Braised Italian Meatballs are a family favorite. They’re meaty, saucy and totally delicious. These meatballs will please even the pickiest of eaters. A true comfort food!
I’ve always loved meatballs. But really, who doesn’t? They’re just so good. Meatballs were a favorite meal in our house when I was growing up. Every week my parents would ask what we wanted for dinner and every week we would say “spaghetti and meatballs!” Every. Single. Time. My family’s meatball recipe was never actually a ‘recipe’. It was slightly different every time they were made. We’re not Italian so there wasn’t a special family recipe that was handed down to each new generation of cooks. All of you out there with those 100-year-old family meatball recipes, you’re lucky. I pretty much had to make up my own. I’d like to give myself a pat on the back though because I think I #nailedit.
This post is sponsored by Le Creuset. I was compensated with a Le Creuset Braiser for this review but as always, all opinions are my own.
Before I get into the Braised Italian Meatballs, lets talk a little about Le Creuset, shall we? I’ve been swooning over all of their cookware for ages. Every single piece is gorgeous and every single piece is a quality piece. There are SO many pieces I’ve had my eye on so when Le Creuset offered to send me a piece of my choice, I was OVER THE MOON excited! I got to review the 5 qt. Braiser in Cassis (gorgeous!) and I absolutely love, love, LOVE it! Not only did I use it to make these fabulous meatballs, but I’ve used it for pot roasts, chicken cacciatore, meat sauce and more. It is quickly becoming my go-to piece.
How gorgeous is this piece?!
One of the things that I love about this braiser is that it’s huge. But not too big where it’s a pain to pull it out to use. Yes it’s big, yes it’s heavy but it is awesome. It fits 12 (twelve!) chicken drumsticks plus sauce. It is a great piece if you’re cooking for a crowd or if you’re cooking for your family. A family of 4-6 can easily polish off 12 chicken drumsticks. The great thing is you don’t need to whip out a second pan to cook them in!
I also love the cast iron enamel. Food doesn’t stick and the cast iron heats beautifully. I have some other large pans that I used to use but the metal didn’t heat evenly. There’d be hot spots and cold spots so I’d constantly be playing around with the food so it would cook correctly.
Since this braiser heats so evenly, I don’t have to mess around with the food much. I know I call it a braiser but it’s so versatile you can even use it for sauteing. I’ve even made stir fry in it. It’s also very easy to clean. You can hand wash it or put it in the dishwasher. Yes, it’s true! I have only hand washed it but it really is dishwasher safe.
This is, hands down, my absolute favorite piece of cookware and I honestly can’t think of a single negative thing to say about it. Actually, there is one negative… I don’t have nearly enough Le Creuset pieces in my kitchen! I seriously want to #buyallthelecreuset
Now that we’ve talked about how awesome this Le Creuset works for me, lets talk about you. YOU can buy your own awesome Le Creuset piece here OR you can keep scrolling and enter the Rafflecopter form for your chance to WIN a piece of your very own! Le Creuset has so graciously offered to give one of you, my fabulous readers, a Le Creuset piece of your very own. And not just any piece, one of their signature pieces, a 5 1/2 qt. Round French Oven!
Some features of the French Oven include:
- Colorful, long-lasting exterior enamel resists chipping and cracking; interior enamel is engineered to resist staining and dulling
- Sand-colored interior enamel makes it easy to monitor food as it cooks, preventing burning and sticking
- Oversized handles provide even weight distribution and a secure grip
- Ergonomic composite knobs are heat resistant to 500°F
- Built-in lid stabilizers provide a secure, no-slide fit
This is truly an awesome piece of cookware with a prize value of $280! Merry early Christmas to whomever the lucky winner turns out to be! You can enter to win by following the Rafflecopter link at the end of the post.
Now lets get back to the meatballs! These braised Italian meatballs are so, so good. They’re full of flavor and they have such an amazing textrue. They get slightly crisp on the outside from frying them and they’re unbelievably moist from cooking in the sauce. These are definitely a family favorite. I usually bake my meatballs (using the same ingredients) so these are a special treat. They also cook so well in the braiser. Whether or not you have a tried and true meatball recipe already, you definitely want to try these at least once! They’re great with pasta/spaghetti, as meatball sliders or meatball grinders. You will fall in love with these meatballs, I guarantee it. Enjoy!
