Meatballs in a bolognese sauce

Instructions:

1. Prepare the meatballs.
   • In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, milk, egg, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well combined.
   • Shape the mixture into meatballs, approximately 1 inch in diameter. Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
2. Bake the meatballs.
   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the meatballs for 20–25 minutes, or until cooked through and browned on the outside. Remove from the oven and set aside.
3. Prepare the Bolognese sauce:
   • In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion, minced garlic, chopped carrot, and chopped celery. Cook until vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes.
   • Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer the sauce for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
4. Prepare the garlic bread:
   • Slice the Italian bread or baguette lengthwise. In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, and chopped parsley.
   • Spread the garlic butter mixture evenly over the cut sides of the bread. Place the bread on a baking sheet and broil in the oven until golden brown and crispy, about 2–3 minutes.
5. Assemble and serve:
   • Arrange the cooked meatballs in a serving dish. Pour the bolognese sauce over the meatballs, coating them evenly.
   • Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese over the meatballs.
   • Serve the meatballs with the garlic bread on the side, allowing guests to enjoy the delicious combination of flavors.

Cook Notes and Variations:

• Sauce Consistency: Adjust the thickness of the bolognese sauce by adding more crushed tomatoes or tomato paste for a richer or thicker sauce, respectively.
• Meatball Variations: Experiment with different meats, such as ground pork or ground turkey, for alternative meatball flavors.
• Spice it up: Add crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the bolognese sauce for a spicy kick.

Keto and Low-Carb Versions:

Keto Version:

• Meatball Modification: Substitute breadcrumbs with almond flour or crushed pork rinds for a low-carb alternative in the meatball mixture.
• Sauce Adaptation: Use a low-carb tomato sauce or marinara sauce in place of crushed tomatoes and tomato paste to reduce the carbohydrate content of the bolognese sauce.

Low-Carb Version:

• Bread Replacement: Skip the garlic bread altogether or opt for a low-carb bread alternative such as almond flour bread or cloud bread.
• Cheese Adjustment: Use a combination of low-carb cheeses such as mozzarella and Parmesan with reduced fat content to lower the calorie and carbohydrate content of the dish.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

1. Can I make the meatballs in advance? Yes, you can prepare the meatballs ahead of time and refrigerate them until they are ready to bake. Alternatively, you can freeze the unbaked meatballs for future use.
2. Can I use store-bought marinara sauce instead of making the bolognese sauce from scratch? Absolutely! Feel free to use your favorite store-bought marinara sauce as a convenient alternative to homemade bolognese sauce.
3. Can I customize the seasoning of the meatballs? Yes, you can adjust the seasonings in the meatball mixture to suit your taste preferences. Add herbs such as thyme, rosemary, or basil for additional flavor.
4. Can I use ground chicken or turkey instead of ground beef for the meatballs? Certainly! Ground chicken or turkey can be used as a leaner alternative to ground beef for the meatballs, resulting in a lighter dish.

In conclusion, our Meatballs in Bolognese Sauce recipe is a delightful blend of savory flavors that will tantalize your taste buds and satisfy your hunger. With tender meatballs, rich bolognese sauce, and garlicky bread, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re enjoying it for a weeknight dinner or serving it at a special occasion, this recipe is guaranteed to impress. So gather your ingredients, follow our simple instructions, and treat yourself to a delicious Italian-inspired meal. Buon appetito!