There’s something undeniably comforting about a plate of steaming pasta topped with hearty, homemade Italian meatballs. In this blog post, we’ll take a culinary journey to the heart of Italy and learn how to craft these beloved meatballs from scratch using my classic recipe.
Italian meatballs, or “polpette” in Italian, have a rich history dating back to the Roman Empire. While today’s meatballs are typically made from a mixture of ground beef and pork, they have evolved over the centuries. Ancient Romans seasoned their meatballs with pepper, wine-soaked bread, and other ingredients. Over time, variations emerged, and Italian-American immigrants added their own twists to create the iconic dish we know today.
Happy Cooking!
Italian Meatballs
Equipment
- Large Mixing Bowl
- Sheet Tray
Ingredients
- 1 Lb Ground Beef
- 1 Lb Ground Pork
- ½ Cup Finely Chopped Parsley
- ½ Cup Cloves Garlic Confit (see my recipes)
- ½ Tbsp Crushed Chili Flakes
- 1 Tbsp Dried Oregano
- ½ Tbsp Ground Fennel
- 1 Tbsp Black Pepper
- 2 Tbsp Salt (Adjust to Taste)
- 1 Pureed Onion
- 1 Cup Italian Breadcrumbs
- ½ Cup Grated Parmigiano-Reggiano Cheese
- 2 Large Eggs
- 2-3 Tbsp Olive Oil
Instructions
- Mix the Ingredients Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef and ground pork. Add the remaining ingredients.
- Mix Until Combined: Gently mix the ingredients together until well combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatballs tough.
- Form the Meatballs: With clean hands or gloves, shape the mixture into meatballs of your desired size. A golf ball-sized meatball is a common choice.
- Cook the Meatballs: Pan sear in olive oil or bake in a 400 Degree oven until fully cooked.
- Serve: Remove the meatballs from the skillet or sheet tray. Serve them hot with your favorite pasta and sauce.
- Conclusion: Homemade Italian meatballs are a delicious embodiment of tradition and comfort. By mastering this classic recipe, you not only unlock the secrets of Italian cuisine but also create a culinary masterpiece that's bound to become a family favorite. So, gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and prepare to savor the rich, savory goodness of these homemade Italian meatballs. Buon appetito!
Did you make this recipe?
Please let me know how it turned out for you! Tag @cookwithpaolo on Instagram and hashtag it #CookWithPaolo.