20 Old World Italian Meatball Recipe You Must Try Them!
Published on: Mar 15, 2024
If you're a fan of authentic Italian cuisine, then you know that the key to a delicious dish is in the details. And when it comes to classic Italian dishes, one that can't be skipped over is the old world Italian meatball. These savory balls of meat are a staple in Italian kitchens and have been passed down through generations. In this article, we'll dive into the history of this beloved dish and share a traditional recipe that will transport you to the streets of Italy with every bite.
Main Ingredients: Medium Carrots, Celery, Yellow Onion, Italian
This slow cooker Italian meatball soup is the perfect comfort food for a chilly night. Tender meatballs, hearty vegetables, and flavorful broth come together in this easy and delicious recipe. Plus, using a slow cooker makes it a breeze to prepare!
Looking for a new twist on traditional meatball soup? Try this Italian version, which adds in classic flavors like garlic, oregano, and Parmesan cheese. It's a hearty and satisfying meal that will keep you warm and full.
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Italian Meatball Bites
Main Ingredients: Italian Meatballs, Biscuits, Shredded Mozzarella
These bite-sized meatballs are perfect for parties or as an appetizer before a big meal. They're packed with Italian seasoning and served with a tangy dipping sauce. Your guests will love these flavorful and easy-to-eat bites.
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Slow Cooker Italian Meatball Stew
Main Ingredients: Italian Meatballs, Olive Oil, Carrots, Celery, Red Bell
If you're in the mood for a hearty and filling stew, this slow cooker Italian meatball stew is the perfect choice. It's packed with vegetables, tender meatballs, and a rich tomato broth. Plus, it's so easy to make – just let your slow cooker do the work for you!
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Slow Cooker Italian Meatball and Tortellini Soup
Main Ingredients: Dried Basil, Dried Oregano, Diced Onion, Grated
Why settle for just meatballs or just tortellini when you can have both? This slow cooker Italian meatball and tortellini soup combines two classic Italian dishes into one delicious and comforting meal. It's perfect for a busy weeknight dinner.
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Easy Italian Meatball Sandwiches
Main Ingredients: Italian Style Meatballs, Sandwiches, Marinara Sauce
These easy Italian meatball sandwiches are a great way to use up any leftover meatballs you may have. Simply pile them onto a crusty roll, top with your favorite cheese, and bake until warm and melty. It's a quick and delicious lunch or dinner option.
This classic Italian meatball sandwich is sure to satisfy any cravings for a hearty and flavorful meal. It features tender meatballs smothered in a rich tomato sauce and topped with gooey melted mozzarella cheese. Serve it on a toasted roll for the ultimate sandwich experience.
These mini Italian meatball sliders are perfect for parties or as a fun twist on traditional sliders. The meatballs are flavored with Italian seasoning and served on soft rolls with a tangy marinara sauce and melted cheese. They're a crowd-pleasing option that's easy to make.
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Easy Italian Meatball Soup
Main Ingredients: Cooking Oil, Carrots, Celery, Onion, Tomato Paste
This easy Italian meatball soup is a family favorite for its simplicity and delicious flavors. It's made with basic pantry ingredients and can be on the table in under 30 minutes. Serve it with crusty bread for a complete and satisfying meal.
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Italian Meatball Pizza
Main Ingredients: Pillsbury Pizza Crust, Pizza Sauce, Cooked Italian
If you love pizza and meatballs, why not combine the two? This Italian meatball pizza features a homemade crust, flavorful tomato sauce, and of course, plenty of meatballs. Top it off with your favorite veggies and cheese for a delicious and customizable meal.
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Italian Meatball Stromboli
Main Ingredients: Italian Style Meatballs, Butter, Baby Portabella
This Italian meatball stromboli is a fun and tasty twist on a classic calzone. It's filled with meatballs, mozzarella cheese, and your choice of vegetables. Serve it with marinara sauce for dipping for a satisfying and flavorful meal.
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Italian Meatball Caprese Skewers
Main Ingredients: Italian Style Meatballs, Fresh Mozzarella Cheese, Grape
These Italian meatball Caprese skewers are a delicious and colorful appetizer that's perfect for any occasion. They feature tender meatballs, fresh mozzarella, and juicy cherry tomatoes, all drizzled with balsamic glaze. They're easy to make and will impress your guests.
