Tip from an Italian Woman – Recipe: Homemade Meatballs

What is it about an Italian woman in the kitchen? Have you ever stood next to one as they put a little bit of
this and a dash of that into a pot? They are so passionate about their food and so quick with their hands. It really is a true joy to witness in the kitchen.

Many years ago I had the privilege of being able to help a dear Italian woman in the kitchen for Easter dinner. Irma has sense passed but the memory is still very much alive. I got to help her make potato gnocchi as well as many other treats. I also learned some valuable tips about food, olive oil, beauty (she was in her nineties and had beautiful skin!…she swears it was from applying olive oil to her face), etc. One of the best tricks I learned was one simple ingredient you can add to meatballs that will make the world of difference.
If you are making meatballs then this ingredient is probably something you already have in your pantry (or your freezer if you’ve made this recipe). Pasta sauce! It adds such a depth of flavor and makes the meatballs so moist and tender. I was never told exactly how much to add, just to make sure I included it in my meatball recipe…but I usually add about 1/4 cup.

Sadly I do not have Irma’s recipe for Italian meatballs, but this family favorite recipe does include her tip!

Homemade Italian Meatballs

Printable Recipe

From the Family of: Inspired by Irma

Yields: 20-24

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients:
1 cup breadcrumbs (no the seasoned type)

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 T fresh minced parsley(or 1 tsp dry)

2 garlic cloves, minced

2 T milk

2 eggs

1/4 cup marinara sauce

1/4 tsp salt

1/4 fresh ground pepper

1 pound ground beef

1/4 pound ground pork

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees and line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Combine the first 9 ingredients in a large bowl and mix until thoroughly combined. Using your hands, incorporate the beef and pork into the mixture.

3. Roll into 2 inch balls. I use a medium sized cookie scoopto get even sized balls so they cook evenly. Place on prepared baking sheet. The meatballs can be pretty close together.

4. Bake at 350 degrees for about 30 minutes or until a thermometer reads 160 degrees.

Helpful Hints:

1. This recipe can easily be doubled (or tripled!) to freeze. Just make the recipe and after baking freeze portions in ziplock bags. To reheat, add frozen meatballs to a pot of simmering pasta sauce and simmer until thoroughly reheated.

Another recipe you may like:
Stove Top Roma Tomato Sauce