Spicy Italian Meatballs in Red Sauce

If you’re craving a hearty and flavorful dish that packs a punch, look no further than Spicy Italian Meatballs in Red Sauce. These meatballs are a perfect blend of savory, spicy, and tangy flavors, making them a hit at any dinner table. Whether you’re serving them over pasta or as a standalone appetizer, these meatballs are sure to impress. Let’s dive into the steps to create this delicious dish!

Follow these steps to prepare the perfect spicy Italian meatballs:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, eggs, minced garlic, chopped parsley, milk, dried oregano, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
2. Mix the ingredients thoroughly using your hands or a spatula until well combined.
3. Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls and place them on a baking sheet.

Making the Red Sauce

Now, let’s prepare the rich and flavorful red sauce:

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add the finely chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.
3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
4. Add the crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce to the pot.
5. Season with dried basil, dried oregano, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
6. Bring the sauce to a simmer and let it cook for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Cooking the Meatballs

Browning the meatballs before simmering them in the sauce adds extra flavor:

1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add a bit of olive oil to the skillet.
3. Brown the meatballs on all sides, about 5 minutes per side. You may need to do this in batches.
4. Once browned, transfer the meatballs to the pot of red sauce.
5. Let the meatballs simmer in the sauce for about 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Serving Suggestions

These spicy Italian meatballs can be served in various ways:

• Pasta Pairings: Serve the meatballs and sauce over spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne.
• Side Dishes: Pair with garlic bread, a fresh green salad, or roasted vegetables.

Tips for Adding Extra Spice

If you love a bit more heat, consider these tips:

1. Increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes in both the meatballs and the sauce.
2. Add a dash of hot sauce to the sauce for an extra kick.
3. Incorporate finely chopped jalapeños or serrano peppers into the meatball mixture.

Storing and Reheating

Leftovers? No problem!

1. Storing: Place the meatballs and sauce in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
2. Reheating: Warm the meatballs and sauce in a pot over medium heat until heated through, or microwave them in a microwave-safe dish.

Variations of the Recipe

Feel free to get creative with this recipe:

• Different Meats: Try using ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
• Alternative Sauces: Swap the red sauce for a creamy Alfredo or a tangy marinara.

Health Benefits of Ingredients

Let’s not forget the health benefits of some key ingredients:

• Tomatoes: Rich in antioxidants, particularly lycopene, which is good for heart health.
• Garlic: Known for its immune-boosting properties and ability to lower blood pressure.
• Parsley: High in vitamins K and C, and good for bone health.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?
   • Yes, you can prepare the meatballs and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before cooking.
2. Can I freeze the meatballs?
   • Absolutely! Freeze the uncooked meatballs on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. They can be cooked directly from frozen.
3. What if my sauce is too thick?
   • Add a bit of water or broth to thin it out to your desired consistency.
4. Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?
   • Yes, fresh herbs can be substituted. Use three times the amount of fresh herbs as dried.
5. How do I keep the meatballs from falling apart?
   • Make sure to mix the ingredients well and not to overwork the meatball mixture. Chilling the meatballs before cooking can also help them hold their shape.

Conclusion

Spicy Italian Meatballs in Red Sauce are a flavorful and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion. The combination of tender meatballs and a rich, spicy sauce is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy a taste of Italy right in your own kitchen!

Yield: 2

Spicy Italian Meatballs in Red Sauce

Print

If you're craving a hearty and flavorful dish that packs a punch, look no further than Spicy Italian Meatballs in Red Sauce. These meatballs are a perfect blend of savory, spicy, and tangy flavors, making them a hit at any dinner table. Whether you're serving them over pasta or as a standalone appetizer, these meatballs are sure to impress. Let's dive into the steps to create this delicious dish!

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes

Ingredients

• 1/2 c. yellow onion finely chopped
• 1 slice white bread crusts removed, shredded
• 6 oz. ground beef
• 6 oz. spicy ground Italian sausage
• 1 egg
• 1/3 cup panko breadcrumbs italian seasoned
• 1/4 tsp. crushed red pepper
• 1/4 tsp. salt
• 1/4 tsp. pepper
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 2 Tbsp. Italian parsley finely chopped
• 1.5 Tbsp. olive oil
• For sauce:
• 1/2 can pasta sauce
• 1/4 tsp. basil
• 1/4 tsp. oregano
• 1/4 tsp. crushed red pepper
• pinch dried mint
• salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

• Tear the slice of white bread into tiny pieces, placing them into a large bowl as you tear them. Combine all of the meatball ingredients, except for the olive oil, into the bowl with the white bread.
• Mix thoroughly with your hands until everything has totally combined. Get in there and enjoy it.

refrigerate overnight if you can! otherwise...

• Spoon about 2-3 tablespoons of the meat into your hands and roll into a ball. Set these balls aside on a cutting board or plate near your oven. Repeat until you have no meat left in the bowl.
• Heat a large sauté pan slightly above medium, and add the olive oil and tilt the pan to coat the entire surface with the oil. Place half of the meatballs into the pan, and brown on all sides. Remove the meatballs from the pan and place onto a clean plate once they are browned. Repeat with the second half of meatballs. Remember, you are not cooking them through, you're just browning the outsides!
• In the same sauté pan, without cleaning it out, add your pasta sauce and herbs. Turn the heat down to about medium-low so it's just simmering, then add the meatballs. Spoon some of the sauce over every meatball, then cover the pan and let it set for five minutes.
• Flip the meatballs over and repeat.
• Serve these over pasta or risotto, and enjoy while hot!

Notes

*I made these last weekend and let the meatball mixture refrigerate overnight. I think this allows all of the ingredients to get to know each other a little more, and I thought it was better overall.