Authentic Italian Meatballs Polpette Recipe

A treasured family recipe passed down through generations, these Authentic Italian Meatball Polpette are guaranteed to become a staple in your kitchen! My mom's friend's family cookbook, a cherished wedding gift, holds the secret to these incredibly flavorful meatballs. Perfect for spaghetti night, meatball subs, or delightful party appetizers (crockpot-friendly!), these polpette are a crowd-pleaser. While some find adding uncooked meatballs to the sauce unconventional, this method ensures perfectly tender meatballs that retain their shape. The long simmering time develops incredible depth of flavor. I use store-bought sauce (shhh!), but the meatballs are the true star of the show! Makes a generous amount, perfect for freezing leftovers.

Prep Time 30 mins
Cook Time 165 mins
Calories 305.8 kcal
Protein 48g
Rating 5.0 (4 Reviews)
Authentic Italian Meatballs Polpette 32

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Chef Forktionary, author of this recipe

Passionate home cook & Forktionary contributor.

Ingredients for Authentic Italian Meatballs Polpette

  • Ground Beef
  • Ground Pork
  • Eggs
  • Breadcrumbs
  • Parmesan Cheese
  • Oregano
  • Garlic Clove
  • Onion
  • Sweet Basil
  • Salt And Pepper
  • Spaghetti Sauce

How to Make Authentic Italian Meatballs Polpette

  1. In a large bowl, gently combine all ingredients until just mixed. Avoid overmixing.
  2. Roll the mixture into 1.5-inch meatballs (about the size of golf balls).
  3. In a large, deep pot or Dutch oven, pour two 24-ounce jars of your favorite tomato sauce. Add the meatballs to the sauce, ensuring they are mostly submerged.
  4. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 2 hours, or until the meatballs are cooked through and the sauce has thickened. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Chef's Tip for Extra Flavor

Elevate your dish with simple flavor boosters! A final flourish of freshly chopped herbs can add incredible brightness, while a squeeze of lemon or lime juice right before serving can awaken all the flavors. Don't underestimate a sprinkle of quality finishing salt or a drizzle of good olive oil to make your creation shine.

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

8 g

Sugar

3g

Fat

35g

Carbs

2g