Craving a comforting, delicious meal that's also easy to make? Look no further! These juicy meatballs with Italian sausage are a family favorite, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual weekend gathering. This recipe combines the savory goodness of Italian sausage with the classic comfort of homemade meatballs, resulting in a dish that’s both satisfying and surprisingly simple to prepare. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this easy recipe for a truly delicious meal!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb Italian sausage (sweet or hot, your choice!)
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
Instructions:
Get Started: Preparing the Meatball Mixture
- In a large bowl, gently combine the Italian sausage, ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, parsley, garlic, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Avoid overmixing, as this can result in tough meatballs.
Shaping and Browning the Meatballs:
- Roll the meat mixture into 1-inch meatballs. This is a great task to get the kids involved in!
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the meatballs in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. This will ensure they brown nicely on all sides and cook evenly. Set aside the browned meatballs once they’re cooked through.
Simmering to Perfection:
- Pour the crushed tomatoes and chicken broth into the same skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. This adds incredible flavor to your sauce.
- Return the meatballs to the skillet, ensuring they’re fully submerged in the sauce.
- Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for at least 20-25 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and the sauce has thickened slightly.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve these delicious meatballs over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes. A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a vibrant touch and enhances the overall flavor profile. A side salad completes this satisfying and delicious meal.
Tips for Success:
- Don't overmix the meat: Overmixing can lead to tough meatballs. Gently combine the ingredients until just mixed.
- Brown the meatballs evenly: Work in batches to ensure each meatball browns properly.
- Simmer low and slow: Low and slow cooking allows the flavors to meld beautifully and creates tender, juicy meatballs.
- Taste and adjust seasoning: Seasoning is key! Taste the sauce as it simmers and adjust the salt, pepper, and herbs to your preference.
Variations:
- Spicy Meatballs: Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce for extra heat.
- Cheese-Stuffed Meatballs: Add a small piece of mozzarella or provolone cheese to the center of each meatball before browning.
- Herb Variations: Experiment with different herbs such as thyme, rosemary, or sage.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400 (depending on serving size and ingredients)
- Protein: Approximately 25-30g
- Fat: Approximately 20-25g
This recipe for meatballs with Italian sausage is a quick dinner idea that's perfect for busy weeknights. It’s a healthy meal packed with flavor, ideal for homemade cooking and guaranteed to become a staple in your recipe collection. Enjoy!