Authentic Northern Italian Meatballs Recipe

Discover the secret to unbelievably delicious and versatile Northern Italian meatballs! This recipe uses a lighter approach to the classic, perfect for meal prepping and freezing. Enjoy these flavorful meatballs in countless ways – from hearty pasta sauces to satisfying salads. See the photo gallery for inspiration! Easily adaptable to your preferences, you can swap in whole eggs for egg whites, regular chicken stock for fat-free, and regular breadcrumbs for panko.

Prep Time 20 mins
Cook Time 45 mins
Calories 406.9 kcal
Protein 55g
Rating 4.5 (2 Reviews)
Authentic Northern Italian Meatballs

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Recipe Author

Chef Forktionary, author of this recipe

Passionate home cook & Forktionary contributor.

Ingredients for Authentic Northern Italian Meatballs

  • Fat Free Chicken Broth
  • Yellow Onion
  • Garlic Cloves
  • Flat Leaf Italian Parsley
  • Lean Ground Beef
  • Ground Lean Pork
  • Lean Ground Veal
  • Panko Breadcrumbs
  • 2 large egg whites (or 2 whole eggs)
  • Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese
  • Red Pepper Flakes
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • Marinara Sauce
  • Extra Virgin Olive Oil

How to Make Authentic Northern Italian Meatballs

  1. In a large bowl, gently combine the ground beef, ground pork, egg whites (or whole eggs), grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, chopped onion, dried oregano, salt, and pepper.
  2. Gradually add the fat-free chicken stock (or regular chicken stock), mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
  3. Stir in the panko breadcrumbs (or regular breadcrumbs) until the mixture is evenly moistened.
  4. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. This step is crucial for tender meatballs.
  5. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking sheet.
  6. Roll the meatball mixture into 1-inch meatballs. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each.
  7. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and browned.
  8. Serve immediately or allow to cool completely before freezing for future use. Enjoy in your favorite pasta sauce, on top of salads, or as a delicious appetizer!

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

60 g

Sugar

54g

Fat

37g

Carbs

7g