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Italian Weeknight Dinner | Meatballs, Pasta & Caesar Salad! 🍝🥗

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Marie's Kitchen
Marie's Kitchen
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Meatballs have diverse origins, with variations found in many cultures, including Italian, Swedish, and Middle Eastern cuisines. Traditionally, they were a way to stretch meat and make hearty meals. Today, they are celebrated globally, often served with pasta, in sandwiches, or on their own with sauces, showcasing their versatility.

Ingredients

  • ground meat
  • bread crumbs
  • onion
  • garlic
  • egg
  • milk
  • parsley
  • cheese
  • salt
  • black pepper
  • nutmeg
  • olive oil
  • tomato sauce
  • beef broth
  • Parmesan cheese
  • Italian seasoning

Instructions

  1. 1Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. 2In a large bowl, combine ground meat, bread crumbs, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, and chopped parsley.
  3. 3Add egg, milk, salt, black pepper, and nutmeg to the mixture.
  4. 4Mix until well combined, but do not overwork the meat.
  5. 5Shape the mixture into meatballs, about the size of a golf ball.
  6. 6Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat until shimmering.
  7. 7Add meatballs in batches, cooking until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
  8. 8Transfer browned meatballs to a baking dish.
  9. 9Pour tomato sauce over the meatballs and sprinkle with cheese.
  10. 10Cover with foil and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through.
  11. 11Serve hot with pasta or on a sub roll.

Ingredient Alternatives

ground beef

Healthier: ground turkey

Cheaper: ground pork

Ground turkey is leaner, while ground pork is often less expensive.

bread crumbs

Healthier: oats

Cheaper: crushed crackers

Oats provide fiber and are a healthier alternative.

Parmesan cheese

Healthier: nutritional yeast

Cheaper: grated cheddar

Nutritional yeast is dairy-free and adds a cheesy flavor.

egg

Healthier: flaxseed meal

Cheaper: applesauce

Flaxseed meal acts as a binder and is plant-based.

Techniques

mixingbrowningbaking

Equipment

large bowlskilletbaking dishmeatball scoop
🌶️🌶️🌶️Lowglutendairyegg

Also Known As

Swedish MeatballsItalian Meatballs

Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup chopped parsley
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 2 cups marinara sauce
  • 1 tbsp olive oil

Instructions

  1. 1In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, milk, egg, garlic, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
  2. 2Mix the ingredients until well combined, but do not overmix.
  3. 3Form the mixture into meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.
  4. 4Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  5. 5Add the meatballs to the skillet and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
  6. 6Remove the meatballs from the skillet and set aside.
  7. 7In the same skillet, pour in the marinara sauce and bring to a simmer.
  8. 8Return the meatballs to the skillet, cover, and let simmer in the sauce for 15-20 minutes, until cooked through.
  9. 9Serve the meatballs with marinara sauce over pasta or on a sub roll.

Equipment

large bowlskilletspatulameasuring cupsmeasuring spoons
vegetarian

Caesar salad is a popular dish in American cuisine, often served as a side salad in restaurants and homes alike. It is believed to have originated in the 1920s in Tijuana, Mexico, created by Italian immigrant Caesar Cardini. The salad's combination of crisp romaine lettuce, savory dressing, and crunchy croutons has made it a staple in many dining settings, from casual lunches to elegant dinners.

Ingredients

  • romaine lettuce
  • croutons
  • Parmesan cheese
  • Caesar dressing
  • black pepper
  • lemon juice

Instructions

  1. 1Wash and dry the romaine lettuce thoroughly.
  2. 2Tear the lettuce into bite-sized pieces and place in a large bowl.
  3. 3Add croutons and grated Parmesan cheese to the bowl.
  4. 4In a separate bowl, mix Caesar dressing with lemon juice and black pepper.
  5. 5Pour the dressing mixture over the salad and toss gently to combine.
  6. 6Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan if desired.

Ingredient Alternatives

croutons

Healthier: toasted whole grain bread

Cheaper: store-bought croutons

Whole grain bread is more nutritious.

Parmesan cheese

Healthier: nutritional yeast

Cheaper: grated cheese blend

Nutritional yeast is lower in calories and adds flavor.

Caesar dressing

Healthier: yogurt-based dressing

Cheaper: homemade dressing

Yogurt-based dressings are lighter and can be made at home.

Techniques

tossed

Equipment

large bowlsmall bowlwhiskserving plate
🌶️🌶️🌶️Lowdairygluten

Also Known As

Caesar Salad with ChickenClassic Caesar Salad

Garlic bread has roots in Mediterranean cuisine, often enjoyed as a side dish or appetizer. It is particularly popular in Italian-American dining, where it complements pasta dishes. Today, variations abound globally, with different herbs and cheeses enhancing the classic recipe.

Ingredients

  • bread
  • garlic
  • butter
  • parsley
  • olive oil
  • salt
  • black pepper
  • parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. 1Preheat the oven to 375°F.
  2. 2Slice the bread in half lengthwise.
  3. 3Melt the butter and olive oil in a small saucepan over low heat.
  4. 4Add minced garlic to the melted butter and oil; sauté until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
  5. 5Stir in chopped parsley, salt, and black pepper into the garlic mixture.
  6. 6Spread the garlic mixture evenly over the cut sides of the bread.
  7. 7Sprinkle grated parmesan cheese on top of the garlic spread.
  8. 8Place the bread halves on a baking sheet, cut side up.
  9. 9Bake in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes until golden and crispy.
  10. 10Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before slicing.
  11. 11Serve warm as a side dish or appetizer.
milkwheat

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