nonna's meatballs

(1 rating)
Recipe by
Carol Perricone
Massapequa Park, NY

My grandmother was a basic meat and potatoes cook...lots of pot roast, roast beef, and steaks. These meatballs were one of her best recipes, and I enjoy making them for my family and friends. They are always a hit.

(1 rating)
yield 4 -6
prep time 20 Min
cook time 20 Min
method Stove Top

Ingredients For nonna's meatballs

  • 1 lb
    85% lean ground beef
  • 1/2 lb
    ground pork
  • 1 3/4 c
    parmigiano-reggiano, grated
  • 1 1/4 c
    bread crumbs, dry
  • 1 lg
    egg
  • 1 sm
    shallot, minced
  • 2 Tbsp
    milk
  • 2 Tbsp
    minced fresh parsley
  • 3 clove
    garlic, minced
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 3 Tbsp
    olive oil
  • 1
    onion, chopped fine
  • 1 c
    low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 c
    water

How To Make nonna's meatballs

  • 1
    Using hands, mix ground beef, ground pork, 3/4 cup Parmesan cheese, 1/2 cup breadcrumbs, egg, shallot, milk, parsley, garlic, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1 teaspoon pepper together in a bowl.
  • 2
    Pinch off and roll mixture into 1 1/2 inch meatballs (about 30 meatballs total).
  • 3
    Spread 1/2 cup breadcrumbs into a shallow dish. Coat meatballs with breadcrumbs, shaking off excess, and transfer to a large plate.
  • 4
    Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat.
  • 5
    Brown half the meatballs on all sides, 6-8 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel lined plate. Repeat with 1 tablespoon more oil and remaining meatballs. Transfer to plate.
  • 6
    Heat remaining 1 tablespoon oil in skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Add onions and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in chicken broth and water, then slowly whisk in remaining 1 cup parmesan cheese, and 1/4 cup breadcrumbs until smooth, and bring to a simmer.
  • 7
    Nestle meatballs into skillet and bring to a simmer. Cover, and reduce heat to medium-low, and let simmer 10-15 minutes, or until meatballs are cooked through. If sauce gets too thick, add a little more chicken broth to thin it out.
  • 8
    Season with salt and pepper, and serve. Enjoy!

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