Italian Gravy and Meatballs Recipe
Overview:
A cherished recipe passed down through generations of Italian heritage, this Italian Gravy and Meatballs dish is a testament to traditional flavors and comforting aromas. Shared by a close friend whose family has treasured it for years, this recipe offers a simple yet deeply satisfying meal, perfect for weeknight dinners or whenever you crave a taste of Italy. With a relatively short cooking time compared to other similar dishes, it promises to deliver rich flavors that will delight your taste buds.
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Servings: 4-6
Ingredients:
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 3 lbs | Ground beef |
| 3 | Eggs |
| 2 cups | Romano cheese |
| 2/3 cup | Bread, crumbled |
| 3 1/2 tspn | Salt, divided |
| 1 1/4 tspn | Black pepper, divided |
| 2 tspn | Sugar |
| 1 tspn | Garlic powder |
| 2 cloves | Garlic, minced |
| 1 tspn | Dry oregano |
| 2 cups | Tomato sauce |
| 1 cup | Tomato puree |
| 1 cup | Water |
| 1/2 cup | Tomato paste |
| 2-3 tbsp | Vegetable oil |
| 4 | Pork neck or ribs (optional) |
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Sauce:
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- Bring the mixture to a simmer over low heat, stirring occasionally.
-
-
Make the Meatballs:
- In a separate bowl, combine ground beef, crumbled bread, eggs, Romano cheese, 1 1/2 tspn salt, garlic powder, and 1/4 tspn pepper.
- Mix the ingredients thoroughly and form them into meatballs, approximately 2-3 inches in diameter.
-
Brown the Meatballs:
- In a large skillet, heat enough vegetable oil to cover the bottom with about 1/8 inch.
- Once the oil is hot, add the meatballs and brown them on all sides.
- Transfer the browned meatballs to the pot with the sauce.
-
Optional: Add Pork Neck or Ribs:
- In the same skillet used for browning the meatballs, brown the pork neck or ribs (if using).
- Add the browned pork to the pot with the sauce.
-
Enhance the Flavor:
- Pour at least half of the remaining oil from the skillet into the pot with the sauce.
- Scrape any cooked bits from the bottom of the skillet and add them to the sauce for extra flavor.
-
Simmer to Perfection:
- Cook the sauce and meatballs uncovered over low heat for 1 1/2 hours, allowing the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken.
- Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
-
Serve and Enjoy:
- Once the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency and the meatballs are fully cooked, serve hot.
- Optionally, garnish with additional grated Romano cheese and chopped fresh parsley for a finishing touch.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 647.6
- Total Fat: 43.1g
- Saturated Fat: 13.5g
- Cholesterol: 169.6mg
- Sodium: 2025.1mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 26.3g
- Dietary Fiber: 5g
- Sugar: 13.6g
- Protein: 40.4g
Tips for Success:
- For a richer flavor, consider using a combination of ground beef and pork in the meatball mixture.
- Don’t skimp on the Romano cheese; its sharp, salty flavor adds depth to both the meatballs and the sauce.
- Adjust the seasoning to your taste preferences, adding more or less salt, pepper, or garlic as desired.
- Serve the Italian Gravy and Meatballs with your favorite pasta or crusty bread for a hearty and satisfying meal.
Final Thoughts:
This Italian Gravy and Meatballs recipe is more than just a dish; it’s a connection to a rich culinary heritage, passed down through generations of Italian families. With its savory meatballs, flavorful tomato sauce, and comforting aromas, it’s sure to become a favorite in your own home. Whether enjoyed on a cozy weeknight or shared with loved ones on special occasions, this recipe promises to delight with every bite. Buon appetito! 🍝🇮🇹
