How to Make the Perfect "Polpette di Manzo": A Delicious Italian Beef Meatballs Recipe

Italian Beef Meatballs are very well known around the world. Although meatballs worldwide are adapted to products used in local or national cuisines, they can be made of different meats, fish, or vegetables. They can be accompanied by sauces, spiced and hot, or simply eaten dry. In some places, they are placed on top of spaghetti with tomato sauce. In my house, meatballs are preferred in two ways: with beef minced meat and tomato sauce or splashed in a brown sauce with plenty of aromatic fresh herbs to taste. Delicious either way!

Italian Beef Meatballs

Good to know

You can add 5 tbsp of milk to the meat mixture if you like the meatballs quite soft. I personally do not add any as I prefer to taste the consistency of them. Some other recipes add ground saffron. I prefer a simpler taste without it.

As for the meat, some recipes mix minced beef with minced pork. You can enjoy this dish on top of spaghetti. Up to you!

Ingredients serves 4

• Beef minced meat, 500 g

• Eggs, 2

• Bread crumbs, 200 g

• Parmesan cheese, grated, 50-70 g

• Parsley, finely chopped, 2-3 tbsp

• Garlic, chopped, 2 cloves

• Milk (optional), 5 tbsp

• Vegetable oil

• Tomato sauce (see recipe in the Pasta: how to create the perfect penne and fresh tomato sauce)

Let’s jump to the method

1. Prepare all the ingredients for the Italian Beef Meatballs.

2. Combine the minced meat, parsley, garlic, one egg, 1/3 of the breadcrumbs, and Parmesan cheese in a bowl, mixing by hand to create a compact ball.

3. Take a portion of the meat mixture (1 or 2 tablespoons) and shape it into a small meatball, about the size of a ping pong ball or smaller if desired. Repeat until all the mixture is used.

4. Spread the remaining breadcrumbs on a plate.

5. Coat each meatball in the breadcrumbs on the plate, ensuring they're fully covered. Roll each meatball again with your hands and press slightly to flatten for better cooking.

6. Heat a frying pan with enough vegetable oil to cover half of the meatball; cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, depending on the size.

7. Remove from the pan and place on a plate lined with kitchen paper to soak up excess oil.

8. Add them to the pre-made tomato sauce (refer to the Pasta section for the recipePasta: how to create the perfect penne and fresh tomato sauce) and allow them to cook together for an additional 10 minutes over low heat.

9. Serve and enjoy your meal!

Italian Beef Meatballs