Incredible Italian Meatballs
Try this Incredible Italian Meatballs recipe, or contribute your own.
Try this Incredible Italian Meatballs recipe, or contribute your own.
- salt and pepper
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon dried parsley
- extra virgin olive oil
- 1 egg, whisked
- 1 cup small torn pieces of soft gluten-free white bread
- 1/2 cup finely grated onion + juices
- 1-1/4 lb 85/15 ground beef
- 24 oz jar gluten-free marinara sauce (i love bove's)
- 1 lb gluten-free spaghetti
- Carbohydrate 0.55170000031443 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 1.30929000002696 g
- Fiber 0.116399997896212 g
- Protein 0.14358000013646 g
- Saturated Fat 0.1795362000007 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (94g)
- Sodium 16.3219145860845 mg
- Sugar 0.435300002418218 g
- Trans Fat 0.0385752000037127 g
- Calories 14 calories
Step-by-step
- Mix white bread and grated onion in a large bowl then let soak for a minute.
- Add egg, garlic, dried parsley, salt, and pepper then mix to combine.
- Crumble ground beef over mixture then use hands to mix until just combined.
- Shape into golf ball-sized meatballs (about 18-20) then place onto a plate.
- Add enough extra virgin olive oil to cover the bottom of a large, heavy-bottomed skillet (at least 10") then preheat over medium/medium-high heat (6/10 on the heat scale).
- Add half the meatballs then saute until evenly browned on all sides but not completely cooked through, carefully turning the meatballs with tongs or a spoon as they will be very soft.
- Transfer browned meatballs to a plate.
- Brown second batch of meatballs then gently add the first batch back into the skillet.
- Remove skillet from heat to cool down for a minute.
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil, season with salt, add pasta, and then cook according to package directions.
- Meanwhile, carefully pour marinara sauce into the skillet then use a spoon to gently coat all the meatballs in the sauce.
- Return skillet to the burner then turn heat down to medium-low and simmer until meatballs are cooked through, 15-20 minutes, basting and gently turning meatballs over in the sauce with a spoon every so often.
- If meatballs are taking too long to cook (meaning they didn't cook enough during the browning process), place a lid or crimp a piece of foil on top of the skillet then simmer until cooked through.
- Drain pasta then serve with meatballs and sauce.
My Simple Weeknight Italian Meatball Recipe
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook delicious and satisfying meals can feel like a Herculean task. But trust me, it doesn't have to be! This recipe for Incredible Italian Meatballs is my go-to when I need a hearty, flavorful dinner that's ready in under an hour. It's incredibly versatile too; you can easily adjust the spice level or add other vegetables to suit your family's preferences. The key is using simple, high-quality ingredients and a straightforward method that even a novice cook can master.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. There's no need for exotic ingredients or complicated techniques. The meatballs themselves are a classic combination of ground beef, bread, egg, and aromatics. I like to use a good quality 85/15 ground beef for the best flavor and texture. The gluten-free bread adds a nice softness, but you can certainly use regular bread if you prefer. I always add a generous amount of fresh garlic and parsley – these herbs add a depth of flavor that elevates the entire dish. And don't skimp on the salt and pepper! Seasoning is key to achieving that perfect balance of flavors.
The marinara sauce is equally important. While you can certainly use your favorite store-bought sauce, I highly recommend making your own if you have the time. Homemade marinara is so much more flavorful and allows you to control the ingredients. But if you are short of time, there are a lot of great store bought brands available.
One of my favorite tips for perfectly cooked meatballs is to brown them well before adding the sauce. This gives them a beautiful crust and ensures they cook evenly. Simmering them in the sauce for 15-20 minutes allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in a richly flavorful meal. I serve the meatballs over a bed of gluten-free spaghetti, but you can just as easily serve them over rice, zucchini noodles, or even mashed potatoes.
The best part? This recipe is easily adaptable. Feeling adventurous? Add some chopped mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach to the meatball mixture. Want a spicier kick? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce. The possibilities are endless! It’s a truly versatile recipe to keep in your arsenal of dishes.
So, the next time you're looking for a quick, easy, and incredibly delicious weeknight dinner, give my Incredible Italian Meatballs a try. You won't be disappointed! It’s become a family favorite in our house, and I hope it becomes one in yours too.
Don’t forget to share your experience and any variations you try in the comments below!
