Polpette di Carne: Delicious Italian Meatballs

Meal Facts

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Time to Stand: 5 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Ease of Cooking: Easy
• Servings: 4 (approximately 16 meatballs)
• Calories: About 200 calories per serving (4 meatballs)
• Cost of Ingredients: Approximately $10
• Cuisine: Italian
• Course: Main dish or appetizer
• Equipment Needed:
  • Mixing bowl
  • Baking sheet or skillet
  • Oven or stovetop
  • Meat thermometer (optional)

Check out the right equipment and Ingredients that you need for making  Polpette di Carne   here

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (Italian or plain)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (or 2 tablespoons dried parsley)
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 large egg
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tsp dried oregano (or Italian seasoning)
• 1/4 cup milk (optional, for added moisture)
• Marinara sauce (for serving, optional)

Check out the right equipment and Ingredients that you need for making  Polpette di Carne   here

Method

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) if baking the meatballs. Alternatively, you can cook them on the stovetop.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, minced garlic, egg, oregano, salt, and pepper. If you’re using milk for extra moisture, add it now. Mix everything together gently until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough meatballs, so keep it light!

Step 3: Form the Meatballs

With clean hands, shape the mixture into meatballs about the size of a golf ball (around 1.5 inches in diameter). Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or directly into a skillet if pan-frying.

Step 4: Cook the Meatballs

• Baking: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they are browned and cooked through (internal temperature of 160°F/70°C).
• Pan-frying: Heat a little oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook the meatballs for about 7-8 minutes on each side until browned and cooked through.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

Once cooked, let the meatballs rest for about 5 minutes. This helps retain their juices. Serve them with marinara sauce over pasta, in a sub, or as an appetizer with toothpicks.

Check out the right equipment and Ingredients that you need for making  Polpette di Carne   here

Variations and Tips

• Meat Options: Feel free to mix different types of meat such as pork, turkey, or chicken for a lighter version.
• Spices: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick or fresh herbs like basil or thyme for more flavor.
• Breadcrumb Alternatives: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs if you’re avoiding gluten, or try oats for a healthier option.
• Dairy-Free: Substitute nutritional yeast for Parmesan cheese and use dairy-free milk.

Check out the right equipment and Ingredients that you need for making  Polpette di Carne   here

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: 200
• Protein: 25g
• Fat: 10g
• Carbohydrates: 8g
• Fiber: 1g

Troubleshooting Tips

• Dry Meatballs: If your meatballs turn out dry, try adding a bit more milk or even an extra egg to the mixture next time.
• Crumbly Meatballs: This can happen if the mixture is too dry. Adding an extra egg or reducing the breadcrumbs can help bind them better.

Final Thoughts

Polpette di Carne are not just a meal; they’re a celebration of Italian cuisine that brings warmth and flavor to the table. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, anyone can make these delightful meatballs. Whether you’re serving them with pasta, on a sub, or even on their own, they are sure to impress. So roll up those sleeves, and get ready to enjoy a delicious Italian classic.