16 South Philly Italian Meatball Recipe Unleash Your Inner Chef!
Published on: Mar 18, 2024
In addition to being a staple in Italian-American cuisine, meatballs are a comfort food that brings families and communities together. They are a versatile dish that can be served as a main course, appetizer, or added to soups and stews. While there are countless variations of meatball recipes, one that stands out above the rest is the South Philly Italian meatball recipe. This recipe has been passed down through generations and is a beloved tradition in the vibrant and diverse South Philadelphia community. Let's take a closer look at what makes this recipe so special and how you can recreate it in your own kitchen.
Main Ingredients: Medium Carrots, Celery, Yellow Onion, Italian
Why not combine two delicious dishes into one? This slow cooker Italian meatball soup is the perfect combination of hearty meatballs and flavorful Italian seasonings. Simply toss in your ingredients, set the slow cooker, and let it do all the work for you. The end result is a comforting and satisfying meal that the whole family will love.
For a twist on the classic chicken noodle soup, try this Italian meatball soup. The tender chicken and flavorful meatballs are cooked in a rich and hearty broth with Italian seasonings, creating a soup that is both comforting and full of flavor. It's the perfect meal for a chilly evening.
3of 20
Italian Meatball Bites
Main Ingredients: Italian Meatballs, Biscuits, Shredded Mozzarella
These bite-sized Italian meatballs are perfect for parties or as a tasty appetizer. Made with a blend of ground beef and Italian sausage, these meatballs are packed with flavor. Serve them with a side of marinara sauce for dipping and watch them disappear in minutes.
4of 20
Slow Cooker Italian Meatball Stew
Main Ingredients: Italian Meatballs, Olive Oil, Carrots, Celery, Red Bell
This slow cooker Italian meatball stew is the epitome of comfort food. Tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and flavorful meatballs simmer in a rich and savory broth, creating a stew that will warm you up from the inside out. Serve with a crusty bread for dipping and you have the perfect meal.
5of 20
Slow Cooker Italian Meatball and Tortellini Soup
Main Ingredients: Dried Basil, Dried Oregano, Diced Onion, Grated
If you're a fan of tortellini, you'll love this slow cooker Italian meatball and tortellini soup. The tender meatballs and flavorful broth are combined with cheesy tortellini, creating a soup that is both hearty and satisfying. Plus, it's made in the slow cooker, so it's practically effortless.
6of 20
Easy Italian Meatball Sandwiches
Main Ingredients: Italian Style Meatballs, Sandwiches, Marinara Sauce
For a quick and easy lunch or dinner, try these Italian meatball sandwiches. Juicy meatballs are smothered in marinara sauce and topped with melted mozzarella cheese, all sandwiched between a soft bun. It's a delicious twist on the classic meatball sub.
If you prefer a more traditional meatball sub, this Italian meatball sandwich is for you. The meatballs are made with a blend of ground beef, pork, and veal, giving them a rich and savory flavor. Add some marinara sauce and melted provolone cheese for the perfect sandwich.
If you're hosting a party or looking for a fun appetizer, try these Italian meatball sliders. Mini meatballs are nestled in soft buns and topped with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella cheese. They're the perfect bite-sized snack for any occasion.
9of 20
Easy Italian Meatball Soup
Main Ingredients: Cooking Oil, Carrots, Celery, Onion, Tomato Paste
This easy Italian meatball soup is the perfect weeknight meal. Made with simple ingredients like ground beef, veggies, and broth, it's a quick and delicious dinner option. Plus, it's a great way to sneak in some extra vegetables.
10of 20
Italian Meatball Pizza
Main Ingredients: Pillsbury Pizza Crust, Pizza Sauce, Cooked Italian
For a fun twist on pizza night, try this Italian meatball pizza. The pizza crust is topped with marinara sauce, gooey mozzarella cheese, and juicy meatballs. It's a crowd-pleasing meal that is sure to become a family favorite.
11of 20
Italian Meatball Stromboli
Main Ingredients: Italian Style Meatballs, Butter, Baby Portabella
This Italian meatball stromboli is a delicious and unique way to enjoy meatballs. The meatballs are nestled inside a dough pocket with marinara sauce and melted cheese, creating a handheld meal that is perfect for on-the-go.
12of 20
Italian Meatball Caprese Skewers
Main Ingredients: Italian Style Meatballs, Fresh Mozzarella Cheese, Grape
These Italian meatball Caprese skewers are a great appetizer option for any occasion. Tender meatballs are paired with fresh mozzarella and cherry tomatoes, all drizzled with a balsamic glaze. It's a simple and elegant dish that is sure to impress.
