Classic Italian Meatball Recipe: Easy & Authentic

INGREDIENTS

1‑1/2 pounds meat loaf mix* or lean ground beef 1/3 cup dry bread crumbs 1/3 cup grated onion 1/3 cup milk 1/4 cup (1 ounce) freshly grated Parmesan cheese 1 egg 2 cloves garlic, minced 1‑1/2 teaspoons dried basil 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon dried oregano leaves 1/2 teaspoon rubbed sage 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes Marinara Sauce (recipe) Additional grated Parmesan cheese and hot cooked pasta (optional) *Meat loaf mix is a combination of ground beef, pork and veal; see your meat retailer or make your own with 1 pound lean ground beef, 1/4 pound ground pork and 1/4 pound ground veal.

PREPARATION:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Spray broiler pan with nonstick cooking spray. Combine all ingredients except Marinara Sauce, additional cheese and pasta in large bowl. Mix lightly but thoroughly. Shape to form meatballs using 1/3 cup meat mixture for each meatball.
2. Place meatballs on prepared pan; bake 25 to 30 minutes or until instant-read thermometer inserted into meatballs registers 145°F.
3. Meanwhile, prepare Marinara Sauce. Add cooked meatballs to Marinara Sauce; simmer, uncovered, about 10 minutes or until meatballs are cooked through and and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
4. Serve meatballs in shallow bowls; top with sauce. Serve with additional cheese and pasta, if desired.

This recipe appears in: Italian