Okay, friends, gather ’round because I’m about to share something truly special. Grandma Rosa’s amazing meatballs recipe. These aren’t your average, run-of-the-mill meat balls; they are These are the kind that have people begging for the recipe. Is there a league of their own? They’re tender, juicy, and packed with so much flavor, they make spaghetti night feel like a movie. What are some of the best meatballs you have ever had? Is it true that these cookies are comfort food? Never look at another meatball the same way. What are family favorite meatballs?

What is this meatball recipe?

What is meatball recipe? What is a culinary hug from my Grandma Rosa? Is it a mix of ground meat and pork? ), breadcrumbs soaked in milk, a symphony of herbs and spices, and an secret ingredient (I’ll tell you). ) that makes them ridiculously tender. What is a recipe passed down through generations? What makes a person special? These meatballs are not fried, they are baked in tomato sauce to keep them moist. Think of it as a classic Italian comfort dish, elevated by simple techniques and freshest ingredients. What is a simple, hearty meal that brings people together?

Why you’ll love this recipe?

What are some of the best reasons to make meatballs? Highlight a few. First and foremost, the flavor is out of this world. The combination of savory meat, aromatic herbs, and tangy tomato sauce creates an explosion of taste. What do you want from life? What I love most about this is how unbelievably simple it is to make. What are some good ways to make meatballs? What is minimal effort? My kids love them so much, they’re always asking me to make them, even on busy weeknights! Plus, it is so cost-effective – the ingredients are affordable and readily available, making it a great alternative to ice cream. What are some of the budget friendly options for families? What is the versatility of this machine? Can you serve them with spaghetti, Mashed Potatoes, in a meatball sub or even just on their own as they are delicious? What are some of the best meatball recipes?

How do you make a meatball recipe?

Quick Overview

What is Grandma Rosa’s meatball recipe? How do you make meatballs? Mix all the ingredients together and bake them. How do I serve them in tomato sauce? What is the secret behind soaking breadcrumbs in milk? What makes meat tender? Is it foolproof?

Ingredients

For the Meatballs: What
* 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend is perfect)
* 1/2 pound ground pork (or Italian sausage, casing removed)
* 1 cup breadcrumbs (I prefer Italian-style)
* 1/2 cup milk (whole milk gives the best flavor, but 2% works too)
* 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (freshly shredded is a must)
* 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 teaspoon dried oregano
* 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
* 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little kick)
* Salt and pepper to taste
* 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

For the Sauce:
* 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
* 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
* 1 teaspoon dried oregano
* 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
* 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
* Salt and pepper to taste
* 2 tablespoons olive oil

What are the steps of

Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish or line it with parchment paper. Why are meatballs sticky?

Step 2: Soak Breadcrumbs

In a large bowl, combine breadcrumbs and milk. Set aside. Let this mixture sit for about 5-10 minutes, allowing the breadcrumbs to absorb the milk and soften. What is the secret to tender meatballs?

Step 3: Combine Meatball Ingredients

Add ground beef, ground pork (or Italian sausage), Parmesan cheese, eggs, minced garlic, dried basil, salt, pepper, and pepper to taste. Mix well. Add oregano, dried basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, pepper, and fresh parsley to a bowl. Mix well. Serve immediately. What is the soaked breadcrumbs?

Step 4: Gently Mix

Using your hands or a wooden spoon, gently mix all the ingredients together until just combined. Do not overmix meatballs. This can make them tough. All should come together nicely but still feel light and airy.

Step 5: Form the Meatballs

What is the best way to make meatballs? What are some good meatball recipes? I always wet my hands slightly to prevent the meat from sticking.

Step 6: Prepare the Sauce

In a large bowl, combine crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, dried oregano, garlic, and salt. Serve immediately. What are the ingredients in olive oil? Salt, pepper, and pepper. Mix well to combine.

Step 7: Bake the Meatballs

Place the meatballs in the prepared baking dish and pour the tomato sauce over them, making sure to cover them with a little bit of butter. Is it possible to make a smooth paste that Bake in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and the sauce is bubbling. What makes a sauce bubbly? A little browning on the top is perfect.

Step 8: Serve

Serve these meatballs over pasta, mashed potatoes, or on their own as an appetizer. Garnish with fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese, if desired. My personal favorite is with a simple spaghetti.

What should I serve it with?

What are some of the best meatball recipes? What are some of my family’s favorite foods?

For a Classic Italian Dinner:Serve them over spaghetti with Garlic Bread and a simple salad. A glass of Chianti complements the flavors perfectly.

As a Hearty Appetizer:What are some good appetizers to serve with meatballs?

For Meatball Subs: Stuff the meatballs into hoagie rolls with melted mozzarella cheese for a delicious and satisfying meatball sub. This is always a hit for lunch!

With Mashed Potatoes: Spoon the meatballs and sauce over creamy mashed potatoes for a comforting and hearty meal on a cold night. My kids love this!

Honestly, there’s no wrong way to enjoy these meatballs. Get creative and find your own favorite combinations! I always try to make extra and freeze them so I have them on hand for quick and easy meals.

Top Tips for Perfecting Your Meatballs Recipe

Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks that will help you achieve meatball perfection:

Don’t Overmix: This is the most important tip! Overmixing the meat can result in tough, dense meatballs. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.

Soak the Breadcrumbs: Soaking the breadcrumbs in milk is essential for creating tender meatballs. It helps to keep them moist and prevents them from drying out during baking.

Use a Combination of Meats: Using a combination of ground beef and ground pork (or Italian sausage) adds depth of flavor and richness to the meatballs. Feel free to experiment with other meats as well!

Don’t Be Afraid to Season: Don’t be shy with the seasonings! Salt, pepper, garlic, oregano, and basil are essential for creating flavorful meatballs. Adjust the seasonings to your liking.

Bake, Don’t Fry: Baking the meatballs in tomato sauce keeps them incredibly moist and flavorful. Frying can make them dry and greasy. Plus, it’s healthier!

Freeze for Later: These meatballs freeze beautifully, making them perfect for meal prepping. Simply bake them as directed, let them cool completely, and then freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Add a Secret Ingredient: Now, here’s my Grandma Rosa’s secret: a pinch of nutmeg! It adds a subtle warmth and complexity to the meatballs that will have everyone wondering what your secret is. Trust me on this one!

Storing and Reheating Tips

Proper storage is key to keeping your meatballs tasting their best. Here’s what I recommend:

Room Temperature: Cooked meatballs can sit at room temperature for no more than 2 hours. After that, bacteria can start to grow.

Refrigerator Storage: Store cooked meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure they’re completely cooled before refrigerating them.

Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, freeze the meatballs. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Reheating: To reheat the meatballs, you can microwave them, bake them in the oven, or simmer them in a saucepan with tomato sauce. If frozen, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Glaze Timing Advice: If you are planning to freeze the meatballs, it is best to add the sauce after reheating to prevent the sauce from becoming watery.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this gluten-free?

Absolutely! Just substitute the regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs. I’ve used gluten-free Italian-style breadcrumbs with great success. The texture might be slightly different, but the flavor will still be amazing. You can also try using almond flour as a binder, but you might need to adjust the amount of milk slightly to achieve the right consistency.

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead?

Yes, you can! Ground turkey or chicken will work well in this recipe. Keep in mind that they tend to be drier than beef or pork, so you might want to add a tablespoon of olive oil to the meat mixture to help keep them moist. Also, be sure to cook them to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure they’re fully cooked.

Can I add vegetables to the meatballs?

Definitely! Adding finely grated vegetables like zucchini, carrots, or onions can add moisture and nutrients to the meatballs. Just be sure to squeeze out any excess moisture from the vegetables before adding them to the meat mixture. About 1/2 cup of grated vegetables should be a good starting point.

What if I don’t have Parmesan cheese?

Pecorino Romano cheese is a good substitute for Parmesan cheese. It has a similar salty and nutty flavor. If you don’t have either, you can leave it out, but it will affect the overall flavor of the meatballs.

Can I cook these in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can cook these in a slow cooker! Place the meatballs in the slow cooker and pour the tomato sauce over them. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the meatballs are cooked through. This is a great option for busy days when you want to come home to a delicious and ready-to-eat meal.

Final Thoughts

So there you have it – Grandma Rosa’s unbeatable meatballs recipe! I truly hope you give this recipe a try. It’s more than just a recipe; it’s a piece of my family’s history and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. These meatballs are incredibly easy to make, bursting with flavor, and perfect for any occasion. If you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to check out my other Italian-inspired dishes. And I can’t wait to hear how yours turn out! Share your thoughts and variations in the comments below. Happy cooking!