Grandma's Italian Meatball Recipe
Grandma's Italian meatball recipe is the ultimate comfort food to share with the family! Tender and juicy meatballs simmered in a simple yet rich tomato sauce and placed over spaghetti noodles or the pasta of your liking.
Grandma's Italian meatball recipe is the ultimate comfort food to share with the family! Tender and juicy meatballs simmered in a simple yet rich tomato sauce and placed over spaghetti noodles or the pasta of your liking.
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon ground pepper
- 1/4 cup olive oil ((60ml))
- 1/2 cup yellow onions ((66g) minced)
- 4 cloves ((2 teaspoons 6 g) minced)
- 7 cups crushed canned tomatoes ((56 ounces) cento brand
- 6 ounces tomato paste (use less if a thinner consistency i
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt (add more to taste)
- 2 pounds ground beef ((908g) 80% lean meat to 20% fat)
- 2 cloves garlic ((1 teaspoon 3g) finely minced)
- 1/2 cup yellow onion ((72g) finely minced)
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt ((16g))
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese ((20g) freshly grated)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs ((127g) grandma recommends italian sty but plain okay)
- fresh basil ((for garnish if desired))
- Carbohydrate 0.122151875 g
- Cholesterol 60.4285714285714 mg
- Fat 1.42061125 g
- Fiber 0.00496875 g
- Protein 1.79919598214286 g
- Saturated Fat 0.442898035714286 g
- Serving Size 1 1 meatball (93g)
- Sodium 20.00825 mg
- Sugar 0.117183125 g
- Trans Fat 0.238169107142857 g
- Calories 20 calories
Step-by-step
- Ingredients: 2 large eggs, 1 teaspoon ground pepper, 1/4 cup olive oil (60ml), 1/2 cup yellow onions (66g) minced, 4 cloves garlic (2 teaspoons, 6g) minced, 7 cups crushed canned tomatoes (56 ounces) cento brand, 6 ounces tomato paste, 2 teaspoons kosher salt, 2 pounds ground beef (908g) 80% lean meat to 20% fat, 2 cloves garlic (1 teaspoon, 3g) finely minced, 1/2 cup yellow onion (72g) finely minced, 2 teaspoons kosher salt (16g), 1/2 cup parmesan cheese (20g) freshly grated, 1 cup breadcrumbs (127g), fresh basil (for garnish if desired)
- Prepare the meatball mixture: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, minced onions, minced garlic, grated Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, eggs, salt, and pepper. Gently mix until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
- Shape the meatballs: Roll the meat mixture into 1-inch meatballs.
- Brown the meatballs: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the meatballs on all sides. This step helps to develop flavor and texture.
- Simmer in the sauce: Add the crushed tomatoes and tomato paste to the skillet. Stir in the remaining salt. Bring to a simmer, reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for at least 30 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and the sauce has thickened. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Serve: Serve the meatballs over your favorite pasta, garnished with fresh basil, if desired.
Grandma's Italian Meatball Recipe: A Taste of Home
The aroma alone is enough to transport you back to Sunday dinners at Grandma's house. That’s the magic of a truly comforting dish, and for me, nothing embodies that feeling quite like Grandma's Italian meatballs. This isn't just a recipe; it’s a legacy, passed down through generations, each bite a cherished memory. It's a recipe I've made countless times, a culinary ritual that brings my family together, one delicious meatball at a time.
The secret to Grandma's meatballs isn't some exotic ingredient or a complicated technique. It's in the simple, fresh ingredients and the love that goes into every step. It’s the careful balance of juicy ground beef, fragrant garlic and onion, the subtle tang of Parmesan, and the comforting warmth of a rich tomato sauce. It’s about taking your time, savoring the process, and letting the aromas fill your kitchen with the promise of a hearty, satisfying meal. The key, I've learned over the years, is not to overwork the meat mixture. Gently combine the ingredients, allowing the flavors to meld without toughening the texture of the meatballs.
I remember spending countless hours in Grandma's kitchen, watching her expertly roll the meatballs, her hands moving with a practiced grace honed over decades. Each meatball was a testament to her dedication to family and food. She'd always say that the best recipes are the simplest ones, those that allow the natural flavors of the ingredients to shine. And her meatballs truly embody this philosophy. The rich tomato sauce, simmered slowly until it's thick and flavorful, is the perfect complement to the tender, juicy meatballs. The whole dish is a symphony of textures and tastes, a celebration of Italian culinary heritage.
The beauty of this recipe is its versatility. You can serve it over spaghetti, penne, or any pasta you prefer. Some like to add a sprinkle of fresh parsley or a grating of extra Parmesan cheese. Others prefer a side of crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. The possibilities are endless, and the best part is that everyone can customize it to their liking. It's a dish that brings people together, fostering conversation and sharing stories over a plate of delicious food. And that, more than anything, is what makes Grandma’s Italian meatballs so special.
More than just a recipe, this is a tradition. It’s a link to the past, a connection to family, and a celebration of simple pleasures. Every time I make these meatballs, I’m not just cooking a meal; I'm sharing a piece of my heritage, creating new memories, and bringing a touch of Grandma's love to my own table. The recipe might be simple, but the story behind it is anything but. It's a story of family, tradition, and the enduring power of a truly comforting meal. It’s a recipe that has stood the test of time, and one that I hope to pass on to future generations, carrying on the legacy of Grandma's delicious, unforgettable Italian meatballs.
So, gather your family, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to create some delicious memories. It's more than just cooking; it’s creating a shared experience, a taste of home, and a lasting legacy. The joy of sharing a meal together is immeasurable, and Grandma’s Italian Meatballs are the perfect recipe to make that happen. Let the wonderful aromas fill your home as you embark on this culinary journey, reliving cherished moments and creating new ones with loved ones around the table. The simple act of cooking and sharing this meal creates lasting memories, building bonds that extend far beyond the delicious flavors of this treasured family recipe.
