19 Old School Italian Meatball Recipe With Pasta Get Cooking And Enjoy!
Published on: Mar 18, 2024
When it comes to classic Italian comfort food, few dishes can compare to a steaming bowl of pasta topped with old school meatballs. This timeless recipe has been passed down through generations and has become a staple in many households. While there are countless variations of meatball recipes, the old school Italian version remains a fan favorite for its simplicity and rich flavors. In this article, we will take a closer look at how to make this traditional dish, step by step.
Main Ingredients: Diced Tomatoes, Tomato Sauce, Beef Broth, Carrots
If you're a fan of hearty and comforting soups, then this slow cooker meatball minestrone soup is a must-try. The combination of tender meatballs, vegetables, and beans in a flavorful broth is sure to warm you up on a chilly day. Plus, using the slow cooker means you can set it and forget it, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
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Slow Cooker Italian Meatball Soup
Main Ingredients: Medium Carrots, Celery, Yellow Onion, Italian
This slow cooker Italian meatball soup is another delicious and easy-to-make option for those busy nights. The meatballs are made with a blend of ground beef and Italian sausage, giving them a rich and savory flavor. The addition of vegetables and pasta make this soup a complete meal in one bowl.
For a classic take on Italian meatball soup, try this recipe that uses a combination of beef and pork for the meatballs. The broth is flavored with herbs and vegetables, creating a delicious base for the tender meatballs to soak up. This soup is perfect for a cozy night in with a glass of red wine.
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Slow Cooker Italian Meatball Stew
Main Ingredients: Italian Meatballs, Olive Oil, Carrots, Celery, Red Bell
Stews are the ultimate comfort food, and this slow cooker Italian meatball stew is no exception. The meatballs are slow cooked in a rich tomato broth with vegetables, creating a hearty and flavorful dish. Serve it with crusty bread for dipping and you have a satisfying meal that will warm you up from the inside out.
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Slow Cooker Italian Meatball and Tortellini Soup
Main Ingredients: Dried Basil, Dried Oregano, Diced Onion, Grated
If you're a fan of tortellini, then this slow cooker Italian meatball and tortellini soup is a must-try. The tender meatballs, cheese-filled tortellini, and vegetables are simmered in a savory broth, creating a delicious and filling soup that the whole family will love. Serve it with a side salad for a complete meal.
Who says you can't have a sandwich for dinner? This Italian meatball sandwich is a delicious and easy-to-make option for those busy weeknights. The meatballs are cooked in a tomato sauce and then placed on a toasted hoagie roll with melted cheese. It's like a mini meatball sub that you can enjoy at home.
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Italian Meatball Bites
Main Ingredients: Italian Meatballs, Biscuits, Shredded Mozzarella
If you're looking for a fun and tasty appetizer, these Italian meatball bites are perfect. The meatballs are made with a blend of ground beef and pork, and then baked until crispy. Serve them with your favorite marinara sauce for dipping and watch them disappear in no time.
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Meatball Pasta Bake
Main Ingredients: Garlic Paste, Dried Oregano, Dried Basil, Kosher Salt
This meatball pasta bake is a delicious and easy-to-make casserole that the whole family will love. The meatballs are baked with pasta and a creamy tomato sauce, creating a hearty and comforting dish. Top it off with some melted cheese and you have a satisfying meal that will please even the pickiest eaters.
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Simple Crock Pot Italian Wedding Soup with Kale
Main Ingredients: Italian Meatballs, Low Sodium Chicken, Chicken Broth
Italian wedding soup is a classic dish that is traditionally made with meatballs, pasta, and leafy greens. This simple crock pot Italian wedding soup puts a twist on the original recipe by using kale instead of the traditional spinach. The result is a hearty and nutritious soup that is perfect for a cold winter day.
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Easy Italian Meatball Soup
Main Ingredients: Cooking Oil, Carrots, Celery, Onion, Tomato Paste
This easy Italian meatball soup is a delicious and no-fuss option for those busy nights when you don't have time to spend hours in the kitchen. The meatballs are made with ground beef and lots of Italian seasoning, giving them a bold and flavorful taste. Serve it with some crusty bread for a complete meal.
If you're a fan of the traditional Italian wedding soup, then this recipe is for you. The meatballs are made with a blend of beef and pork, and the soup is flavored with herbs and vegetables, creating a delicious and comforting dish. This soup is perfect for a dinner party or a cozy night in with loved ones.
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Meatball Lasagna
Main Ingredients: Italian Meatballs, Oven Ready Lasagna Noodles, Ricotta
Why settle for traditional lasagna when you can have meatball lasagna? This recipe takes the classic dish and adds a layer of tender meatballs for an extra burst of flavor. The result is a hearty and satisfying meal that will leave everyone at the dinner table asking for seconds.
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Meatball and Tortellini Soup
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Medium Onion, Garlic, Beef Broth, Diced
If you love both meatballs and tortellini, then this recipe is a match made in heaven. The tender meatballs and cheese-filled tortellini are simmered in a savory broth, creating a delicious and filling soup that is perfect for a cold day. Serve it with some crusty bread for dipping and you have a complete meal in one bowl.
