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A cast-iron skillet filled with traditional Italian meatballs in rich tomato sauce, garnished with fresh parsley, with tomatoes and olive oil in the background.

Traditional Italian Meatballs Recipe

This Traditional ItalianMeatballs recipe features a mix of ground beef and pork, seasoned with Italianherbs, Parmesan cheese, and breadcrumbs. The meatballs are browned and thensimmered in a rich tomato sauce, creating a hearty and flavorful dish. Servethem over pasta or with crusty bread for an authentic Italian experience.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: dinner, lunch
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 450
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

For the Meatballs:
  • 1/2 lb 250g ground beef
  • 1/2 lb 250g ground pork
  • 1/2 cup Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 egg
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/4 cup milk
For the Sauce:
  • 2 cups crushed tomatoes canned or fresh
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 small onion finely chopped
  • 1/2 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp dried basil
  • 1/2 tsp sugar
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Method
 

Prepare the Meatballs:
  1. In a large bowl, mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic, egg, parsley, salt, pepper, and milk.
  2. Combine gently with your hands until just mixed. Do not over-mix.
Shape the Meatballs:
  1. Roll the mixture into balls about 1.5 inches in diameter.
  2. Place them on a plate or tray.
Brown the Meatballs:
  1. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet on medium heat.
  2. Brown the meatballs on all sides for about 5 minutes.
  3. Remove and set aside.
Make the Sauce:
  1. In the same pan, cook the onion and garlic until they become tender.
  2. Add crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, sugar, salt, and pepper, and stir well.
  3. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.
Simmer Meatballs in Sauce:
  1. Gently place meatballs into the sauce.
  2. Cover and simmer on low heat for 20 to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Serve
  1. Garnish with fresh basil leaves.
  2. Serve hot with spaghetti or crusty bread.