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Italian Meatballs

Italian Meatballs

Delicious and juicy Italian Meatballs made with a blend of ground beef and pork, perfect for serving over pasta.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 5 meatballs
Calories 442 kcal

Equipment

  • large bowl
  • non-stick fry pan
  • box grater

Ingredients
  

Meatballs

  • 1 cup diced white sandwich bread lightly packed, crusts removed
  • 1 small onion (brown, white or yellow)
  • 14 oz ground beef (mince)
  • 3 oz ground pork (mince), or sub with more beef
  • 1 egg
  • ¼ cup fresh parsley finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • ¼ cup Parmigiano-Reggiano (or parmesan), freshly grated
  • ¾ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Cooking Meatballs & Sauce

  • 2.5 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • ¾ cup onion finely chopped (white, brown or yellow)
  • 24 oz tomato passata (Tomato Puree in US/CAN)
  • ½ cup water
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (chili flakes)
  • 3 teaspoon dried Italian herb mix (parsley, basil, thyme, oregano)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • black pepper

To Serve

  • Pasta of choice
  • Parmesan
  • Parsley finely chopped (optional)

Instructions
 

Meatball Preparation

  • Grate the onion using a standard box grater in a large bowl until you have about ½ cup of grated onion and juices.
  • Add bread, mix to combine so the onion juice soaks the bread and disintegrates. Set aside while you prep the other ingredients (5 min or so).
  • Add all the remaining Meatball ingredients. Use hands to mix well.
  • Measure out a heaped tablespoon and roll lightly to form a ball. Repeat with remaining mixture.
  • Heat 1 ½ tablespoon olive oil in a large non-stick fry pan over medium-high heat. Add the meatballs and brown all over – about 3 – 4 minutes.
  • When they are browned but NOT cooked through, carefully transfer them onto a plate.

Cooking & Sauce

  • Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in the fry pan.
  • Add the onion and garlic and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until translucent. Add the remaining Sauce ingredients.
  • Bring to a simmer, then turn down to medium low so it bubbles gently rather than splattering everywhere.
  • Carefully transfer the meatballs and any juices from the plate into the Sauce.
  • Cook the meatballs for 8 – 10 minutes, turning and stirring occasionally. Adjust Sauce salt and pepper to taste.
  • While the meatballs are cooking, cook your pasta of choice.
  • Serve the meatballs on pasta, garnished with extra parmesan and parsley if using.

Notes

Use slightly stale bread for the best texture. You can substitute ground pork with more ground beef if desired.

Nutrition

Serving: 307gCalories: 442kcalCarbohydrates: 26gProtein: 34gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 125mgSodium: 1552mgPotassium: 1127mgFiber: 5gSugar: 11gVitamin A: 1000IUVitamin C: 27.6mgCalcium: 214mgIron: 6.3mg
Keyword Dinner, easy recipe, Italian meatballs, meatballs, Pasta
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