There’s something undeniably comforting about the aroma of an authentic Italian meatball recipe simmering in a rich, flavorful sauce.
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Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply craving a hearty meal, authentic Italian meatballs are a convenient and delicious option that never fails to satisfy.
In this blog post, we’ll dive into the ultimate Italian meatball recipe, along with tips, tricks, and answers to commonly asked questions, so you can elevate your next meal with ease.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 pound ground pork
- 1 1/2 piece white bread torn into pieces
- 1/3 cup of milk
- 2 egg yolks
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup grated onion
- 1 large jar of your favorite marinara sauce ( we love RAO’S)
- Fresh chopped parsley, for garnish (optional)
See Also: The Best Lasagna Soup Recipe
Instructions:
- In a medium mixing bowl pour milk over the bread crumbs and let sit for 5 minutes.
- Add egg yolks, parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper and stir to make a paste.
- In a large bowl combine beef, pork, and onion.
- Add the breadcrumb mixture to the meat mixture. Use your hands to make sure it is evenly combined.
- Shape the mixture into meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter.
- In a hot skillet brown each side of the meatball. You don’t need to cook it thru. You just want to get some nice caramelization on each side. Don’t skip this step
- Pour half of the marinara sauce into the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Arrange the meatballs in a single layer in the slow cooker.
- Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the meatballs, ensuring they are fully covered.
- Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours, or on high for 3 to 4 hours, until the meatballs are cooked through.
- Once cooked, garnish with fresh chopped parsley, if desired, and serve hot.
Ingredients
In a medium mixing bowl pour milk over the bread crumbs and let sit for 5 minutes.
Add egg yolks, parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper and stir to make a paste.
Add the breadcrumb mixture to the meat mixture. Use your hands to make sure it is evenly combined.
Shape the mixture into meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter.
Brown Meatballs in a skillet. They don’t have to be cooked all the way through. You just want a nice sear on the outside.
You can use a homemade marinara sauce recipe or your favorite jar of marinara for this authentic Italian meatball recipe. We love RAO’S.
Pour half of the jar of the marinara into the slow cooker.
Add browned meatballs.
Top with remaining marinara sauce.
You can also purchase premade meatballs if you don’t want to make your meatballs from scratch for this authentic Italian meatball recipe.
Tips:
- Use lean ground beef to minimize excess grease in the sauce.
- For extra flavor, sauté the garlic in a bit of olive oil before adding it to the meatball mixture.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, stir in a tablespoon of tomato paste before adding the marinara sauce.
- Customize the recipe by adding diced onions, bell peppers, or mushrooms to the sauce.
- Leftover meatballs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
The Best Ways to Serve Italian Meatballs:
Meatballs are incredibly versatile and can be served in various ways to suit different occasions and preferences. Here are some of the best ways to serve meatballs, both over spaghetti and as a standalone appetizer:
Over Spaghetti:
Classic Spaghetti and Meatballs: Serve meatballs over a bed of al dente spaghetti noodles, generously ladled with marinara sauce. Garnish with freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese and chopped parsley for added flavor and freshness.
Meatball Subs:
Slice the meatballs in half and layer them on a toasted sub roll with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella cheese for a hearty and satisfying sandwich. We also make these as sliders on Hawaiian rolls.
Standalone Appetizer:
Meatballs on a plate garnished with parsley? Yes Please! This is one of our favorite ways to enjoy these meatballs. When we have the whole family at the beach with us, I like to make a large batch of these meatballs and keep them in the slow cooker so they are warm and ready anytime we want a snack.
Meatball Skewers:
Thread cooked meatballs onto skewers with cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and fresh basil leaves for a colorful and flavorful appetizer. Serve with a side of marinara sauce for dipping.
Meatball Sliders:
Place mini meatballs on slider buns with a dollop of marinara sauce and a slice of provolone cheese. Serve as a crowd-pleasing finger food at parties and gatherings.
Meatball Platter:
Arrange cooked meatballs on a platter with toothpicks for easy serving. Pair them with a variety of dipping sauces such as marinara, pesto, or creamy garlic aioli for a customizable appetizer experience.
Meatball Bruschetta:
Top toasted baguette slices with a spoonful of marinara sauce and a meatball. Sprinkle with grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese and chopped parsley for a delicious twist on classic bruschetta.
Whether served over spaghetti as a comforting meal or as a standalone appetizer at parties, meatballs are sure to be a hit with everyone. Get creative with your presentations and enjoy the savory goodness of these versatile little morsels!
Q&A:
Can I use frozen meatballs instead of making them from scratch?
Yes, you can use frozen meatballs in this recipe. Simply thaw them before placing them in the slow cooker and adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Can I substitute the beef with ground turkey or chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be used as a leaner alternative to beef. Just keep in mind that the flavor may vary slightly.
Can I cook the meatballs on high for a shorter time?
Yes, you can cook the meatballs on high for 3 to 4 hours instead of on low for 6 to 8 hours. However, cooking them on low allows the flavors to meld together more slowly, resulting in a richer sauce.
This Post was All about the Best Authentic Italian Meatball Recipe
This authentic Italian meatball recipe is a versatile and comforting dish that’s perfect for any occasion.
With this ultimate recipe, along with helpful tips and answers to common questions, you’ll be able to create mouthwatering meatballs that are sure to impress.
So gather your ingredients, fire up your slow cooker, and get ready to savor the flavor!
The Best Authentic Italian Meatball Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 lb ground pork
- 1 ½ piece white bread torn into pieces
- ⅓ cup milk
- 2 egg yolks
- ¼ cut grated fresh parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp pepper
- ¼ cup grated fresh onion
- 1 jar of your favorite marinara sauce ( we love RAO’S)
- Fresh chopped parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- In a medium mixing bowl pour milk over the bread crumbs and let sit for 5 minutes.
- Add egg yolks, parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper and stir to make a paste.
- In a large bowl combine beef, pork, and onion.
- Add the breadcrumb mixture to the meat mixture. Use your hands to make sure it is evenly combined.
- Shape the mixture into meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter.
- In a hot skillet brown each side of the meatball. You don’t need to cook it thru. You just want to get some nice caramelization on each side. Don’t skip this step
- Pour half of the marinara sauce into the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Arrange the meatballs in a single layer in the slow cooker.
- Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the meatballs, ensuring they are fully covered.
- Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours, or on high for 3 to 4 hours, until the meatballs are cooked through.
- Once cooked, garnish with fresh chopped parsley, if desired, and serve hot.
