15 Southern Italian Meatball Recipe Cook Up Something Special!
Published on: Apr 15, 2024
If you're a fan of Italian cuisine, chances are you've heard of the famous meatball dish. But not all meatballs are created equal - and one recipe that stands out above the rest is the southern Italian meatball recipe. This traditional dish is full of bold flavors, tender meat, and a rich tomato sauce that will have you coming back for more. So, if you're ready to elevate your meatball game, read on to learn how to make this delicious and authentic southern Italian meatball recipe.
This classic Italian meatball recipe is a must-try for any meatball lover. Made with a combination of ground beef, pork, and veal, these meatballs are tender, flavorful, and perfect for pairing with your favorite marinara sauce.
What sets these meatballs apart is the addition of fresh herbs like parsley, basil, and oregano, which add a touch of authentic Italian flavor. These meatballs are also made with a combination of Italian breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese, giving them a perfectly balanced texture that is both tender and firm.
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Classic Italian Meatballs with Spinach & Mushrooms
Main Ingredients: Eggs, White Mushrooms, Baby Spinach Leaves, Garlic
If you're looking for a way to sneak some vegetables into your meatballs, this recipe is for you. These classic Italian meatballs are packed with spinach and mushrooms, making them a healthier option without sacrificing flavor.
The trick to getting these meatballs just right is to chop the spinach and mushrooms finely before adding them to the meat mixture. This ensures that the vegetables are evenly distributed throughout the meatballs and don't alter the texture too much. Plus, the earthy flavor of the mushrooms adds a delicious depth to these meatballs.
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The Best Classic Italian Meatballs
Main Ingredients: Ground Beef, Parmesan Cheese, Italian Seasoned
If you're on the hunt for the best classic Italian meatball recipe, look no further. These meatballs are the perfect combination of tender and juicy, with a burst of Italian flavor in every bite.
Made with a mixture of ground beef and pork, these meatballs are baked in the oven until they are nicely browned on the outside and juicy on the inside. Serve them with your favorite pasta or on their own with some crusty bread for a hearty and satisfying meal.
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Classic Italian Meatballs (Extra Soft and Juicy)
Main Ingredients: White Sandwich Bread, Onion, Ground Beef, Ground Pork
If you love your meatballs to be extra soft and juicy, this recipe is for you. These classic Italian meatballs are loaded with moisture, thanks to the addition of milk and heavy cream to the meat mixture.
The secret to keeping these meatballs extra tender is to avoid overworking the meat mixture. Simply mix all the ingredients together until they are just combined and then gently shape into meatballs. This will prevent the meatballs from becoming tough and dry.
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Italian Meatballs {Great Big Italian Meatballs}
Main Ingredients: Ground Beef, Ground Pork, Egg, Fresh Bread Crumbs
For those who like their meatballs on the larger side, these great big Italian meatballs are sure to satisfy. Made with a combination of beef and pork, these meatballs are loaded with flavor and are perfect for feeding a hungry crowd.
The key to making these meatballs extra big and juicy is to use your hands to mix the ingredients together. This ensures that everything is well combined and the meatballs are packed with flavor. Serve them with your favorite pasta or in a hearty meatball sandwich.
This recipe for classic Italian meatballs is a simple and straightforward one that is perfect for a quick and easy dinner. Made with a mixture of ground beef and pork, these meatballs are full of flavor and are perfect for pairing with your favorite marinara sauce.
What makes these meatballs stand out is the addition of garlic and onion, which add a delicious punch of flavor. Serve them over pasta or on their own with some crusty bread for a satisfying and delicious meal.
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Homemade Italian Meatballs
Main Ingredients: Italian Bread, Grated Romano Cheese, Garlic, Fresh
If you're looking to make meatballs from scratch, this homemade Italian meatball recipe is definitely worth a try. Made with a combination of ground beef and pork, these meatballs are flavorful and tender, with a hint of garlic and onion in every bite.
The key to making these meatballs extra delicious is to use fresh herbs and spices like parsley, oregano, and Italian seasoning. These add a burst of flavor to the meatballs and make them truly homemade and authentic.
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Baked Italian Meatballs
Main Ingredients: Meatballs, Marinara Sauce, Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
If you're looking for a healthier alternative to frying your meatballs, try baking them instead. These baked Italian meatballs are juicy and flavorful, without all the added oil and fat.
The trick to getting these meatballs just right is to lightly coat them in olive oil before baking. This helps them brown evenly and gives them a crispy exterior while keeping the inside perfectly tender.
For those who are looking for an authentic Italian meatball recipe, this is the one for you. Made with a combination of ground beef, pork, and veal, these meatballs are rich and flavorful, with a perfect balance of herbs and spices.
The key to making these meatballs truly authentic is to use fresh ingredients like grated Parmesan cheese and Italian breadcrumbs. These add a delicious depth of flavor to the meatballs and make them truly authentic and delicious.
With so many Italian meatball recipes out there, it can be hard to determine which one is truly the best. Look no further, because these meatballs are the best of the best. Made with a combination of ground beef and pork, these meatballs are extra juicy and flavorful.
The secret to making these meatballs stand out is the addition of freshly grated nutmeg, which adds a hint of warmth and depth to the meatballs. Serve them with your favorite pasta or in a hearty meatball sub for a satisfying and delicious meal.
If you're short on time but still want to enjoy a delicious Italian meatball dinner, this recipe is for you. These easy Italian meatballs are simple to make, with a short list of ingredients and a quick cooking time.
