Italian Beef Meatballs (Boulettes à l’Italienne)

Embrace the comforting flavors of a classic Italian kitchen with these incredibly tender and flavorful Italian Beef Meatballs. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or entertaining friends, these meatballs are seasoned with aromatic herbs and garlic, then simmered to perfection in a rich, rustic tomato sauce. The slow cooking process ensures each meatball is infused with deep flavor and remains incredibly juicy, melting in your mouth. Easy to prepare and utterly satisfying, this timeless dish offers a taste of Italy with every forkful, bringing warmth and joy to your table.

Ingredients:

For the Meatballs:

• 1 pound (500 g) ground beef (80/20 lean recommended)
• 1 large egg
• 1 cup (100 g) breadcrumbs (plain or Italian style)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
• ½ small onion, finely minced
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

For the Sauce & Cooking:

• 1 (14.5 ounce / 400 g) can crushed tomatoes or tomato passata
• 1-2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, for cooking

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare the Meatball Mixture:
   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, large egg, breadcrumbs, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, chopped fresh parsley, and finely minced onion.
   • Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
   • Using clean hands, gently mix all ingredients together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough meatballs.
2. Form the Meatballs:
   • Take small portions of the meat mixture and gently roll them between your palms to form meatballs. Aim for a size of about 1.5 inches (3-4 cm) in diameter, roughly the size of a walnut.
   • Place the formed meatballs on a plate or tray as you go.
3. Brown the Meatballs:
   • Heat 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
   • Once the oil is hot, carefully add the meatballs to the pan, ensuring not to overcrowd it (cook in batches if necessary).
   • Brown the meatballs on all sides, turning them regularly, for about 5-7 minutes total. They will not be fully cooked through at this stage, but will have a nice golden crust.
   • Once browned, remove the meatballs from the skillet and set them aside.
4. Simmer in Tomato Sauce:
   • If there’s excess grease in the skillet, you can carefully drain some off, leaving a little for flavor.
   • Pour the crushed tomatoes (or tomato passata) into the same skillet. Bring to a gentle simmer.
   • Reduce the heat to low, then gently return the browned meatballs to the sauce. Ensure they are mostly submerged.
   • Cover the skillet and let the meatballs simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are fully cooked through, tender, and the sauce has thickened and its flavors have deepened.
5. Serve:
   • Serve the Italian Beef Meatballs hot.
   • Traditionally, they are served over spaghetti, tagliatelle, or any pasta of your choice. They are also delicious with rice, polenta, or simply with some crusty bread for soaking up the delicious sauce.
   • Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley before serving, if desired.

Tips, Variations, and Storage:

• Meat Blend: For even juicier and more flavorful meatballs, consider using a mix of ground beef and ground pork.
• Cheese Inclusion: For an extra touch of Italian authenticity, mix 2-3 tablespoons of grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano cheese into the meat mixture.
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a subtle kick.
• Homemade Sauce: If you have time, using a homemade marinara sauce will elevate this dish even further.
• Meatball Size: Adjust the size of your meatballs as desired; larger meatballs will require a slightly longer simmering time in the sauce.
• Storage: Leftover Italian Beef Meatballs store wonderfully. Place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. They also freeze well (with the sauce) for 2-3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator (if frozen) then gently warm on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Pairings:

• Pasta: The classic pairing is with spaghetti, but penne, rigatoni, or tagliatelle are also excellent choices.
• Vegetables: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette makes for a great contrast. Sautéed greens like spinach or broccoli can also be served alongside.
• Bread: Crusty Italian bread or focaccia is perfect for soaking up every last drop of the delicious sauce.
• Wine: A light to medium-bodied Italian red wine, such as a Chianti Classico, Montepulciano d’Abruzzo, or a Valpolicella, would perfectly complement this dish.

Quick Info:

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Approximate Kcal: 290 kcal per serving (can vary based on specific ingredients and ground beef fat content)
• Cuisine: Italian
• Effort Level: Easy