Be sure to follow me on Instagram and hashtag #whattheforkfoodblog or tag @whattheforkfoodblog – I love seeing what you make!
If you love this braised italian meatballs recipe, be sure to follow me on social media so you never miss a post:
| facebook | twitter | pinterest | instagram | youtube |
Braised Italian Meatballs and Le Creuset Giveaway
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
- 2.5 lb. ground beef
- 2/3 C gluten-free bread crumbs
- 1/2 C grated parmesan cheese
- 2 Tbsp fresh parsley chopped
- 1 Tbsp fresh basil chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1/4 tsp fine sea salt
- 2 eggs beaten
- 1 Tbsp worcestershire sauce
- 2 Tbsp whole milk
- 1/4 C extra virgin olive oil
For the Sauce:
- 1 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 28 oz can diced tomatoes
- 1 28 oz can crushed tomatoes
- 8 oz can tomato sauce
- 2 Tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp fine sea salt
- 1/4 tsp fresh cracked pepper
- 1 Tbsp fresh basil chopped
- 2 Tbsp fresh parsley chopped
- 1/4 C freshly grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
- In a large bowl, add ground beef, bread crumbs, parmesan cheese, parsley, basil and garlic and set aside.
- In a seperate bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, worcestershire sauce, milk, salt and pepepr. Pour over the ground beef and gently mix until all ingredients are combined.
- Roll into 1 1/2 inch meatballs. Preheat a large, heavy bottom pan and add olive oil when hot. When the oil is hot, cook the meatballs in batches by browning on all sides. Remove meatballs from the pan and set aside. Drain all but 2 Tbsp grease from the pan.
- Add 1 Tbsp olive oil to the hot pan. Sir in garlic and cook for 1 minute or until fragrant. Stir in diced tomatoes, crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, sugar, salt pepper, basil, parsley and parmesan cheese. Mix well and bring to a simmer.
- Add in meatballs and turn to coat in the sauce. Cover and simmer on low, gently stirring occasionally, for one hour. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve with spaghetti and enjoy!
Notes
Disclaimers
As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Nutrition Facts are estimated and aren't always accurate. Please consult a doctor or nutritionist if you have special dietary needs.
This recipe is linked to Merry Monday, Inspiration Monday, Made by You Monday, Two Cup Tuesday, Tasty Tuesday, Totally Talented Tuesdays, Create Link Inspire, You’re Gonna Love It Tuesday, Time to Sparkle, Tickle My Tastebuds, The SITS Girls, Create & Share DIY and Recipe Party, Gluten-Free Wednesdays, What’s Cookin’ Wednesday, Allergy Free Wednesday, Show and Share Wednesday, Wine’d Down Wednesday, Full Plate Thursday, Showcase Your Talent Thursday, Create it Thursday, Crafty and Delicious Party, Your Turn To Shine, Pin Junkie Pin Party, Gluten-Free Fridays, Link Party Palooza, Kitchen Fun and Crafty Friday, Strut Your Stuff Saturday, Show Stopper Saturday, Saturday Night Fever, Weekend Bites, Weekend Wind-Down, Weekend Potluck and Best of the Weekend.
Some Other Recipes You Might Enjoy
These braised italian meatballs are so Instagrammable and adorable! As you know I made it a short while ago and it was lovely! Thx for sharing!
i love the Orange color
I love the “Caribbean” color!
I like Mineral Blue even if it doesn’t match anything else in my kitchen. It’s just pretty!
lapis
Thanks for linking up at our Gluten Free Fridays Party! I have tweeted and pinned your entry to our Gluten Free Fridays board on Pinterest! 🙂 I can’t wait to see what you share next time!
-Cindy
cassis
I wouldn’t turn up my nose at any color. 😉 But if forced to choose, Palm.
I love the recipe and I would definitely chose the purple!
Hi Sharon,
Your Braised Italian Meatballs look delicious. Thanks so much for sharing with Full Plate Thursday and hope you have a great week.
Come Back Soon!
Miz Helen
Thank you!
It’s 10:16 am and now I’m officially starving! If I won I would love the yellow SKULS2501-26. Thanks!
