Rao’s Famous Meatballs

ground beef

🥗Healthier: ground turkey

💰Cheaper: ground pork

Ground turkey is lower in fat, while ground pork is often more affordable.

parmesan cheese

🥗Healthier: nutritional yeast

💰Cheaper: grated pecorino

Nutritional yeast is lower in calories and provides a cheesy flavor, while pecorino is usually less expensive.

Cut up crusty stale Italian bread into pieces.

Process the stale bread in a food processor until it becomes breadcrumbs.

In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ground veal, ground pork, grated Parmesan cheese, beaten egg, black pepper, salt, fresh garlic, and fresh parsley.

Mix the meat mixture by hand, being careful not to overmix to avoid tough meatballs.

Slowly add the fresh breadcrumbs to the mixture.

Add 1 cup of lukewarm water to the mixture, mix, then add the second cup of lukewarm water and mix again.

Use an ice cream scooper to portion out the meatballs.

Heat 1/2 cup of olive oil in a frying pan until hot.

Add the meatballs to the pan, ensuring they are sizzling.

Fry the meatballs for about 2-3 minutes until slightly brown on one side, then flip them.

Cook the meatballs for another 2-3 minutes until the other side is golden brown.

Serve the meatballs with Rao's homemade sauce.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens