Maria’s Authentic Italian Meatballs: A Classic Recipe
Maria’s Authentic Italian Meatballs are a delightful dish that captures the essence of traditional Italian cooking. This recipe yields 4 to 6 servings and can produce approximately 25 to 30 flavorful meatballs. Below, you’ll find a simple guide to preparing these classic meatballs, along with a rich tomato sauce.
Ingredients for Maria’s Authentic Italian Meatballs
Meatballs
- 600 g lean ground beef
- 400 g lean ground pork
- 150 g breadcrumbs
- 100 g grated Parmesan cheese
- 50 g grated Pecorino Romano
- 3 whole eggs
- 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 tsp salt
- ¼ tsp nutmeg
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
Tomato Sauce
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, lightly crushed
- 800 ml tomato sauce (preferably San Marzano)
- Salt to taste
Preparation Steps
1. Prepare the Meatball Mixture
Begin by combining the ground beef and ground pork in a large mixing bowl. Add breadcrumbs, grated cheeses, minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, nutmeg, and pepper. Finally, add the eggs. Mix gently with your hands until just combined.
2. Shape the Meatballs
Moisten your hands and roll the mixture into egg-sized meatballs, approximately 30 to 35 grams each. You should end up with 25 to 30 meatballs.
3. Prepare the Tomato Sauce
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the crushed garlic cloves, cooking them for about 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden. Stir in the tomato sauce, seasoning lightly with salt. Allow it to simmer on low heat for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Cook the Meatballs
Carefully place the raw meatballs into the simmering tomato sauce. Cover partially and cook on low heat for 20 to 25 minutes. Occasionally spoon sauce over the meatballs to enhance their flavor. Ensure they reach an internal temperature of 71°C (160°F) for safety and tenderness.
5. Serve
Serve the meatballs hot, topped with extra grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley. They can be enjoyed on their own, with crusty bread, or alongside your favorite pasta.
Note: Ground pork can be fully substituted with additional ground beef if desired. Enjoy the authentic taste of Maria’s Italian Meatballs!
