Cooking Instructions

Follow these steps for perfect results

Ingredients

0/15 checked
6
servings
16 ounce

Lean ground beef

16 ounce

Ground pork

2 slice

Day-old Italian bread

soaked in water & squeezed dry

2 unit

Eggs

lightly beaten

0.75 cup

Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese

grated

0.75 cup

Seasoned bread crumbs

0.5 cup

Pine nuts

toasted

0.5 cup

Raisins

0.25 cup

Flat-leaf Italian parsley

chopped

0.25 cup

Cilantro

chopped

0.25 cup

Onion

finely minced

3 clove

Garlic

finely minced

2 tsp

Kosher salt

1 tsp

Ground black pepper

48 ounce

Ragu Pasta Sauce

Step 1
~3 min

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).

Step 2
~3 min

Spray two sheet pans with vegetable oil spray to prevent sticking.

Step 3
~3 min

In a large bowl, combine lean ground beef and ground pork.

Step 4
~3 min

Mix the meats lightly to avoid overmixing.

Key Technique: Mixing
Step 5
~3 min

Incorporate the soaked and squeezed dry Italian bread and lightly beaten eggs into the meat mixture.

Step 6
~3 min

Add grated parmigiano-reggiano cheese, seasoned bread crumbs, toasted pine nuts, raisins, chopped flat-leaf Italian parsley, chopped cilantro, finely minced onion, minced garlic, kosher salt, and ground black pepper.

Step 7
~3 min

Gently incorporate all ingredients into the meat mixture. Avoid overmixing to ensure tender meatballs.

Key Technique: Mixing
Step 8
~3 min

Form one-inch meatballs using a scoop or by hand.

Step 9
~3 min

Place the meatballs on the prepared sheet pans.

Step 10
~3 min

Bake at 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) for 10-15 minutes, or until cooked through.

Step 11
~3 min

While the meatballs are baking, pour both jars of Ragu Old World Style Marinara sauce into a large saucepan.

Key Technique: Baking
Step 12
~3 min

Heat the sauce over medium heat.

Step 13
~3 min

Once the meatballs are fully cooked, add them to the simmering Ragu sauce.

Step 14
~3 min

Serve the meatballs hot, providing small skewers for easy serving.

Step 15
~3 min

Reserve some of the sauce in a separate bowl for dipping.

Pro Tips & Suggestions

Expert advice for the best results

For a spicier meatball, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.

Ensure meatballs are cooked thoroughly by checking internal temperature (160°F).

Use fresh herbs for a brighter flavor.

Cooking Experience

Everything you need to know before you start

Time & Preparation

Cleanup Time

15 minutes

Batch Cooking
Friendly
Make Ahead

Meatballs can be made ahead of time and refrigerated or frozen.

Freezable
Kid Friendly

Cooking Environment

Messiness Level
Medium
Smell Intensity
Medium
Noise Level
Low
Elder Friendly
Suitable for seniors

Plating & Presentation

Serving Suggestions

Serve with toothpicks for easy grabbing.

Serve over polenta or pasta.

Serve as sliders on mini buns.

Perfect Pairings

Food Pairings

Garlic bread
Caprese salad
Antipasto platter

Drink Pairings

Cultural Heritage

Discover the story behind this recipe

Origin & Tradition

Region of Origin

Italian-American

Cultural Significance

A popular appetizer often served at parties and gatherings.

Style

Occasions & Celebrations

Festive Uses

Christmas
New Year's Eve
Super Bowl

Occasion Tags

party
game day
holiday
potluck

Popularity Score

75/100

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