Best 6 Sweet Mini Meatball Appetizer Ragu Recipes

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When creating the perfect sweet mini meatball appetizer ragu, there are endless possibilities. Whether you are looking for a classic Italian dish or a more modern spin, this article will provide you with the best recipes for any occasion. With a variety of ingredients and cooking methods, you are sure to find a recipe that suits your taste buds. From simple and quick recipes to more complex and flavorful dishes, this article has something for everyone. Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with the best sweet mini meatball appetizer ragu recipes you'll ever find.

Here are our top 6 tried and tested recipes!

SWEET MINI MEATBALL APPETIZER #RAGU



SWEET MINI MEATBALL APPETIZER #Ragu image

Ragú® Recipe Contest Entry. Raisins and pine nuts in the mini meatballs are dipped in a warm Ragu Old World Style Marinara to create the perfect sweet and savory appetizer.

Provided by gmvolt

Categories     Sauces

Time 45m

Yield 72 mini meatballs

Number Of Ingredients 15

16 ounces lean ground beef
16 ounces ground pork
2 slices of day old Italian bread, soaked in water & squeezed dry (or whatever is available)
2 eggs, lightly beaten
3/4 cup grated parmigiano-reggiano cheese
3/4 cup seasoned bread crumbs
1/2 cup toasted pine nuts
1/2 cup raisins
1/4 cup chopped flat-leaf Italian parsley or 1 1/2 tablespoons dried parsley
1/4 cup chopped cilantro or 1 tablespoon dried cilantro
1/4 cup finely minced onion (small onion)
3 large cloves finely minced garlic
2 teaspoons kosher salt
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
2 (24 ounce) jars Ragú® Pasta Sauce (old world style marinara sauce)

Steps:

  • Pre heat oven to 375 degrees F. Spray 2 sheet pans with vegetable oil spray.
  • Mix together the beef and pork in a large bowl, turning a few times so as not to over mix.
  • Using a large fork or your hands, add bread and beaten eggs to meat and mix with about 6 or 7 turns. Add all remaining ingredients and gently incorporate into meat. Do not over mix or meatballs will be tough.
  • Make one inch meatballs (a 1-inch scoop helps ) and place on sprayed sheet pan. Bake at 375 degrees F for 10-15 minutes until cooked through.
  • While meatballs are cooking, pour both jars of Ragu Old World Style Marinara into a large saucepan and heat over medium heat. When the meatballs are cooked, add to the Ragu sauce. Serve hot and provide small skewers on the side to pick up the meatballs. Reserve some of the sauce and place in a bowl for dipping the meatballs.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 49.5, Fat 3.1, SaturatedFat 1, Cholesterol 14.4, Sodium 114.2, Carbohydrate 2.2, Fiber 0.2, Sugar 0.8, Protein 3.2

ITALIAN RAGU WITH MEATBALLS AND SAUSAGE



Italian Ragu with Meatballs and Sausage image

Provided by Food Network

Categories     appetizer

Time 5h

Yield 6 to 8 servings as a first course

Number Of Ingredients 17

1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1 medium onion, finely diced
2 cloves garlic, peeled, left whole
2 quarts San Marzano plum tomatoes, peeled and passed through a food mill or processor
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
12 to 15 fresh basil leaves
1 pound ground beef
1 pound ground veal (or ground pork may also be added)
Several pieces of day old bread, crust removed, about 3 slices
1/4 cup milk
2 whole eggs
1 tablespoon finely chopped garlic
1/4 cup chopped Italian parsley leaves
1/3 cup grated Parmesan
Salt and pepper
Rigatoni, cooked
2 pounds Italian pork sausage with fennel seeds

Steps:

  • In a large sauce pot (8-quart size minimum), heat 1/4 cup of the olive oil on a very low flame. Add the diced onion and cook slowly until it has turned translucent. Do not brown the onion, but allow it to almost melt away. Add the garlic cloves and very lightly cook them in the oil until golden before adding the tomatoes and all their juices. Add salt and pepper to taste, and the basil leaves and set the heat on low. Allow the tomatoes to cook at very low heat for at least 2 hours before adding the meat.
  • Make the meatballs: mix the ground beef and veal together in a large bowl. Combine the bread and milk and mash together to form a paste; add the bread to the ground meat. Add the eggs, garlic, parsley, cheese, salt, and pepper to the meat mixture and combine all the ingredients using your fingers to mix uniformly, but do not over mix or the meat will dry out when cooked. Pick up 2 tablespoons of the mixture and roll it into a ball shape, between the palms of your hands. Do this until you have used all the meat. This should yield approximately 24 meatballs.
  • Place the remaining olive oil in a heavy skillet and heat over medium flame. Add the meatballs in 1 layer and brown on all sides before removing. Do this to the remaining meatballs until all are browned to a caramelized color. After all the meatballs have been browned and removed from the skillet, add the sausage links and brown well, following the same method as the meatballs. When all the meat has cooked, add to the tomato ragu, which has been cooking for 2 hours and cook an additional hour. Serve the tomato ragu over rigatoni pasta cooked to manufacturer's directions. Serve the meats on another plate as a second course.