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Crock Pot Italian Meatball Soup
Main Ingredients: Italian Style Meatballs, Low Sodium Beef Broth, Water
This Crock Pot Italian meatball soup is perfect for busy days when you want a warm and comforting meal without a lot of effort. Simply throw all the ingredients into a slow cooker and let it cook all day. The result is a delicious and hearty soup that's perfect for dinner.
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Easy Slow Cooker Italian Meatball Subs
Main Ingredients: Italian Style Meatballs, Olive Oil, Crushed Tomatoes
These easy slow cooker Italian meatball subs are a great way to feed a crowd without a lot of work. The meatballs slow-cook in a flavorful tomato sauce all day, then just pile them onto a crusty roll and top with melted cheese for a delicious and satisfying sandwich.
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Meatball Lasagna
Main Ingredients: Italian Meatballs, Oven Ready Lasagna Noodles, Ricotta
This meatball lasagna is a fun twist on traditional lasagna that incorporates tender meatballs into the layers. It's a hearty and delicious meal that's perfect for feeding a crowd or for leftovers throughout the week. Plus, it's a great way to use up any leftover meatballs you may have.
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Neapolitan-Style Meatball Pizza
Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Active Dry Yeast, Coarse Kosher
This Neapolitan-style meatball pizza is a classic and delicious option for pizza night. It features a thin and crispy crust, tangy tomato sauce, and of course, plenty of meatballs. Top it off with fresh herbs and grated Parmesan cheese for a perfect finishing touch.
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Italian Style Meatball Kabobs
Main Ingredients: Garlic, Olive Oil, Balsamic Vinegar, Pesto, Green Bell
These Italian style meatball kabobs are a fun and tasty twist on traditional kabobs. They feature flavorful meatballs, your choice of vegetables, and a tangy balsamic glaze. They're perfect for grilling and make a great meal for parties or a weeknight dinner.
This Italian wedding casserole is a hearty and comforting meal that's perfect for feeding a crowd. It features flavorful meatballs, pasta, and plenty of cheese, all baked together in a rich and creamy sauce. It's an easy and delicious option for a family dinner or potluck.
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Abruzzese Italian Meatballs and Spaghetti
Main Ingredients: Italian Meatballs, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Tomatoes On
These Abruzzese Italian meatballs and spaghetti are a classic and delicious meal that's easy to make. The meatballs are flavored with garlic, oregano, and Parmesan cheese and served with a simple and flavorful tomato sauce. It's a satisfying and comforting dish that everyone will love.
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Hearty Italian Meatball Soup
Main Ingredients: Water, Diced Tomatoes, Beef Broth, Italian Seasoning
This hearty Italian meatball soup is a delicious and filling meal that's perfect for chilly days. It's packed with vegetables, tender meatballs, and a flavorful broth. Serve it with crusty bread for a complete and satisfying meal.
The Origins of the Old World Italian Meatball
The origins of the old world Italian meatball can be traced back to ancient Rome, where they were known as "farsiturae" or "forcemeat balls." These early versions were made with minced meat, bread, and spices, and were often served as a side dish or appetizer. Over the years, the meatball evolved and became a staple in Italian cuisine, with each region adding its own unique twist to the recipe.
The Ingredients
The key to a delicious old world Italian meatball is using high-quality ingredients. Traditionally, a mixture of ground beef, pork, and veal is used, but you can adjust the ratio to your liking. The meat is combined with breadcrumbs, Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, eggs, garlic, and Italian herbs such as oregano and parsley. You can also add a splash of milk to keep the meatballs moist.
The Technique
One of the secrets to a perfect old world Italian meatball is the technique used to form them. The mixture should be lightly mixed by hand, ensuring not to overwork the meat. Then, the meatballs are rolled into a small size, about the size of a golf ball, to ensure even cooking. Once formed, they are either baked or fried before being added to a simmering pot of tomato sauce.
Serving Suggestions
Old world Italian meatballs are typically served as a main dish, often accompanied by pasta or served on a bed of polenta. They can also be served as an appetizer, with toothpicks for easy snacking at parties. For a true Italian experience, top your meatballs with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and a generous drizzle of olive oil.
In Conclusion
The old world Italian meatball is a classic dish that has stood the test of time. Its rich history and simple yet delicious flavors make it a favorite in Italian households and restaurants alike. So the next time you're craving a taste of Italy, try making this traditional meatball recipe and savor each bite as if you were in the heart of old world Italy.
