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Chef John's Italian Meatballs

4

135 min

Chef John's Italian Meatballs

Chef John's Italian Meatballs Photo 1

Time

135 min

Serving

8 persons

Calories

390

Rating

4.00★ (2)

Cuisine

Italian
Author: Victoria Bailey
This Italian meatball recipe is very easy to make, and since we skip the messy step of pan-frying the meatballs, it becomes downright simple. Here I use a standard half-beef/half-pork mixture. Once the meatballs are baked, add them to your favorite prepared tomato sauce and simmer for 1 to 2 hours.

Ingredients

  • plain bread crumbs: 0.33333 cup
  • milk: 0.5 cup
  • olive oil: 2 Tbsp
  • onion: 1 piece (diced)
  • ground beef: 1 pound
  • ground pork: 1 pound
  • eggs: 2 piece
  • Parmesan cheese: 2 Tbsp (grated)
  • parsley: 0.25 bunch (chopped, fresh)
  • garlic: 3 clove (crushed)
  • salt: 2 tsp
  • ground black pepper: 1 tsp
  • Italian herb seasoning: 1 tsp (dried)
  • red pepper flakes: 0.5 tsp

Metric Conversion

Stages of cooking

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  1. Cover a baking sheet with foil and spray lightly with cooking spray. Soak bread crumbs in milk in a small bowl for 20 minutes.
    Chef John's Italian Meatballs Photo 2
  2. Meanwhile, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onion; cook and stir until onion has softened and turned translucent, about 5 minutes. Reduce heat to low and continue cooking and stirring until onion is very tender, about 15 minutes more.
    Chef John's Italian Meatballs Photo 3
  3. Gently stir beef and pork together in a large bowl. Add onions, bread crumb mixture, eggs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, garlic, salt, black pepper, Italian herb seasoning, and red pepper flakes; mix together using a rubber spatula until combined. Cover and refrigerate for about one hour.
    Chef John's Italian Meatballs Photo 4
  4. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C).
    Chef John's Italian Meatballs Photo 5
  5. Form mixture into balls about 1 1/2 inches in diameter; arrange in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
    Chef John's Italian Meatballs Photo 6
  6. Bake in the preheated oven until browned and cooked through, 15 to 20 minutes.
    Chef John's Italian Meatballs Photo 7

History of Chef John's Italian Meatballs:

Chef John's Italian Meatballs recipe is a classic example of Italian-American cuisine. Italian meatballs are one of the most popular and well-loved dishes worldwide, and the recipe has been enjoyed since the early 20th century. Chef John's recipe honors the traditional Italian recipe while featuring a modern twist.

Tips and Tricks for Chef John's Italian Meatballs Recipe:

  1. Don't overmix the meatball mixture. Overworked meat can become tough and less flavorful.
  2. Soaking the breadcrumbs in milk before adding them to the meat mixture makes the meatballs more tender.
  3. Make sure to chill the meat mixture before shaping them into balls. The cold mixture is easier to handle and maintains its shape better.
  4. Don't overcrowd the baking sheet. Give each meatball enough space to brown evenly and cook thoroughly.
  5. Baking the meatballs instead of pan-frying them makes the process easier, more efficient, and healthier.

Tips for presenting the dish:

Serve the meatballs hot out of the oven with your favorite tomato sauce, pasta, and grated Parmesan cheese. Top with fresh basil or parsley, and garnish with extra red pepper flakes for a touch of heat. You can also serve it alongside a fresh salad or a side of garlic bread. Don't forget to have plenty of napkins on hand because these meatballs are juicy and flavorful. This recipe is perfect for hosting a dinner party or meal prep for the week.

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