MINI MEATBALLS



Mini Meatballs image

Provided by Trisha Yearwood

Categories     appetizer

Time 1h30m

Yield 30 medium meatballs or 70 small

Number Of Ingredients 10

2 pounds lean ground beef
8 ounces ground pork
2 cups Italian flavored breadcrumbs
1 cup milk
1/2 cup fresh parsley leaves, finely chopped
4 medium eggs, lightly beaten
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 medium onion, minced
Salt and pepper
Salt and pepper

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
  • In a large bowl or mixer, thoroughly mix the beef, pork, breadcrumbs, milk, parsley, eggs, garlic, onion and some salt and pepper. Chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
  • Shape into meatballs and place on a foil-lined shallow baking pan. Bake 30 minutes for medium or 25 minutes for bite-size. Stick toothpicks in the finished meatballs to serve as an appetizer.

MINI MEATBALLS - ITALIAN



Mini Meatballs - Italian image

Meatballs are always a hit. You can serve them as an appetizer with dip or as a main dish with pasta, rice or in soup! Naturally The grated carrot keeps these lean meatballs juicy and gets your kids (and picky adults!) to eat veggies without even knowing it. This is a recipe from the Canadian beef industry. Enjoy!

Provided by Nif_H

Categories     Meat

Time 35m

Yield 30 meatballs

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 lb lean ground beef
1 egg, lightly beaten
1/2 cup dry breadcrumbs
1/3 cup carrot, finely grated
1/3 cup onion, shredded
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
2 tablespoons pizza sauce
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
pizza sauce
spaghetti sauce

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 400°F Line a baking sheet with nonstick foil or lightly oiled tin foil.
  • Lightly combine all ingredients, except for dipping sauce. Roll into approximately thirty 1" balls.
  • Bake meatballs on baking tray for 15 minutes, until internal temperature reaches 160°F.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 38.6, Fat 1.8, SaturatedFat 0.7, Cholesterol 16.1, Sodium 72.8, Carbohydrate 1.9, Fiber 0.2, Sugar 0.3, Protein 3.5

MINI MEATBALLS



Mini Meatballs image

Shape these tiny meatballs, then freeze for up to 3 months. There's no need to thaw before using; they will cook quickly right out of the freezer.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Ingredients     Meat & Poultry     Beef Recipes     Ground Beef Recipes

Time 20m

Yield Makes 40

Number Of Ingredients 9

1 pound lean ground beef
2 slices bacon (2 ounces), finely chopped
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
2 garlic cloves, minced
3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon plain dried breadcrumbs
1 large egg
1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Coarse salt and ground pepper

Steps:

  • In a large bowl, combine beef, bacon, parsley, garlic, Parmesan, breadcrumbs, egg, nutmeg, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Shape mixture into 40 meatballs.
  • Arrange in a single layer on a baking sheet or on 2 large plates. Freeze 1 hour. Once frozen, transfer to an airtight container or resealable plastic bag; label and date.
  • To use the meatballs straight from the freezer, preheat oven to 400 degrees. Place meatballs on a rimmed baking sheet and bake until cooked through, about 15 minutes.

MINI MEATBALL SUBS



Mini Meatball Subs image

These are great for entertaining: a meatball with sauce and mozzarella cheese between a little roll.

Provided by Karen

Categories     Appetizers and Snacks     Meat and Poultry     Meatball Appetizer Recipes

Time 1h10m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 13

1 pound ground beef
½ cup chopped onion
½ cup chopped green pepper
½ cup crushed butter-flavored crackers
1 egg
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon chopped garlic
1 teaspoon seasoned salt
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 (26.5 ounce) can spaghetti sauce
½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese
8 dinner rolls, split

Steps:

  • Preheat an oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
  • Combine ground beef, onion, green pepper, crackers, and egg in a large bowl. Season with Worcestershire sauce, garlic, seasoned salt, and pepper; mix well. Form mixture into 8 meatballs. Place meatballs in a 9x13 inch baking dish.
  • Bake meatballs in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Pour the spaghetti sauce into a large saucepan; bring to a simmer over low heat. Stir baked meatballs into the simmering sauce. Do not turn oven off. Simmer sauce until meatballs are fully cooked, about 20 minutes.
  • Place one meatball, a sprinkle of mozzarella, a sprinkle of Parmesan, and a bit of sauce between each roll. Place sandwiches in hot oven; bake until cheeses melt, about 7 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 351 calories, Carbohydrate 32.2 g, Cholesterol 67.8 mg, Fat 16.4 g, Fiber 3.5 g, Protein 18 g, SaturatedFat 6 g, Sodium 821.4 mg, Sugar 11 g