The key to making these meatballs extra easy is to use store-bought marinara sauce instead of making your own. This saves time and effort, while still providing a delicious and flavorful sauce to serve with the meatballs.
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Italian Meatballs and Noodles
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Finely Chopped Onion, Garlic, Italian
This recipe for Italian meatballs and noodles is a budget-friendly and delicious option for a quick and easy dinner. Made with a combination of ground beef and pork, these meatballs are packed with flavor, and served over egg noodles for a comforting and satisfying meal.
The key to making these meatballs extra delicious is to cook them in the marinara sauce to allow the flavors to infuse into the meatballs. This also saves time and effort, making this a perfect weeknight dinner option.
For those following a keto diet, these meatballs are a delicious and low-carb option for satisfying your Italian food cravings. Made with a combination of ground beef and pork, these meatballs are loaded with flavor and are perfect for pairing with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.
The key to keeping these meatballs keto-friendly is to use almond flour instead of breadcrumbs and coconut milk instead of regular milk. This keeps the meatballs moist and adds a touch of sweetness to balance out the savory flavors.
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Italian Meatballs andSpaghetti
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Onion, Garlic, Dry Red Wine, Crushed
For a classic Italian meal, you can't go wrong with meatballs and spaghetti. This recipe takes the classic combination to the next level with extra juicy and flavorful meatballs and a homemade marinara sauce that is bursting with flavor.
The secret to making this dish stand out is to cook the meatballs in the marinara sauce for a longer period of time, allowing the flavors to meld together and create a rich and savory sauce. Serve this dish with your favorite pasta for a satisfying and delicious meal.
With so many meatball recipes out there, it can be hard to determine which one is truly the best. Look no further, because these meatballs are just that - the best Italian meatballs you'll ever taste. Made with a combination of ground beef and pork, these meatballs are packed with flavor, with a perfectly balanced texture that is both tender and firm.
The secret to making these meatballs stand out is the addition of ground fennel seeds, which add a unique and delicious flavor to the meatballs. Serve them with your favorite pasta or on their own for a satisfying and delicious meal.
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Quick and Easy Italian Meatballs
Main Ingredients: 85 Lean Ground Beef, Garlic, Large Eggs, Dried
If you're short on time but still want to enjoy a delicious Italian meatball dinner, this recipe is for you. These quick and easy Italian meatballs are simple to make, with a short list of ingredients and a quick cooking time.
The key to making these meatballs extra quick and easy is to use pre-made meatballs instead of making your own. This saves time and effort, while still providing a delicious and flavorful option for a weeknight dinner.
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Italian Meatballs and Zucchini Noodles
Main Ingredients: Finely Chopped Onion, Minced Fresh Garlic, Grated
This recipe for Italian meatballs and zucchini noodles is a lighter and healthier alternative to traditional spaghetti and meatballs. Made with a combination of ground beef and pork, these meatballs are packed with flavor, and served over zucchini noodles for a light and refreshing meal.
The key to keeping this dish healthy is to bake the meatballs instead of frying them. This eliminates the need for added oil and keeps the meatballs tender and juicy. Serve them with a fresh tomato sauce for a satisfying and delicious meal.
Ingredients
Gather the following ingredients to make your southern Italian meatballs:
- 1 pound of ground beef
- 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup of milk
- 1/4 cup of grated pecorino cheese
- 1/4 cup of grated parmesan cheese
- 1 clove of garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup of fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 egg
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for frying
- 1 can of crushed tomatoes
- 1/4 cup of red wine
- 1 teaspoon of sugar
Instructions
Follow these steps to make your southern Italian meatballs:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, pecorino cheese, parmesan cheese, garlic, parsley, egg, and salt and pepper. Mix everything together until well combined.
2. Using your hands, roll the mixture into small balls, about 1-2 inches in diameter.
3. In a large skillet, heat a generous amount of olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the meatballs and cook for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides.
4. In a separate pot, heat some olive oil over medium heat and add the crushed tomatoes, red wine, and sugar. Stir everything together and let it simmer for about 5 minutes.
5. Carefully add the meatballs to the tomato sauce and let them cook together for another 10-15 minutes, until the meatballs are fully cooked and the sauce has thickened.
6. Serve your southern Italian meatballs hot, garnished with some fresh parsley and extra grated cheese, if desired.
Why This Recipe Stands Out
This southern Italian meatball recipe stands out for a few reasons. Firstly, the combination of two types of cheese - pecorino and parmesan - adds a depth of flavor that you won't find in other recipes. Additionally, the use of red wine in the tomato sauce gives it a rich and complex taste. And finally, frying the meatballs in olive oil before adding them to the sauce creates a crispy exterior while keeping the inside tender and juicy. These small details make a big difference in the taste and texture of these meatballs, making this recipe a must-try for any meatball lover.
Make It Your Own
One of the best things about this recipe is that it can easily be customized to your liking. Want to add some heat? Throw in a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meat mixture. Looking for a healthier alternative? Bake the meatballs in the oven instead of frying them. And if you're feeling adventurous, try swapping out the ground beef for a mixture of beef and pork for a different flavor profile. The possibilities are endless, so don't be afraid to make this recipe your own.
In Conclusion
With its bold flavor, tender meat, and rich tomato sauce, this southern Italian meatball recipe is a true standout in the world of meatball dishes. Plus, it's easy to make and can be customized to suit your taste preferences. So the next time you're craving a taste of Italy, give this recipe a try - your taste buds will thank you.
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