Description
Hearty Italian meatballs in tomato sauce bring comfort from generations of family kitchens in Naples. Savory beef and herbs meld perfectly, promising a delicious journey through authentic Mediterranean flavors you’ll crave again.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound (450 grams) ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup (25 grams) parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup (60 milliliters) milk
- ½ cup (50 grams) breadcrumbs
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp dried basil
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsps olive oil (for frying)
- 2 tbsps olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 oz/800 grams) crushed tomatoes
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil leaves (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Breadcrumb Preparation: Hydrate breadcrumbs with milk, creating a moist, cohesive foundation for the meatballs.
- Meat Mixture Integration: Blend ground beef with milk-soaked breadcrumbs, incorporating egg, Parmesan, garlic, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, and seasonings into a harmonious mixture.
- Meatball Formation: Gently shape meat mixture into consistent, golf ball-sized spheres, avoiding excessive handling to maintain tender texture.
- Searing Process: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, strategically positioning meatballs to develop a golden-brown crust that locks in savory flavors.
- Sauce Immersion: Envelop meatballs with tomato sauce, reducing heat to a gentle simmer that allows flavors to meld and ingredients to cook thoroughly.
- Cooking Completion: Simmer covered for 15-20 minutes, ensuring meatballs reach a safe internal temperature of 160°F while absorbing the sauce’s rich essence.
- Culinary Presentation: Garnish with fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of Parmesan, creating an authentic Italian dining experience.
Notes
- Breadcrumb Hydration Technique: Soak breadcrumbs in milk to create a tender, moist meatball texture that prevents dryness and enhances overall flavor absorption.
- Gentle Mixing Method: Avoid overmixing meat to prevent tough, dense meatballs; use light hand movements to maintain a delicate, soft protein structure.
- Uniform Size Matters: Roll meatballs to consistent 1-1.5 inch diameter for even cooking and professional presentation, ensuring no undercooked or overcooked portions.
- Temperature Precision: Use a meat thermometer to confirm 160°F internal temperature, guaranteeing safe consumption while preserving juicy, flavorful meatball integrity.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg