Description
These delicious Auntie’s Disappearing Meatballs are juicy, tender, and cooked directly in a rich tomato sauce, making them soak up all the flavors while staying moist. Using a blend of ground beef, ricotta cheese, and panko crumbs ensures a delicate texture, and simmering gently in tomato sauce delivers a comforting, classic Italian dish perfect for a family meal or special occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Meatballs
- 1 lb 90/10 ground beef
- 1 egg
- 4 oz whole milk ricotta cheese
- 1 cup panko crumbs
- 1 cup grated Parmigiano Reggiano cheese (or grated Parmesan cheese)
- 2 minced shallots
- 2 minced garlic cloves
- 1 Tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil (for coating hands)
Sauce and Garnish
- 28 oz can of tomato sauce
- Fresh parsley for garnish
- 1/2 cup water (divided, to adjust sauce consistency)
Instructions
- Mix Meatball Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the ground beef, egg, ricotta cheese, panko crumbs, Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, minced shallots, and minced garlic. Mix thoroughly until the mixture is firm and all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Form Meatballs: Coat your hands lightly with the extra-virgin olive oil to prevent sticking. Shape the meat mixture into 3 to 4-ounce balls using your hands, ensuring they are compact and uniform in size for even cooking.
- Cook Meatballs in Sauce: Heat the large frying pan and pour in the tomato sauce. Gently drop the formed meatballs into the sauce. Add about 1/4 to 1/2 cup of water to help the sauce reduce and simmer smoothly. Allow the meatballs to cook on one side for approximately 10 minutes without stirring to develop flavor.
- Simmer and Baste Meatballs: Carefully turn the meatballs over in the sauce and add a little more water if needed. Continue cooking for another 10 minutes, spooning the sauce over the meatballs as they simmer gently. This ensures the meatballs stay moist and absorb plenty of flavor from the sauce.
- Serve: Once cooked through and tender, remove the meatballs from the pan and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve hot with your choice of sides such as pasta, crusty bread, or a green salad.
Notes
- Use 90/10 ground beef to balance flavor and fat content for moist meatballs.
- Coating your hands with olive oil prevents the mixture from sticking while shaping.
- Simmering meatballs gently in the sauce keeps them tender and flavorful.
- The addition of ricotta cheese contributes to a softer texture inside the meatballs.
- Fresh parsley adds brightness and a nice color contrast when serving.
- Can be served over pasta, polenta, or in a sub sandwich for variety.
