18 Old School Italian Meatball Recipe Baked Elevate Your Taste Buds!
Published on: Mar 18, 2024
The classic Italian meatball is a staple in many households, and for good reason. These savory, hearty balls of meat are full of flavor and can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. While there are many different methods for making meatballs, one of the most traditional and delicious ways is to bake them. Baking meatballs creates a crispy, golden brown exterior while keeping the inside tender and juicy. In this article, we will share a professional and well-organized introduction to the old school Italian meatball recipe baked, so you can recreate this delicious dish in your own kitchen.
This delicious Italian meatball sandwich is a classic comfort food that will leave you craving for more. The juicy, flavorful meatballs are sandwiched between two soft buns and topped with melted cheese and tangy marinara sauce. It's a perfect meal for a lazy weekend or a busy weeknight dinner. Serve it with a side of crispy fries or a refreshing salad for a complete meal.
2of 20
Slow Cooker Italian Meatball Soup
Main Ingredients: Medium Carrots, Celery, Yellow Onion, Italian
Take the traditional meatball soup to the next level with this slow cooker Italian meatball soup recipe. The tender meatballs, hearty vegetables, and flavorful broth make this soup a hearty and comforting meal. It's also a great way to use up any leftover meatballs from other dishes. Simply dump all the ingredients in the slow cooker and let it do its magic while you go about your day.
3of 20
Oven Baked Meatballs (Old School Italian Meatball)
Main Ingredients: Parmesan Cheese, Fresh Parsley, Salt, Pepper, Ground
If you're looking for a healthier alternative to fried meatballs, then this oven-baked Italian meatball recipe is for you. The meatballs are made with a combination of ground beef, pork, and veal, and are baked to perfection in the oven. The result is juicy, flavorful meatballs that are perfect for pairing with your favorite pasta or serving as an appetizer with some marinara sauce for dipping.
This Italian meatball soup is a hearty and delicious meal that will warm you up from the inside out. The combination of tender meatballs, vegetables, and flavorful broth makes it a comforting and satisfying dish. It's also a great way to sneak in some veggies for picky eaters. Serve it with some crusty bread for a complete and filling meal.
5of 20
Italian Meatball Bites
Main Ingredients: Italian Meatballs, Biscuits, Shredded Mozzarella
These Italian meatball bites are perfect for parties, game nights, or just as a fun snack. The bite-sized meatballs are packed with flavor and are coated in a delicious marinara sauce. Serve them with toothpicks for easy snacking or as a topping for crostini for a more elegant presentation. These meatball bites are sure to be a hit with both kids and adults alike.
6of 20
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 requires minimal effort. The tender meatballs, vegetables, and flavorful broth are cooked low and slow in the slow cooker, resulting in a rich and flavorful stew. Serve it over some pasta or with some crusty bread for a complete and satisfying meal.
7of 20
Slow Cooker Italian Meatball and Tortellini Soup
Main Ingredients: Dried Basil, Dried Oregano, Diced Onion, Grated
Combine two Italian classics, meatball soup and tortellini, in this slow cooker Italian meatball and tortellini soup. The tender meatballs, cheesy tortellini, and flavorful broth make this soup a delicious and satisfying meal. Let the slow cooker do the work while you go about your day, and come home to a comforting and delicious meal.
8of 20
Easy Italian Meatball Sandwiches
Main Ingredients: Italian Style Meatballs, Sandwiches, Marinara Sauce
These easy Italian meatball sandwiches are a quick and delicious option for busy weeknights. The meatballs are made with a combination of ground beef and Italian sausage for an extra kick of flavor. They're then topped with marinara sauce and melted cheese, and sandwiched between two soft buns. Serve them with a side of potato chips or a simple salad for a satisfying meal.
9of 20
Meatball Casserole
Main Ingredients: Italian Meatballs, Mashed Potatoes, Mozzarella Cheese
This meatball casserole is a crowd-pleasing dish that will have everyone asking for seconds. The juicy meatballs are smothered in a creamy tomato sauce and baked with a layer of cheesy mozzarella on top. It's a perfect dish for potlucks, family gatherings, or just a cozy night in. Serve it with some garlic bread for a complete and satisfying meal.
10of 20
Meatball Sub Casserole
Main Ingredients: Refrigerated Buttermilk Biscuits, Italian Meatballs
Take the classic meatball sub to the next level with this meatball sub casserole. Tender meatballs, marinara sauce, and gooey cheese are layered between slices of crusty bread and baked to perfection. It's an easy and delicious way to enjoy all the flavors of a meatball sub without the mess. Serve it with a side of fries or a simple salad for a complete meal.
11of 20
Crock Pot Italian Meatball Soup
Main Ingredients: Italian Style Meatballs, Beef Broth, Diced Tomatoes
This crockpot Italian meatball soup is a comforting and delicious meal that requires minimal effort. Simply add all the ingredients to the crockpot and let it do its magic while you go about your day. The result is a flavorful and satisfying soup that's perfect for chilly days. Serve it with some garlic bread for dipping or some crusty bread for a hearty meal.
These Italian meatball sliders are a fun and delicious option for parties, game nights, or just a casual snack. The mini meatballs are coated in a tangy marinara sauce and sandwiched between soft slider buns. Serve them with some chips or a simple salad for a well-balanced meal. These sliders are sure to be a hit with both kids and adults alike.
