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italian meat recipes

Italian Meat Recipes

Explore a collection of authentic Italian meat recipes that celebrate traditional cooking methods and ingredients.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 250

Ingredients
  

Meat and Base Ingredients
  • 2 pounds ground beef Choose high-fat content for juicier meatballs.
  • 1 pound ground pork For added flavor in meatballs or sauces.
  • 1 pound veal Optional, for a richer meatball mix.
Herbs and Seasonings
  • 2 tablespoons basil Fresh, chopped.
  • 1 tablespoon oregano Fresh or dried, to enhance flavor.
  • 2 cloves garlic Minced.
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs For binding meatballs.
  • 2 large eggs For binding the meat mixture.
Cooking Essentials
  • 1 cup red wine For richness in sauces.
  • 2 cups tomato sauce For simmering meatballs.

Method
 

Prepare the Meat Mixture
  1. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, and veal (if using).
  2. Add breadcrumbs, minced garlic, eggs, and herbs. Mix gently until combined.
Form and Cook the Meatballs
  1. Shape the mixture into meatballs about 1.5 inches in diameter.
  2. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat and cook meatballs until browned on all sides.
  3. Transfer meatballs to a pot and cover with tomato sauce. Simmer for 30-45 minutes.
Serve
  1. Serve meatballs with spaghetti or on their own, garnished with fresh basil.

Notes

For best results, allow meatballs to cool to room temperature and refrigerate overnight for flavors to meld before reheating.