Meatballs started with Italian immigrants coming to America in 1880, and then came the sauce. I have prepared this recipe with inspiration from my Italian Nana. There was no recipe, only years of watching and learning by example. The results have always been the same after making this for my family and huge groups. Nana would be proud, and I'm sure you will be, too, when serving your family and friends. And, enjoy watching the how-to video from George Hirsch Lifestyle TV series. Feel free to share.
George's Nana’s Meatballs
Makes 12 jumbo, 24 large, or 40 mini meatballs
chefgeorgehirsch.com | George Hirsch Lifestyle
3 pounds ground beef, 80 / 20 blend; can use a combo of beef, pork, and veal
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 sweet onion, chopped fine
2 eggs, cracked and beaten
1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
2 Tablespoons fresh Italian parsley, chopped
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
3 cups day-old Italian bread, pulsed into crumbs
1/2 cup chicken broth to soften bread crumbs (variable amount may have to add more broth to soften crumbs)
Fresh ground black pepper
* Note: all ingredients should be very cold before blending.
Mix all ingredients in a mixer or by hand until well blended. Dip your hands in ice water before shaping the meat into round balls.
Spray an oven-roasting pan with grease spray.
Use an ice cream scoop to shape the meatballs; roll by hand until they are round. Do not overhandle to prevent over-warming the meat. Repeat until all the meat is used up. Do not overcrowd the meatballs to make it easier to move them while baking.
Refrigerate the meatballs for at least 30 minutes to chill. Prepare the Tomato Sauce below.
Preheat a large, heavy-gauge sauté pan to high heat, or if making a large number of meatballs, brown them in a hot oven at 425 degrees F.
Roast meatballs for five minutes in the oven or on the stovetop until they brown. If roasting, gently shake the pan to move the meatballs to turn over, or use a spatula for the meatballs if browning in a sauté pan. Continue cooking for a few additional minutes (or less if mini) or until the meatballs are brown on the outside. The meatballs will not be fully cooked and will continue to cook in the tomato sauce.
Remove meatballs with a spatula and add to the gently simmering sauce, and continue cooking for 20-30 minutes.
For the Marinara Tomato Sauce:
2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
1/2 cup minced sweet onion
6 cloves garlic, minced
2 (28-ounce) cans crushed San Marzano Tomatoes
2 (6.5-ounce) cans tomato sauce
1 Tablespoon dried basil leaves
1/2 teaspoon oregano
Fresh ground black pepper
2 Tablespoons each of fresh chopped parsley and basil
In a large saucepot sauté, sauté olive oil, onion, and garlic over medium heat until light brown. Stir in crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce. Season with dried basil, oregano, Italian seasoning, pepper, and half of the parsley. Simmer, covered, for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add cooked browned meatballs and top with fresh chopped parsley and basil before serving.
AS SEEN ON PUBLIC TELEVISION & CREATE TV- SEASON ONE
FEATURING CHEF GEORGE HIRSCH DEMONSTRATING HIS SAVORY COOKING, BAKING AND GRILLING RECIPES; WITH HIS EXPERT CULINARY TIPS & TECHNIQUES, ALONG WITH VISITS TO HIS INSPIRING HAMPTON LOCATIONS.
LIMITED OFFER, LIMITED EDITION, signed by Chef George.
From the original Grilling TV Series host, 200 Fabulous Recipe—Celebrating the joyous rituals of sharing food at year-round festivities, the star of PBS's Grilling with Chef George Hirsch provides a wealth of recipes and ideas for great party foods, plus advance preparation tips to ease the strain of last minute chores.
Hardcover: 310 pages
Publisher: Hearst Books-HarperCollins; 1St edition (June 12, 1995)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0688142257
ISBN-13: 978-0688142254
Product Dimensions: 8.1 x 8.1 x 1.3 inches
Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds
This easy to live with lifestyle plan; with more than 165 of George's easy-to-prepare gourmet recipes, you can lose weight, maintain energy, look better, and enjoy a longer active life, by eating great food!
M.Evans and Company, Inc.
George Starts your year off right!
George Hirsch Living it UP
Recipes for a Healthy Active Life
Product Details
Hardcover: 240 pages; $24.95
Publisher: M. Evans and Company, Inc.; 2000
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0871319241
ISBN-13: 978-0871319241
Product Dimensions: 9 x 6.3 x 1.1 inches
Creative Cooking tips
Fast Easy recipes that allow for an active lifestyle
A 30-Day Menu Plan you can adapt throughout the year
Support and motivation for staying on a healthy eating & exercise routine
Tips for easy food shopping & eating healthy on the run
Each book is personally autographed by George Hirsch.
