Nothing says comfort food quite like a plate of delicious Italian meatballs. These savory bites are a staple in many Italian households and are loved by people of all ages. Whether you’re serving them over pasta, in a sub sandwich, or on their own, Italian meatballs are always a crowd-pleaser.
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Italian Meatballs {Great Big Italian Meatballs}
Main Ingredients: Ground Beef, Ground Pork, Egg, Fresh Bread Crumbs
If you love a big, hearty meatball, then this recipe is for you. These great big Italian meatballs are bursting with flavor and are perfect for a family dinner. Serve them over a bed of spaghetti or on a hoagie roll for a mouth-watering sandwich.
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Spicepaw’s Spag Bol
Main Ingredients: Bacon, Onion, Garlic Cloves, Carrot, Chopped Celery
For a twist on the classic spaghetti and meatballs, try Spicepaw’s Spag Bol recipe. This version uses ground beef and Italian sausage for an extra kick of flavor. Don’t forget to top it off with some freshly grated parmesan cheese.
If you’re in the mood for a soup that’s both comforting and delicious, look no further than classic Italian wedding soup. This hearty soup is made with meatballs, pasta, and leafy greens, making it the perfect meal for a chilly day.
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Keto Stuffed Peppers – Italian Style
Main Ingredients: Lean Ground Beef, Olive Oil, Bell Peppers, Onion
If you’re following a keto diet, you don’t have to miss out on all the Italian flavors. These keto stuffed peppers are filled with Italian sausage, tomatoes, and spices, making them a perfect low-carb meal option.
For a truly authentic Italian experience, try making braciole at home. This traditional dish features thin slices of beef rolled up with a savory filling and slow-cooked in a rich tomato sauce. It’s a labor of love, but the end result is well worth it.
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Spag Bol
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Onions, Garlic, Red Bell Pepper, Lean Ground
Another twist on the classic spaghetti and meatballs, Spag Bol is a popular dish in the UK and Australia. It typically includes ground beef, onions, tomatoes, and Worcestershire sauce for a unique flavor. Serve it over pasta or on a toasted hoagie roll for a delicious meal.
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Italian Almond Paste Cookies
Main Ingredients: Egg Whites, Almond Paste, Granulated Sugar, Salt
No Italian meal is complete without something sweet to finish it off. These Italian almond paste cookies are the perfect dessert to pair with your favorite coffee or espresso. They’re simple to make and have a deliciously nutty flavor.
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Homemade Italian Meatballs
Main Ingredients: Italian Bread, Grated Romano Cheese, Garlic, Fresh
For the ultimate control over your meatball flavor, try making them at home from scratch. This homemade Italian meatball recipe uses a blend of ground beef, pork, and veal for a unique and delicious taste. Serve them with your favorite pasta and sauce for a classic Italian meal.
If you’re looking for a side dish to complement your main course, try making an Italian pasta salad. This dish features a variety of vegetables, meats, and cheeses tossed with your favorite pasta and dressed in a zesty Italian dressing. It’s the perfect summertime side dish.
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Creamy Italian Ravioli
Main Ingredients: Ravioli, Fresh Baby Spinach, Sun Dried Tomatoes, Heavy
For a decadent and delicious meal, try making creamy Italian ravioli. This dish features homemade ravioli filled with a creamy cheese and herb mixture and served in a rich tomato sauce. It’s an indulgent but oh-so-worth-it treat.
Casseroles are a staple in many households, and this Italian chicken casserole is sure to become a favorite. It features tender chicken, pasta, and a creamy tomato sauce, all baked together for a hearty and comforting meal.
For a healthy and flavorful option, try making Italian lentil soup. This soup is packed with protein and vegetables, making it a nutritious meal option. Serve it with some crusty bread for a complete and satisfying meal.
If you’re short on time but still want a delicious Italian-inspired meal, try making this Italian crescent casserole. It’s made with crescent roll dough, Italian sausage, and mozzarella cheese, making it a quick and easy option for busy weeknights.
