Mom's Easy Traditional Italian Meatballs
User Reviews
4.5
225 reviews
Excellent
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Prep Time
15 mins
-
Cook Time
15 mins
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Total Time
1 hr 5 mins
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Servings
14 meatballs
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Calories
136 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
Italian
Mom's Easy Traditional Italian Meatballs
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The best and most delicious authentic homemade Italian recipe. Meatballs in a tasty tomato sauce. Dinner is ready!
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Ingredients
- ¼-½ cup milk (2% or heavy)
- 2-3 slices bread (remove crusts, I use day old Italian and if it is extra thick use 2 slices)
- 1 pound ground beef (80% lean)
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1 -2 clove garlic minced
For the sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cups tomato puree* (passata) (450 grams)
- 1 teaspoon basil
- 1 clove garlic minced
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 - 1½ teaspoons oregano
- 1 - 1½ cups water (236 - 354 grams)
*or 1 can peeled tomatoes nothing added (400 grams)
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Instructions
- In a small bowl soak the bread in the milk for about 5 minutes, then squeeze out moisture and crumple into small bits.
- In a medium bowl combine the bread with ground beef, eggs, parmesan and spices gently mix to combine well (I use my clean hands, its the best way to do it). Form into small balls ( I form the meatballs into the size of a golf ball). In a medium frying pan on medium heat, add the olive oil and the meatballs, brown them on all sides.
FOR THE SAUCE
- While meatballs are browning, in a separate, large deep pan add the olive oil, the tomato puree (or peeled tomatoes), spices and water, stir until well combined. Add the browned meatballs. Over medium heat, heat to boiling, then lower heat to medium low and simmer for approximately 20 minutes (covered), then raise the heat to medium, (leave pan slightly uncovered 1/3 uncovered) and cook an additional 20 minutes, until sauce has thickened and meatballs are cooked through. Serve immediately, top with freshly grated parmesan cheese if desired. Don't forget some crusty Italian bread to soak up the delicious sauce. Enjoy!
- **If you decide to bake the meatballs, shred approximately 1/3 cup of firm mozzarella on top and bake in the oven until melted, make sure you use an oven safe frying pan.
Notes
- You can even fancy them up a bit and top the cooked meatballs with some shredded mozzarella or parmesan cheese, make sure they are in an oven safe pan and bake for about 5 minutes until the cheese has melted.
- The cooked meatballs can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three to four days. They can also be frozen cooked in a freezer safe container for up to three months. If you prefer you can even freeze them uncooked. Place on a cookie in the freezer until firm then transfer to a freezer safe container or bag. They will keep for three to four months.
Nutrition Information
Show Details
Calories
136kcal
(7%)
Carbohydrates
6g
(2%)
Protein
10g
(20%)
Fat
7g
(11%)
Saturated Fat
2g
(10%)
Cholesterol
46mg
(15%)
Sodium
378mg
(16%)
Potassium
303mg
(9%)
Fiber
1g
(4%)
Sugar
2g
(4%)
Vitamin A
260IU
(5%)
Vitamin C
4.1mg
(5%)
Calcium
68mg
(7%)
Iron
1.9mg
(11%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 14meatballs
Amount Per Serving
Calories 136 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 136kcal | 7% |
| Carbohydrates | 6g | 2% |
| Protein | 10g | 20% |
| Fat | 7g | 11% |
| Saturated Fat | 2g | 10% |
| Cholesterol | 46mg | 15% |
| Sodium | 378mg | 16% |
| Potassium | 303mg | 6% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 2g | 4% |
| Vitamin A | 260IU | 5% |
| Vitamin C | 4.1mg | 5% |
| Calcium | 68mg | 7% |
| Iron | 1.9mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
Genuine Reviews
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.5
225 reviews
Excellent
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