13of 20
Easy Italian Meatball Soup
Main Ingredients: Cooking Oil, Carrots, Celery, Onion, Tomato Paste
This easy Italian meatball soup is a quick and flavorful meal that's perfect for busy weeknights. The tender meatballs, vegetables, and flavorful broth come together in just 30 minutes, making it a great option for those hectic days. Serve it with some crusty bread for dipping or some cooked pasta for a more filling meal.
14of 20
Italian Meatball Pizza
Main Ingredients: Pillsbury Pizza Crust, Pizza Sauce, Cooked Italian
Combine two Italian favorites, pizza and meatballs, in this delicious Italian meatball pizza. The homemade crust is topped with marinara sauce, mozzarella cheese, and juicy meatballs for a flavorful and satisfying pizza. Customize it with your favorite toppings for a personalized twist. This pizza is sure to be a hit with both kids and adults alike.
15of 20
Italian Meatball Stromboli
Main Ingredients: Italian Style Meatballs, Butter, Baby Portabella
This Italian meatball stromboli is a fun and delicious way to enjoy all the flavors of a meatball sub. The homemade dough is filled with tender meatballs, marinara sauce, and gooey cheese, and baked to perfection. It's a great option for a game night or a casual dinner with friends. Serve it with a side of salad for a balanced meal.
16of 20
Italian Meatball Caprese Skewers
Main Ingredients: Italian Style Meatballs, Fresh Mozzarella Cheese, Grape
Impress your guests with these elegant and delicious Italian meatball caprese skewers. The mini meatballs are skewered with fresh mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, and basil for a burst of flavor in every bite. Drizzle them with balsamic glaze for an extra touch of sweetness. These skewers are perfect for parties, holidays, or just a fun appetizer for a date night in.
17of 20
Crock Pot Italian Meatball Soup
Main Ingredients: Italian Style Meatballs, Low Sodium Beef Broth, Water
This crockpot Italian meatball soup is a comforting and delicious meal that requires minimal effort. Simply add all the ingredients to the crockpot and let it do its magic while you go about your day. The result is a flavorful and satisfying soup that's perfect for chilly days. Serve it with some garlic bread for dipping or some crusty bread for a hearty meal.
18of 20
Italian Meatball and Tortellini Soup
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Red Bell Pepper, Chopped Onion, Diced
Combine two Italian classics, meatball soup and tortellini, in this Italian meatball and tortellini soup. The tender meatballs, cheesy tortellini, and flavorful broth make this soup a delicious and satisfying meal. Let the slow cooker do the work while you go about your day, and come home to a comforting and delicious meal.
19of 20
Italian Meatball Dunkers
Main Ingredients: Italian Style Meatballs, Pie Crust Dough, Cheese
These Italian meatball dunkers are a fun and delicious way to enjoy meatballs. The mini meatballs are skewered with breadsticks for a fun and easy-to-eat snack. Serve them with marinara sauce for dipping and some veggies on the side for a well-balanced meal. These dunkers are perfect for parties, game nights, or just a casual snack.
20of 20
Slow Cooker Italian Meatball Soup
Main Ingredients: Cooked Italian Meatballs, Broth, Water, Diced Tomatoes
This slow cooker Italian meatball soup is a hearty and comforting meal that requires minimal effort. The tender meatballs, vegetables, and flavorful broth are cooked low and slow in the slow cooker, resulting in a rich and flavorful soup. Serve it with some crusty bread for dipping or some cooked pasta for a more filling meal.
Why Choose Baked Meatballs?
Versatility
One of the biggest advantages of baking meatballs is the versatility it offers. These meatballs can be served as an appetizer, added to pasta dishes, or even used in sandwiches. The crispy exterior and tender interior make them a delicious addition to any meal.
Healthier Option
Compared to frying, baking meatballs is a healthier option. By eliminating the need for oil, you can cut down on the fat content of the dish without sacrificing flavor. Additionally, baking allows the excess fat to drain off, making the meatballs lighter and more nutritious.
Efficient Cooking
Baking meatballs is also a more efficient way of cooking compared to frying. With frying, you have to constantly watch and turn the meatballs to ensure they cook evenly. Baking, on the other hand, allows you to place the meatballs in the oven and let them cook while you attend to other tasks.
Creating the Perfect Baked Meatballs
Choosing the Right Meat
The key to a great meatball is in the meat you use. For this old school Italian recipe, we recommend a combination of ground beef and ground pork. The beef provides a rich, meaty flavor while the pork adds moisture and tenderness to the meatballs.
Breadcrumbs and Seasonings
To create the perfect texture for your meatballs, you will need to add breadcrumbs. These act as a binding agent and help keep the meatballs together. For an authentic Italian flavor, we recommend using panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs. Additionally, don't forget to season your meatballs with garlic, parsley, and oregano for that classic Italian taste.
Baking Time and Temperature
To achieve the perfect balance of crispy exterior and juicy interior, it is crucial to bake the meatballs at the right temperature and for the right amount of time. We recommend baking at 375°F for 20-25 minutes, turning the meatballs halfway through to ensure even cooking.
In Conclusion
Baking old school Italian meatballs is a simple and delicious way to enjoy this classic dish. By choosing the right ingredients and following these tips, you can create a mouthwatering meal that will impress your family and friends. So next time you're craving a taste of Italy, skip the frying pan and try baking your meatballs for a healthier and more flavorful option.