Classic Italian Nonna's Meatballs
Indulge in the heartwarming flavors of Italy with these Classic Italian Nonna's Meatballs. This cherished recipe, passed down through generations, captures the essence of homemade goodness. Made with fresh ingredients, these tender, juicy meatballs are infused with traditional spices and flavors that transport you straight to a quaint trattoria in Italy. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, these meatballs simmered in a rich homemade tomato sauce create a comforting meal that everyone will love. Discover the magic of Italian cooking and enjoy a plateful of love!
N/A
Servings
150
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Ground Beef
1 lb (Freshly ground)
Eggs
2 (Beaten)
Milk
1/4 cup (Room temperature)
Breadcrumbs
1/2 cup (Italian-style preferred)
Salt
1/2 teaspoon (To taste)
Fresh Parsley
1 tablespoon (Chopped)
Garlic Powder
1 teaspoon (For flavor)
Fresh Ground Pepper
1/2 teaspoon (To taste)
Grated Locatelli Cheese
1/2 cup (Freshly grated)
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, beaten eggs, milk, breadcrumbs, salt, chopped parsley, garlic powder, ground pepper, and grated Locatelli cheese.
2
Using your hands, gently mix all the ingredients together until well combined. Be careful not to overwork the meat to keep the meatballs tender.
3
To form the meatballs, dampen your hands with water to prevent sticking. Roll the mixture between your palms into meatballs about the size of a golf ball.
4
Carefully place the raw meatballs into a large pot filled with your favorite sauce (homemade or store-bought). Alternatively, use a stock pot for an ample batch.
5
Once all meatballs are in the sauce, bring it to a gentle simmer. Cover the pot and let the meatballs simmer for about 3 hours, stirring occasionally for even cooking.
6
Serve the meatballs hot, with sauce over pasta or on a sub roll for a delicious meatball sandwich. Enjoy your authentic Italian feast!
Nutrition Information
9g
Fat
6g
Carbs
13.5g
Protein
120mg
Sodium
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Classic Italian Nonna's Meatballs?
They are traditional, tender, and juicy meatballs made with ground beef and Italian spices, simmered in a rich tomato sauce.
What type of meat is used in this recipe?
This recipe uses 1 lb of freshly ground beef.
How many eggs are needed for the meatball mixture?
You will need 2 beaten eggs to help bind the ingredients together.
Why is milk added to the meatballs?
1/4 cup of room temperature milk is added to ensure the meatballs remain moist and tender.
What kind of cheese is recommended for authentic Italian meatballs?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of freshly grated Locatelli cheese for an authentic flavor.
What type of breadcrumbs should I use?
Italian-style breadcrumbs are preferred to maintain the traditional flavor profile.
How long do the meatballs need to simmer?
The meatballs should simmer in the sauce for approximately 3 hours to develop full flavor and tenderness.
Do I need to brown the meatballs before putting them in the sauce?
No, this specific recipe instructs placing the raw meatballs directly into the simmering sauce.
What size should I make the meatballs?
Roll the mixture between your palms into meatballs roughly the size of a golf ball.
How do I keep the meatball mixture from sticking to my hands?
Dampen your hands with water before rolling to prevent the meat from sticking to your skin.
Why is it important not to overwork the meat?
Mixing gently prevents the meat from becoming tough, ensuring the meatballs remain tender and juicy.
What are the nutritional values for one serving?
One serving contains 150 calories, 9g of fat, 6g of carbohydrates, and 13.5g of protein.
How much sodium is in each serving?
Each serving of these meatballs contains 120mg of sodium.
Is fresh parsley required?
Yes, 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh parsley is used for the best flavor.
Can I use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic?
This recipe specifically calls for 1 teaspoon of garlic powder to season the meat.
How should I serve these meatballs?
They are delicious served hot over pasta or on a sub roll as a meatball sandwich.
What tags define this recipe?
Tags include italian, meatballs, authentic, family recipe, nonna, comfort food, pasta, and traditional.
Can I use store-bought sauce?
Yes, you can simmer the meatballs in either homemade tomato sauce or your favorite store-bought variety.
How many total ingredients are in the meatball mixture?
There are 9 main ingredients: ground beef, eggs, milk, breadcrumbs, salt, parsley, garlic powder, pepper, and Locatelli cheese.
What is the recommended amount of salt?
The recipe suggests 1/2 teaspoon of salt, or to taste.
Should the pot be covered while simmering?
Yes, cover the pot and let the meatballs simmer gently for the duration of the cooking time.
How often should I stir the sauce while cooking?
You should stir occasionally to ensure even cooking and to prevent the sauce from sticking to the bottom.
Is Locatelli cheese different from Parmesan?
Locatelli is a brand of Pecorino Romano, which is a sheep's milk cheese and tends to be saltier and sharper than Parmesan.
Can I use a stock pot for this recipe?
Yes, a stock pot is recommended if you are making an ample batch of meatballs and sauce.
What is the texture of these meatballs?
Because they are simmered for a long time and contain milk and eggs, they are very tender and juicy.
Does this recipe include fiber information?
The fiber content for this recipe is not specified.
Is there sugar in these meatballs?
The recipe data does not indicate any sugar content in the meatball mixture.
What is the protein-to-fat ratio per serving?
Each serving has 13.5g of protein and 9g of fat.
Can I make these meatballs for a large gathering?
Absolutely, these meatballs are described as perfect for family dinners or large gatherings.
What makes this recipe 'Nonna's' style?
It is a cherished recipe passed down through generations, capturing the essence of homemade Italian goodness.