### Summary * **Appetizing Appearance:** - Ensure your mini meatballs look appealing by shaping them evenly and giving them a golden-crisp crust. - Arrange them neatly on a serving platter or in individual ramekins for an inviting presentation. * **Delectable Taste:** - Use a combination of ground meats, such as turkey, chicken, and/or sausage, for a more flavorful meatball. - Add a touch of grated Parmesan cheese, bread crumbs, and herbs like parsley or basil to the meat mixture for extra richness. - Simmer the meatballs in a flavorful ragu or tomato-based gravy to infuse them with delicious flavors. * **Versatile Dipping Sauce:** - Elevate the mini meatballs with a variety of dipping sauces, such as tangy marinara, creamy Alfredo, or spicy Arrabbiata. - You can also serve them with a dollop of pesto, hummus, or yogurt-based tzatziki for a refreshing contrast. * **Ideal Serving Suggestions:** - As an appetizer: Arrange the mini meatballs on a platter with a selection of dipping sauces for a quick and easy party or game-day treat. - As a main course: Serve the meatballs over a bed of spaghetti, mashed土豆, or roasted veggies for a hearty and satisfying meal. - As a sandwich component: Tuck the meatballs into slider buns, crusty bread, or pita bread with your favorite toppings for a delicious handheld lunch or dinner. - As a topping: Use the meatballs as a topping for salads, baked goods, or even pizza for an extra layer of savory flavors. ### Special Dietary Considerations: * **Gluten-Free:** - Opt for gluten-free bread crumbs and ensure that the dipping sauces are also gluten-free to accommodate those with gluten sensitivities. * **Vegetarian/Vegan:** - Substitute the ground meat with plant-based protein sources like tofu, lentils, or chickpeas to create vegetarian or even completely plant-based meatballs. - Use a flavorful vegetarian broth as the base for the ragu or tomato-based gravy. ### Tricks for Freezing and Reheating: * **Freezing:** - For meal prepping or future use, you can freeze the mini meatballs in an airtight container for up to 3 months. - Ensure they are fully cooled before freezing to maintain their shape and texture. * **Reheating:** - Reheating the meatballs is best done in a low-temperature (200-250°F) over for about 10-15 minutes or until they are warmed through. - You can also rehydrate them by simmering them in the ragu or gravy over low heat until they reach your desired temperature. ### Healthier Variations: * **Lean Meatball Option:** - If you prefer a healthier version, use a combination of ground turkey and chicken, which are low in saturated fat. - Incorporate more non-meat ingredients like sautéed mushrooms, onions, or zucchini into the meatball mixture to reduce the overall meat content. * **Whole-Grain Bread Option:** - For a more nutritious choice, use whole-wheat or whole-grain bread crumbs instead of refined white bread crumbs. - This will add an extra serving of dietary fibre to the dish. ### Baking Variations: * **Oven-Baked Meatballs:** - If you prefer a healthier cooking method, bake the meatballs at 425°F for 15-20 minutes, or until they are crispy on the outside and fullycooked on the inside. - This is a great option to reduce the amount of oil used in the traditional frying method. * **Air-Fried Meatballs:** - For a crunchy and guilt-free alternative, air-fry the meatballs at 400°F for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. - This eliminates the need for additional oil, resulting in a healthier and crispy meatball. ### Appetizer Platter Additions: * **Colorful Veggie Skewers:** - Create vibrant and nutritious veggie skewers by alternating different types of grilled or roasted veggies like cherry tomatoes, zucchini, red peppers, and mushrooms. - This adds color, texture, and nutritional value to your appetizer platter. * **Crusty Bread or Crackers:** - Serve the mini meatballs with a selection of crusty bread slices or crackers for an easy scooping and dipping experience. - This provides a delightful contrast to the soft and flavorful meatballs. * **Fresh Herb Garnish:** - Sprinkle a touch of freshlychopped herbs like parsley, basil, or thyme over the mini meatballs just before serving. - This adds a pop of color and enhances the overall aroma of the dish. ### Unique Meatball Flavors * **Exotic Spices:** - Incorporate exotic spices like cumin, turmeric, or paprika into the meatball mixture for a unique and flavourful taste. - This is an excellent way to add depth and character to the meatballs. * **Citrus Zest:** - Add a touch of citrus zest, such as orange orlemon, to the meatball mixture for a refreshing and vibrant flavour. - This will brighten up the flavors and create a tantalizing aroma. ### Dipping Sauce Variations * **Creamy Herb Sauce:** - Blend a combination of mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, fresh herbs like dill or chives, and a hint of tangy vinegar for a creamy and flavorful dipping

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