When it comes to comfort food, nothing beats a giant meatball swimming in a luscious, flavorful marinara sauce. However, achieving the perfect balance of ingredients, seasonings, and cooking techniques can be a daunting task. This article provides a comprehensive guide to help home cooks master the art of crafting the ultimate giant meatballs and marinara. We will explore various meat combinations, the secrets of creating a tender and juicy core, and the nuances of crafting a rich and flavorful sauce. Whether you prefer classic Italian flavors or innovative twists, this article has something for every palate, ensuring your next giant meatball and marinara dish becomes a cherished family favorite.
Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!
MEATBALLS WITH MARINARA
Provided by Anne Burrell
Categories main-dish
Time 4h30m
Yield 18 to 20 meatballs
Number Of Ingredients 22
Steps:
- For the marinara sauce: Coat a large saucepot with olive oil and add the pancetta. Bring the pot to a medium-high heat and cook the pancetta for 4 to 5 minutes. Add the onions, season generously with salt and stir to coat with olive oil. Cook the onions for 6 to 7 minutes, stirring frequently. The onions should become very soft and aromatic but have no color. Add the garlic and crushed red pepper and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Pulse to combine the tomatoes in a food processor. Add the tomatoes to the pot and rinse out 1 of the empty tomato cans with water and add that water to the pot (about 2 to 3 cups). Season generously with salt and TASTE IT!!!! Tomatoes take a lot of salt. Season in baby steps and taste every step of the way. Cook the sauce for 2 to 3 hours, stirring occasionally and tasting frequently.
- Use the sauce right away on pasta or for any other tomato sauce need. This sauce can also be cooled and stored in the refrigerator for a few days and freezes really well.
- For the meatballs: Coat a large saute pan with olive oil, add the onions and bring to a medium-high heat. Season the onions generously with salt and cook for about 5 to 7 minutes. The onions should be very soft and aromatic but have no color. Add the garlic and the crushed red pepper and saute for another 1 to 2 minutes. Turn off heat and allow to cool.
- In a large bowl combine the meats, eggs, Parmigiano, parsley and breadcrumbs. It works well to squish the mixture with your hands. Add the onion mixture and season generously with salt and squish some more. Add 1/2 cup water and do 1 final really good squish. The mixture should be quite wet. Test the seasoning of the mix by making a mini hamburger size patty and cooking it. The mixture should taste really good! If it doesn't it is probably missing salt. Add more. Add more anyway.
- Preheat the oven to 500 degrees F.
- Shape the meat into desired size. Some people like 'em big and some people like 'em small. I prefer meatballs slightly larger than a golf ball. Place them on a cookie sheet and bake them for about 15 minutes or until the meatballs are cooked all the way through. If using right away, add them to your big pot of marinara sauce. If not using right away, they can be frozen for later use. Serve with pasta and sauce or just eat them straight out of the pot! Top with fresh ricotta cheese, garnish with chopped pickles and chives and serve with grilled garlic bread. YUM!
SIMPLE ITALIAN MEATBALLS IN MARINARA SAUCE
This recipe is based upon an Italian family recipe, modified for working or busy moms like me, who need something homemade but quick. While cooking the sauce, prepare a fresh salad and garlic bread to complete the meal. Serve hot over your favorite pasta.
Provided by darcy907
Categories Main Dish Recipes Meatball Recipes
Time 50m
Yield 6
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Blend ketchup and milk together in a bowl. Mix in beef, egg, bread crumbs, and Greek seasoning to combine.
- Heat marinara sauce to a simmer in a 2-quart pot over low heat.