For those following a keto diet, these Italian meatballs are a must-try. They’re made with a blend of ground beef and pork, along with parmesan cheese and Italian seasonings. Serve them with your favorite keto-friendly pasta or zucchini noodles for a delicious meal.
For a tasty appetizer or party snack, try making these Italian sausage-stuffed mushrooms. They’re filled with a savory mixture of Italian sausage, breadcrumbs, and parmesan cheese and baked until golden brown and crispy. Your guests will love them!
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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 a homemade meal, try making these quick and easy Italian meatballs. They’re made with store-bought frozen meatballs and a simple homemade sauce for a delicious and fuss-free meal.
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Sheet Pan Italian Chicken Dinner
Main Ingredients: Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breast, Extra Virgin Olive
For a one-pan meal that’s bursting with Italian flavors, try making this sheet pan Italian chicken dinner. It features chicken, potatoes, and vegetables coated in a delicious Italian seasoning blend and roasted to perfection. It’s a simple and delicious meal for any night of the week.
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Hearty Italian Beef and Vegetable Soup
Main Ingredients: Medium Onion, Garlic Cloves, Large Carrots, Celery
For a soup that’s both hearty and healthy, try making this Italian beef and vegetable soup. It’s packed with lean beef, vegetables, and pasta, making it a complete meal in a bowl. Plus, it’s easy to customize with your favorite veggies.
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Italian Pork Kabobs with Summer Vegetables
Main Ingredients: Pork Loin Roast, Red Wine Vinegar, Kosher Salt, Red
Summer is the perfect time to fire up the grill and make these Italian pork kabobs. They’re loaded with juicy marinated pork, bell peppers, onions, and zucchini for a colorful and tasty meal. Serve them with some Italian bread for a complete and satisfying dinner.
How to Make the Perfect Spag Bol?
The Secret Ingredient: Slow-Simmered Tomato Sauce
The key to a truly authentic and delicious traditional Italian Spag Bol recipe lies in the slow-simmered tomato sauce. This rich and flavorful sauce is the base of the dish and requires time and patience to make. Start by heating a generous amount of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add in finely chopped onions and garlic and cook until they start to soften and become fragrant. Then, add in a can of crushed tomatoes and let it simmer for at least an hour, stirring occasionally. This slow cooking process allows the flavors to develop and intensify, creating a robust and luscious sauce that will elevate your Spag Bol to the next level.
Choosing the Right Meat
While the traditional Spag Bol recipe calls for ground beef, you can also use a combination of pork and veal for a richer and more complex flavor. Whichever meat you choose, make sure it is of high quality and has a good balance of lean and fat. This will ensure that your Spag Bol is not only tasty but also juicy and tender.
The Importance of Fresh Herbs
To add a burst of freshness and aroma to your Spag Bol, be sure to use fresh herbs. Basil, oregano, and parsley are staples in traditional Italian cooking and are essential in this dish. Chop them finely and add them to the tomato sauce towards the end of the cooking process to preserve their flavors. You can also sprinkle some on top of the finished dish for an extra pop of color and taste.
Al dente Pasta is Key
While the sauce is the star of the dish, the pasta should not be overlooked. In traditional Italian cooking, pasta is cooked to al dente, which means it still has a slight bite to it. This is achieved by cooking the pasta for a few minutes less than the recommended time on the package. The pasta will continue to cook in the sauce, absorbing its flavors and becoming perfectly tender.
Serve with a Generous Grating of Parmesan Cheese
To complete the traditional Italian Spag Bol experience, be sure to serve it with a generous grating of Parmesan cheese. This aged cheese adds a nutty and salty flavor to the dish, balancing out the sweetness of the tomato sauce. For an added touch of indulgence, drizzle some extra virgin olive oil on top before serving.
In conclusion, the secret to a delicious and authentic traditional Italian Spag Bol lies in the slow-simmered tomato sauce, high-quality meat, fresh herbs, perfectly cooked pasta, and a generous grating of Parmesan cheese. Follow these tips and you'll have a mouthwatering dish that will transport you to the streets of Italy. Buon appetito!