sausage Lasagna