13of 20
Crock Pot Italian Meatball Soup
Main Ingredients: Italian Style Meatballs, Low Sodium Beef Broth, Water
For a hearty and flavorful soup that practically cooks itself, try this crock pot Italian meatball soup. The slow cooker does all the work, infusing the soup with rich Italian seasonings and tender meatballs. Serve with a side of crusty bread for dipping.
14of 20
Easy Slow Cooker Italian Meatball Subs
Main Ingredients: Italian Style Meatballs, Olive Oil, Crushed Tomatoes
These slow cooker Italian meatball subs are perfect for a busy weeknight. Simply toss the ingredients in the slow cooker in the morning, and by dinnertime, you'll have a delicious and satisfying meal waiting for you. Serve with a side of garlic bread for the ultimate comfort food meal.
15of 20
Meatball Lasagna
Main Ingredients: Italian Meatballs, Oven Ready Lasagna Noodles, Ricotta
This meatball lasagna takes lasagna to a whole new level. The tender meatballs are layered with lasagna noodles, creamy ricotta cheese, and flavorful marinara sauce, creating a lasagna that is packed with flavor and texture. It's a hearty and comforting meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.
16of 20
Neapolitan-Style Meatball Pizza
Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Active Dry Yeast, Coarse Kosher
For a taste of Italy on your pizza, try this Neapolitan-style meatball pizza. The pizza crust is topped with a flavorful tomato sauce, meatballs, and fresh mozzarella cheese. It's a classic combination that will have you feeling like you're dining in a pizzeria in Naples.
17of 20
Italian Style Meatball Kabobs
Main Ingredients: Garlic, Olive Oil, Balsamic Vinegar, Pesto, Green Bell
These Italian style meatball kabobs are a fun and creative way to enjoy meatballs. The meatballs are skewered with colorful vegetables and grilled to perfection, creating a dish that is both delicious and visually appealing. Serve with a side of Italian dressing for dipping.
This Italian wedding casserole is a twist on the classic Italian wedding soup. It's made with tender meatballs, flavorful broth, and a blend of veggies and pasta. It's a hearty and comforting casserole that is perfect for feeding a crowd.
19of 20
Abruzzese Italian Meatballs and Spaghetti
Main Ingredients: Italian Meatballs, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Tomatoes On
For a classic Italian meal that is both hearty and flavorful, try these Abruzzese Italian meatballs and spaghetti. The meatballs are made with a blend of ground beef and pork, and are simmered in a rich and savory tomato sauce. Serve over a bed of spaghetti for a meal that will transport you straight to Italy.
20of 20
Hearty Italian Meatball Soup
Main Ingredients: Water, Diced Tomatoes, Beef Broth, Italian Seasoning
This hearty Italian meatball soup is perfect for those chilly days when you just want something warm and comforting. The tender meatballs are simmered in a rich and flavorful broth with hearty vegetables and noodles. Serve with a sprinkle of fresh Parmesan cheese for a meal that will warm you from the inside out.
The Perfect Blend of Ingredients
Flavorful Meat
The key to any good meatball is using high-quality meat. The South Philly Italian meatball recipe calls for a blend of ground beef, pork, and veal, creating a perfect balance of flavors. The beef adds a rich and robust flavor, while the pork adds a touch of sweetness and the veal adds tenderness. Using a combination of meats ensures a well-rounded and delicious meatball.
Seasonings and Spices
To give these meatballs their signature Italian flavor, a combination of garlic, parmesan cheese, oregano, and basil are added to the meat mixture. These ingredients not only add depth of flavor but also provide a savory aroma that will have your mouth watering.
Bread and Milk Mixture
One unique aspect of the South Philly Italian meatball recipe is the addition of a bread and milk mixture to the meat mixture. This helps to keep the meatballs moist and adds a subtle sweetness to the dish. It also allows for the meatballs to hold their shape and not become too dense.
A Labor of Love
Making these meatballs is not just about throwing ingredients together, it is a labor of love. The recipe requires time and attention to detail to ensure the perfect flavor and texture. The meatballs are gently rolled by hand, ensuring they are the perfect size and shape. They are then fried in olive oil until golden brown, giving them a crispy exterior. Finally, they are simmered in a homemade tomato sauce, allowing the flavors to meld together and creating a mouthwatering dish.
Bringing People Together
What truly makes the South Philly Italian meatball recipe special is the sense of community and tradition it represents. In South Philadelphia, making meatballs is a family affair, with each generation passing down their own version of the recipe. These meatballs are often served at family gatherings, block parties, and other social events, bringing people together over a shared love of food.
Get Cooking! Now that you have the inside scoop on the South Philly Italian meatball recipe, it's time to get cooking! Grab your apron, gather your ingredients, and get ready to impress your family and friends with this delicious and traditional dish. Whether you're serving them as an appetizer or as the main course, these meatballs are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. So go ahead and give this recipe a try, and experience the flavors and sense of community that have made it a beloved tradition in South Philadelphia.