Ultimate Italian Meatball Delight: Dad’s Secret Recipe

Best Italian Meatballs Recipe

Description:

This recipe holds a special place in my heart as it’s a cherished family secret passed down from my dad. These Italian meatballs are not just your average meatballs; they’re the epitome of flavor and comfort. As they simmer away, they fill the house with an irresistible aroma that will have everyone’s mouth watering in anticipation.

Key Information:

• Cook Time: 4 hours
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 4 hours and 10 minutes
• Servings: 24 meatballs
• Calories per serving: 131
• Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5/5)

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 pound Italian sausage
• 1 egg
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Instructions:

1. Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, Italian sausage, egg, grated Parmesan cheese, and cayenne pepper. Use your hands to thoroughly mix the ingredients together until well combined. This step is where the magic begins, as the flavors start to meld together.

   Related Articles

   • 
     Wholesome Harvest Cake: Delicious Applesauce Whole Wheat Delight 🍏🍰
   • 
     Ultimate Chocolate Chip Walnut Delight Cookies
   • 
     Colorful Citrus Sprinkle Cookies 🍋🍊 – Festive and Flavorful Delights
   • 
     Golden Pumpkin Spice Scones: A Delectable Autumn Treat

2. Roll into Balls: Once the ingredients are evenly mixed, it’s time to shape the mixture into meatballs. Take small portions of the mixture and roll them between your palms to form uniform-sized meatballs. Aim for around 24 meatballs, but feel free to adjust the size according to your preference.

3. Cook: There are two options for cooking the meatballs:

   • Microwave Method: Place the meatballs in a single layer on a microwave-safe plate. Microwave them for 5-6 minutes on each side, or until they are cooked through. This method is quick and convenient, perfect for busy weeknights.
   • Frying Pan Method: Alternatively, you can cook the meatballs in a frying pan. Heat some oil over medium heat and add the meatballs. Cook them just until they are browned on the outsides, ensuring they are cooked through.

4. Simmer in Sauce: Once the meatballs are cooked, transfer them to a crockpot. Pour in 2 jars of your favorite spaghetti sauce over the meatballs. Cover the crockpot and cook the meatballs in the sauce for 2-3 hours on high heat, or 4-6 hours on low heat. This slow simmer allows the flavors to intensify and creates tender, melt-in-your-mouth meatballs.

5. Serve: Once the meatballs are done simmering, it’s time to serve them up! You can enjoy these delectable Italian meatballs in various ways:

   • Serve them over your favorite cooked pasta, such as spaghetti or fettuccine, for a classic Italian meal.
   • Alternatively, pile them into hoagie rolls and top them with melted cheese for a hearty meatball sub that’s sure to satisfy.

Nutrition Facts (per serving):

• Calories: 131
• Total Fat: 8.7g
  • Saturated Fat: 3.2g
• Cholesterol: 33.4mg
• Sodium: 292.6mg
• Carbohydrates: 4.1g
  • Fiber: 0.2g
  • Sugar: 0.5g
• Protein: 8.4g

Keywords:

European, High Protein, Weeknight

Tips:

• For extra flavor, you can add minced garlic, chopped parsley, or Italian seasoning to the meatball mixture.
• If you prefer a spicier kick, increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add some crushed red pepper flakes.
• Make a double batch of these meatballs and freeze them for later use. They make for a convenient and delicious meal prep option.
• Experiment with different types of Italian sausage for unique flavor variations. Sweet, hot, or spicy Italian sausage can all lend their own distinct taste to the meatballs.
• Don’t be afraid to get creative with your toppings! Try sprinkling some additional grated Parmesan cheese or fresh basil leaves over the meatballs before serving for an extra burst of flavor.

This recipe truly captures the essence of homemade Italian cooking, and I hope it brings as much joy to your table as it has to mine. Buon appetito! 🍝🇮🇹