Carrabba’s Meatballs Recipe: A Flavorful Italian Classic
Prep Time: 40 minutes | Cook Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour
Category: Meat | Keywords: < 60 mins, Meatballs, Italian, Easy Dinner
If you’re looking for a delicious, savory treat that brings a taste of Italy to your table, these homemade Carrabba’s Meatballs will be a game-changer. Perfectly seasoned and tender, they are ideal for pairing with your favorite pasta or even serving as appetizers at your next gathering. This recipe allows you to recreate the iconic flavors from the beloved Carrabba’s Italian Grill in the comfort of your home.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Ground Beef | 1 lb |
| Ground Pork | ½ lb |
| Garlic Cloves, minced | ⅓ tablespoon |
| Eggs | 4 |
| Green Onions, chopped | 2 stalks |
| Yellow Onion, finely chopped | 2 medium |
| Parmesan Cheese, grated | 1 cup |
| Romano Cheese, grated | 3 tablespoons |
| Fresh Parsley, chopped | 3 tablespoons |
| Fresh Basil, chopped | 3 tablespoons |
| Olive Oil | 3 tablespoons |
Nutritional Information (per serving):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 659.2 kcal |
| Fat Content | 58.8 g |
| Saturated Fat Content | 13.9 g |
| Cholesterol Content | 145.6 mg |
| Sodium Content | 212.3 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 6.9 g |
| Fiber Content | 0.7 g |
| Sugar Content | 1.1 g |
| Protein Content | 25.6 g |
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Meatball Mixture:
Begin by combining the ground beef and ground pork in a large mixing bowl. Add the minced garlic, beaten eggs, chopped green onions, yellow onion, parmesan cheese, romano cheese, fresh parsley, and fresh basil. Use your hands or a spoon to thoroughly mix all the ingredients until well combined. -
Shape the Meatballs:
Once the mixture is well blended, shape the meat into meatballs, each approximately 1 ½ inches in diameter. If you prefer, you can use an ice cream scoop to ensure all the meatballs are uniform in size. This will help them cook evenly. -
Prepare the Baking Pan:
Lightly coat a 13″ x 9″ baking pan with olive oil. Pour 3 tablespoons of olive oil into the pan and swirl it around to ensure the oil evenly coats the bottom. This helps prevent the meatballs from sticking and adds extra flavor during baking. -
Bake the Meatballs:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the meatballs in a single layer on the prepared baking pan. Bake the meatballs for 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown on the outside. Be careful not to overcook them at this stage—they should not be completely cooked through as they will continue cooking in the sauce. -
Drain and Serve:
Once the meatballs are golden and slightly cooked on the outside, remove them from the oven. Let them rest for a minute, then transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil. Once drained, add the meatballs to your favorite simmering pasta sauce for the final step of cooking. Let them cook in the sauce for an additional 10-15 minutes until fully cooked through and infused with the sauce’s flavors. -
Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your homemade Carrabba’s meatballs over a bed of pasta, or alongside a fresh Italian salad and garlic bread for the perfect meal. These meatballs are also fantastic as an appetizer or even as a filling for subs or sandwiches.
Tips and Variations:
- Add More Herbs: If you’re a fan of fresh herbs, try adding a little extra basil or oregano for an aromatic punch.
- Use Leaner Meat: To make these meatballs a bit leaner, substitute some of the ground beef with lean ground turkey or chicken.
- Freezer Friendly: These meatballs can be frozen! Once they are fully cooked, let them cool completely before storing them in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply bake them from frozen or simmer them directly in sauce.
- Flavor Boost: For extra flavor, you can add a splash of red wine to the baking pan before baking. The wine will cook off, but leave behind a deep, rich flavor.
These Carrabba’s Meatballs are the perfect addition to your weeknight dinner rotation or for your next Italian-themed gathering. Whether served with pasta, in a sub, or just on their own, these meatballs will surely impress anyone who takes a bite.
Ratings & Reviews:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5/5)
4 Reviews
Enjoy this Carrabba’s-inspired recipe, and don’t forget to share your creations with friends and family. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that can be easily made at home!
