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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

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Recipe Author

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

Want to unlock deeper, more complex flavors? Try toasting your whole spices before grinding them, or blooming ground spices in a little warm oil to enhance their aroma. Deglazing your pan with a bit of stock, wine, or even water after browning ingredients can capture those tasty caramelized bits, adding richness to your dish.

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

8 g

Sugar

3g

Fat

35g

Carbs

2g

Recipe Categories (Choose a category and find related recipes!)

Time To Make Course Main Ingredient Cuisine Preparation Occasion Main Dish Beef European Dinner Party Italian Dietary Comfort Food High Protein Ground Beef High In Something Meat Taste Mood 4 Hours Or Less