- Roll beef mixture with your hands to form meatballs. Drop into the simmering sauce. Add sugar and cayenne pepper. Cook, stirring gently and regularly, until meatballs are no longer pink and sauce is heated through, 25 to 30 minutes.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 366.2 calories, Carbohydrate 31.4 g, Cholesterol 86.9 mg, Fat 16.7 g, Fiber 5.1 g, Protein 21.2 g, SaturatedFat 5.8 g, Sodium 1018.5 mg, Sugar 18.8 g
RAO'S MEATBALLS WITH MARINARA SAUCE
This is one of the signature dishes at Rao's, the East Harlem red-sauce joint that is best-known for a loyal, boldface-name clientele that makes it difficult to get a table. The restaurant now has satellites in Las Vegas and Los Angeles.
Provided by Adam Nagourney
Categories dinner, main course
Time 1h30m
Yield 4 to 6 servings
Number Of Ingredients 19
Steps:
- Make the sauce: Heat the oil in a large saucepan over medium-low heat, then add the salt pork. Sauté until fat has rendered, about 5 minutes. Remove and discard salt pork. Add onion and sauté until translucent, about 3 minutes. Add garlic and sauté just until softened. Add tomatoes with their juice and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer until sauce is slightly thickened, about 45 minutes. Add the basil, oregano and salt and pepper to taste. Cook for 1 minute more.
- Make the meatballs: In a mixing bowl, combine the beef, veal and pork. Add the eggs, cheese, parsley and minced garlic, then salt and pepper as desired. Add the bread crumbs and mix well. Slowly add up to 2 cups water, 1/2 cup at a time, until the mixture is moist; all the water may not be needed. Shape into 1 1/2 -inch meatballs.
- Heat the oil in a large sauté pan over medium heat. Add the smashed garlic and sauté until lightly browned, 1 to 2 minutes, then discard the garlic. Working in batches and taking care not to crowd the pan, add meatballs and fry until undersides are brown and slightly crisp, 5 to 6 minutes. Turn and brown the other sides, about 5 minutes more. Transfer cooked meatballs to paper towels to drain, then add to the marinara sauce. Mix gently and serve.
Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 1086, UnsaturatedFat 55 grams, Carbohydrate 50 grams, Fat 79 grams, Fiber 8 grams, Protein 49 grams, SaturatedFat 20 grams, Sodium 1472 milligrams, Sugar 14 grams, TransFat 0 grams
GIANT MEATBALLS WITH RICOTTA
Provided by Martha Stewart
Categories Food & Cooking Ingredients Meat & Poultry Beef Recipes Ground Beef Recipes
Number Of Ingredients 15
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Lightly brush a rimmed baking sheet with oil; set aside.
- Place bread in a bowl and add milk to moisten. Chop bread into small pieces no larger than 1/4-inch and place in a large bowl. Add veal, beef, pork, egg, onion, parsley, oregano, cheeses, salt, and pepper. Using your hands, gently mix until well combined.
- Divide the mixture into 8 equal portions and roll each portion into a large meatball. Transfer meatballs to prepared baking sheet. Bake until golden brown, 15 to 20 minutes.
- Meanwhile, bring the marinara sauce to a simmer in a large saucepan. Transfer the meatballs to the marinara sauce and simmer, partially covered, until cooked through, about 30 minutes. Serve immediately with additional Parmigiano-Reggiano.
Tips:
- Soak the bread in milk for a few minutes before adding it to the meatball mixture. This will help to keep the meatballs moist and tender.
- Use a combination of ground beef and ground pork for the meatballs. This will give them a richer flavor and texture.
- Season the meatballs generously with salt, pepper, garlic, and parsley. You can also add other herbs and spices to taste.
- Brown the meatballs in a large skillet over medium heat. This will help to seal in the flavor and prevent them from falling apart.
- Simmer the meatballs in the marinara sauce for at least 30 minutes. This will allow the flavors to meld and the meatballs to become fully cooked.
- Serve the meatballs with spaghetti, mashed potatoes, or your favorite side dish.
Conclusion:
These giant meatballs are a delicious and hearty meal that is perfect for a family dinner or party. They are easy to make and can be tailored to your own taste. So next time you are looking for a satisfying and flavorful dish, give these giant meatballs a try.
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