20 The Best Italian Meatball Recipe Ever They're Simply Irresistible!
Published on: Mar 15, 2024
The art of making perfect Italian meatballs is a tradition that has been passed down from generation to generation. Every family has their own special recipe, but there are a few key ingredients and techniques that make for the best Italian meatball recipe ever.
If you're looking for a comforting and hearty meal, this Italian meatball soup is the perfect solution. With juicy meatballs, tender vegetables, and flavorful broth, this soup is sure to become a family favorite. It's also a great option for meal prep, as it reheats well and can be made in large batches. Serve with a crusty bread for a complete and satisfying meal.
This flavorful Italian meatball sauce is the perfect accompaniment to any pasta dish. Made with tomatoes, garlic, and herbs, this sauce is bursting with Italian flavors. Whether you're making spaghetti and meatballs, or using the sauce as a dipping sauce for meatball sliders, this sauce is sure to impress. Make a big batch and store it in the freezer for a quick and easy weeknight meal.
No Italian feast is complete without a plate of delicious Italian meatballs. Made with a combination of ground beef, pork, and breadcrumbs, these meatballs are tender and flavorful. Serve them with your favorite pasta and sauce, or use them to make meatball subs. You can also make a vegetarian version using plant-based meat for a healthier option.
It's hard to beat a classic Italian meatball, but this recipe takes it to the next level. These meatballs are made with a combination of beef, pork, and veal, giving them a rich and complex flavor. The addition of parmesan cheese, parsley, and garlic adds even more depth to the meatballs. Serve them with your favorite sauce and a sprinkle of fresh basil for a truly delicious meal.
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Easy Italian Meatball Sandwiches
Main Ingredients: Italian Style Meatballs, Sandwiches, Marinara Sauce
If you're looking for a quick and easy weeknight meal, these Italian meatball sandwiches are the perfect solution. The meatballs are made with ground beef, breadcrumbs, and Italian seasoning, and are cooked in a flavorful tomato sauce. Serve them on a crusty baguette with a sprinkle of mozzarella cheese for a delicious and satisfying sandwich.
Nothing beats a classic, and this recipe for Grandma's Italian meatballs is a family favorite. Made with ground beef, breadcrumbs, and Italian seasoning, these meatballs are simple yet incredibly flavorful. They're perfect for serving with pasta, or you can enjoy them on their own as a tasty appetizer.
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Italian Meatball Casserole {Keto/Low Carb}
Main Ingredients: Ground Beef, Grated Parmesan Cheese, Mozzarella Cheese
If you're following a keto or low carb diet, this Italian meatball casserole is a must-try. It's packed with all the traditional Italian flavors, but without the carbs. The meatballs are made with ground beef, almond flour, and Italian seasoning, and are baked in a rich and creamy tomato sauce. It's the perfect comfort food without the guilt.
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Slow Cooker Italian Meatball Soup
Main Ingredients: Medium Carrots, Celery, Yellow Onion, Italian
If you're looking for a hands-off meal, this slow cooker Italian meatball soup is the way to go. Simply add the meatballs, vegetables, and broth to your slow cooker in the morning, and come home to a delicious and comforting meal. The longer the soup cooks, the more flavorful it becomes, making it the perfect option for busy weeknights.
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Easy Italian Meatball Bake
Main Ingredients: Frozen Garlic Bread, Frozen Meatballs, Marinara Sauce
This easy Italian meatball bake is a great option for feeding a crowd. Made with ground beef, breadcrumbs, and Italian seasoning, the meatballs are baked in a rich and flavorful tomato sauce. Top it off with a generous layer of mozzarella cheese and bake until bubbly. Serve with your favorite pasta for a delicious and satisfying meal.
If you're hosting a party or looking for a fun and easy meal, these Italian meatball sliders are a great option. The meatballs are made with ground beef, bread crumbs, and Italian seasoning, and are served on soft slider buns with a sprinkle of parmesan cheese. They're perfect for game day or any casual gathering.
If you want to impress your guests, serve up this giant Italian meatball at your next dinner party. Made with ground beef, breadcrumbs, and Italian seasoning, this meatball is stuffed with a surprise filling of mozzarella cheese and basil. It's sure to be a showstopper and will have everyone asking for the recipe.
For a hearty and satisfying meal, you can't go wrong with Italian meatball subs. The meatballs are made with ground beef, breadcrumbs, and Italian seasoning, and are served on a crusty hoagie roll with a generous layer of marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese. It's the ultimate comfort food that's sure to please.
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Italian Meatball and Tortellini Soup with Spinach
Main Ingredients: Ground Beef, Egg, Milk, Dry Breadcrumbs, Pine Nuts
If you love tortellini and meatballs, this Italian meatball and tortellini soup is the perfect combination. Made with ground beef, breadcrumbs, and Italian seasoning, the meatballs are cooked in a flavorful broth with tortellini and spinach. It's a complete and satisfying meal that's perfect for chilly evenings.