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One Pot Meatball Pasta
Main Ingredients: Fennel Seed, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Red Pepper
This one pot meatball pasta is a lifesaver on busy weeknights. The meatballs, pasta, and sauce are all cooked in one pot, making clean up a breeze. Plus, the addition of fresh herbs and parmesan cheese take this dish to the next level in terms of flavor. It's a crowd-pleasing meal that can be on the table in no time.
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Baked Meatball Parmesan
Main Ingredients: Tomato Sauce, Italian Style Meatballs, Grated Parmesan
If you're a fan of chicken parmesan, then you'll love this baked meatball parmesan. The meatballs are baked in a rich tomato sauce and then topped with mozzarella and parmesan cheese before being baked again. The result is a delicious and cheesy dish that will satisfy all of your Italian food cravings.
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Slow Cooker Meatball Tortellini Soup
Main Ingredients: Onion, Carrots, Crushed Tomatoes, Diced Tomatoes
This slow cooker meatball tortellini soup is another tasty option for those busy nights. The meatballs are slow cooked in a flavorful broth with cheese-filled tortellini and vegetables, creating a satisfying and comforting soup. Serve it with some crusty bread for dipping and you have a complete meal in one bowl.
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Instant Pot Tortellini Meatball Soup
Main Ingredients: Beef Broth, Crushed Tomatoes, Garlic Powder, Oregano
If you have an Instant Pot, then this tortellini meatball soup is a must-try. The meatballs are cooked in a savory broth along with cheese-filled tortellini and vegetables, creating a hearty and flavorful soup in a fraction of the time it would take on the stovetop. It's the perfect meal for those busy weeknights.
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How to Make Meatball Lasagna
Main Ingredients: Italian Meatballs, Lasagna Noodles, Spaghetti Sauce
If you've never made meatball lasagna before, this recipe will show you just how easy it can be. The layers of lasagna noodles, meatballs, and cheese are topped off with a rich and flavorful tomato sauce. It's a perfect dish to make for a special occasion or to satisfy your Italian food cravings.
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Crockpot Meatball Pasta Soup
Main Ingredients: Italian Meatballs, Frozen Mixed Vegetables, Thawed
This crockpot meatball pasta soup is a hearty and delicious meal that is perfect for a cold day. The meatballs, pasta, and vegetables are slow cooked in a savory broth, creating a flavorful and comforting soup that the whole family will love. Serve it with some crusty bread for dipping and you have a complete meal in one bowl.
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Spaghetti and Meatball Appetizer
Main Ingredients: Noodles, Marinara Sauce, Italian Meatballs
For a fun twist on traditional spaghetti and meatballs, try this recipe for spaghetti and meatball appetizers. The meatballs are skewered with fresh herbs and cherry tomatoes, making them easy to eat and perfect for parties. Serve them with a side of marinara sauce for dipping and watch them disappear in no time.
The Perfect Blend of Meat
Choosing the Right Meat
The key to creating the perfect old school Italian meatballs lies in selecting the right combination of meats. Traditionally, a mix of ground beef, pork, and veal is used to give the meatballs a rich and savory flavor. However, you can also opt for a leaner option by using ground turkey or chicken. The important thing is to make sure the meat is not too lean or the meatballs will end up dry and lacking in flavor. Experiment with different meat combinations to find the one that works best for you.
Mixing and Seasoning
Once you have chosen your meats, it's time to mix them together. This is where the real fun begins as you can get your hands dirty and mix the meats together with your fingers. Remember to mix the meats gently to avoid overworking the mixture, which can result in tough meatballs. Next comes the seasoning, which is what gives the meatballs their distinct Italian flavor. A combination of breadcrumbs, grated cheese, eggs, garlic, and herbs like parsley and oregano are typically used. Be sure to taste the mixture and adjust the seasonings according to your preference.
Rolling and Cooking the Meatballs
Rolling the Meatballs
After the meat mixture is well combined, it's time to start rolling the meatballs. For a true old school feel, roll the meatballs by hand instead of using a scoop or measuring tool. This will give them a more rustic and homemade appearance. Be sure to roll the meatballs into evenly sized balls to ensure they cook uniformly.
Cooking the Meatballs
There are various methods for cooking meatballs, including baking, frying, or simmering in sauce. For a classic Italian flavor, try frying the meatballs in a skillet with olive oil until they are golden brown on all sides. This will give them a crispy exterior while keeping them moist and tender on the inside. After frying, you can add them to your favorite sauce and let them simmer for a few minutes to soak up all the flavors.
Serving and Enjoying
Serving Suggestions
Old school Italian meatballs are best served with a hearty pasta, such as spaghetti or rigatoni. You can also serve them with crusty bread and a side salad for a complete and satisfying meal. For a fancy touch, sprinkle some fresh grated cheese and herbs on top of the meatballs before serving.
Enjoying the Dish
Now that your old school Italian meatballs are ready, it's time to sit back, relax, and enjoy the delicious flavors. Take a moment to savor each bite and appreciate the time and effort put into making this classic dish. This recipe is not just about the food, it's about bringing people together and creating lasting memories. So gather your loved ones and enjoy this timeless Italian dish.
In Conclusion
The old school Italian meatball recipe with pasta is a truly timeless dish that has stood the test of time. It's a dish that brings comfort, warmth, and a sense of tradition to any meal. With the simple steps outlined in this article, you can easily recreate this classic dish in your own kitchen. So next time you're in the mood for some Italian comfort food, give this recipe a try and taste the flavors of tradition.