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Italian Meatball Sandwich on Garlic Ciabatta
Main Ingredients: Lean Ground Beef, Egg, Breadcrumb, Grated Parmesan
Upgrade your meatball sandwich game with this Italian meatball sandwich on garlic ciabatta. The meatballs are made with ground beef, breadcrumbs, and Italian seasoning, and are served on a toasted garlic ciabatta with a layer of provolone cheese and roasted red peppers. It's a delicious twist on a classic sandwich.
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Italian Meatball Calzones
Main Ingredients: Hot Italian Sausage, Ground Sirloin, Seasoned Bread
If you're a fan of calzones, you have to try these Italian meatball calzones. The meatballs are made with ground beef, breadcrumbs, and Italian seasoning, and are stuffed into a flaky pizza dough with mozzarella cheese and marinara sauce. Bake until golden brown and serve with a side of extra sauce for dipping.
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Italian Meatball Tortellini
Main Ingredients: Meatballs, Chicken Broth, Spaghetti Sauce, Cheese
For a quick and easy weeknight meal, try this Italian meatball tortellini. The meatballs are made with ground beef, breadcrumbs, and Italian seasoning, and are cooked in a flavorful tomato sauce with cheese tortellini. It's a complete meal that the whole family will love.
This Italian meatball casserole is a great option for feeding a large group. Made with ground beef, breadcrumbs, and Italian seasoning, the meatballs are layered with pasta, cheese, and sauce in a baking dish and baked until hot and bubbly. It's a delicious and easy meal that's perfect for potlucks or family gatherings.
For a classic and simple meal, you can't go wrong with an Italian meatball sandwich. The meatballs are made with ground beef, breadcrumbs, and Italian seasoning, and are served on a soft sub roll with a drizzle of marinara sauce and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese. It's a quick and easy meal that's perfect for busy weeknights.
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Italian Meatball Dunkers
Main Ingredients: Italian Style Meatballs, Pie Crust Dough, Cheese
These Italian meatball dunkers are a fun and easy appetizer for any gathering. The meatballs are made with ground beef, breadcrumbs, and Italian seasoning, and are served with a side of marinara sauce for dipping. They're perfect for game day or any casual get-together.
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Italian Meatball Appetizers
Main Ingredients: Sweet Italian Sausage, Ground Beef, Italian Style Bread
If you're hosting a party and looking for some delicious appetizers, these Italian meatball bites are a must-try. Made with ground beef, breadcrumbs, and Italian seasoning, the meatballs are topped with a dollop of marinara sauce and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese. They're a crowd-pleaser and will disappear in no time.
The Meat Matters
Choose the Right Blend
When it comes to making the perfect Italian meatball, the type of meat you use is crucial. Many recipes call for a mix of ground beef, pork, and veal, also known as a "trinity blend." However, if you prefer a leaner option, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef. The key is to make sure the meat is not too lean, as the fat helps keep the meatballs moist and adds flavor.
Don't Overwork the Meat
When mixing the meat with other ingredients, be careful not to overwork it. Overworking the meat will result in tough and dense meatballs. Use a light touch when mixing in the breadcrumbs, eggs, and seasonings. A good tip is to use your hands instead of a spoon to mix the ingredients, as it allows you to feel the texture of the meat and prevents overmixing.
Season to Perfection
Add a Punch of Fresh Herbs
In addition to the usual seasonings of salt, pepper, and garlic, the secret to the best Italian meatball recipe is adding a punch of fresh herbs. Finely chop fresh parsley, oregano, and basil and mix it into the meat mixture. Not only will this add flavor, but it will also make your meatballs look more vibrant and appetizing.
Don't Forget the Cheese
No Italian meatball is complete without cheese. While Parmesan is the most commonly used cheese in meatball recipes, you can also experiment with different types such as Pecorino Romano or Asiago. Grate the cheese finely and mix it into the meat mixture for a delicious and cheesy result.
Cooking Techniques
Preheat the Pan
To avoid your meatballs sticking to the pan, make sure to preheat it before adding the meatballs. A hot pan will create a nice sear on the outside and prevent the meatballs from falling apart.
Bake or Fry?
There is an ongoing debate on whether to bake or fry meatballs. Both methods have their advantages, but for the best Italian meatballs, we recommend a combination of both. Start by searing the meatballs in a hot pan to create a crispy exterior, then finish cooking them in the oven to ensure they are cooked through.
In conclusion, the best Italian meatball recipe requires a perfect blend of meats, a light hand when mixing, and the addition of fresh herbs and cheese. With these tips, you can create delicious and authentic Italian meatballs that will have your family and friends begging for seconds.
Keyword: Italian meatball recipe