These meatballs would be a fabulous dinner! Thanks for linking up with What’s Cookin’ Wednesday!
Thanks Karly!
I would choose Caribbean, so it would match my kitchen! 🙂 Thanks so much for the giveaway Sharon!!
I would choose the Truffle color
I would choose caribbean. 🙂
Love the teal color!
Le Creuset has such beautiful colors! I’d love the Marseille.
Hi! Just added your blog to my Bloglovin’ feed. Question about these yummy-looking meatballs: how much pepper goes in the meatballs? To taste? It’s mentioned in the instructions, but not listed in the ingredients for the meatballs. Thanks!
Yes, I do it to taste. It’s one of those things I don’t really measure. I probably use about 1/4-1/2 teaspoon.
Muchas gracias!
Cassis!
Purple is so pretty!
Purple is so pretty
I’d pick Caribbean.
They are all so pretty! I would probably pick Caribbean blue or burgundy or green! I don’t know! Lol.
I would love to choose any color but my favorite is the Marseille.
i would love the red.
I love Le Creuset! I’ve been wanting one in Carribean or Ocean.
It’s all wet and stormy around here, and those meatballs look like they would really hit the spot.
I would probably pick the red to match my new pots and pans I’m getting for Christmas!
I can’t decide, either cherry or rosemary. Thanks for the giveaway.
Lapis for me, I love the enamel coated cast iron
I never had one & seems I’m totally missing out. I love cooking & oh my gosh I must live under a rock. Lol The purple is beautiful.
I would pick the green one cause I like the color. Thanks for the giveaway.
i love the red
Love the orange!!
The blue one is gorgeous!! I’d be so excited if I won this, I would probably scare my dogs!!
Love the Rosmary color. Thanks for the giveaway!
Just a question too: Is wosteshire sauce always gluten free or do I need to look for a certain brand? Thanks.
I love meatballs in sauce. YUM!!
I’m not sure about all brands but I use Lea & Perrins and that is.
Thank you 🙂
It is so hard to pick just one!! I love the Lapis color, but I also love the Indigo, cherry, and burgundy!
i love the purple! le creuset is the best!! great giveaway! 🙂 and those meatballs look freaking delish!!!!!!
I absolute love this in lime green, or even black.
love the ocean blue
I’d take a blue one
I’m still pissed that my old roomate stole my le creuset pot. He didn’t even cook.
Omg I’d be raging! Next time put it on your insurance! If that’s even possible… Lol
I wish this dinner was on my table tonight!!
That Le Creuset is gorgeous! I’d pick burgundy!
i like the purple but any color would work.
I am emotionally attached to my Dutch oven! I love all the colors, and I collect flame and turquoise (or at least I try to!)
I have a thing for meatballs right now so these are making my mouth water at 7am! And thanks for the great giveaway. I do have a special place in my heart for Le Creuset, but I have yet to actually get one. Ha! A girl can dream right?!
I really like the purple color. Looks perfect with those yummy looking meatballs!
Red! Love that color in the kitchen
I’ve always wanted that Le Creuset braiser! It’s perfect for things like meatballs 🙂
Oh my – so many colors to choose from. I think I’d go with the flame color! I hope I win so I can make these gorgeous meatballs. My family also doesn’t have a meatball recipe, so I’m going have to try your rendition out!
I would have to go with the darkk red to match the kitchen aide my hubby got me for my anniversary last year. My very first nice kitchen appliance. I love cooking with cast iron. Thank you for the recipe. We love meatballs and needed a gluten free version:)
All of the colors are gorgeous! I think I would choose indigo but I would take any!
We love Le Creuset in our house 🙂 All of our goodies are Flame (bright orangey-red, the original colour of the brand!), so that’s the colour I would pick!
I would choose Burgundy, my favorite color!
This recipe sounds delicious!
Tough to choose, but I think I’d pick the blue one!
I would choose the red.
red – I think :)!
I would choose the gorgeous Lapis color, or maybe the Palm. It’s a very hard choice. 🙂
I love the palm color, so spring-ish 🙂
I love the blue!
Meee tooo!
Either red or blue. How does one decide?! Arghh 😉
I know, it’s so hard to choose when you want them all!
I would pick the green color!
Rosemery is my favorite!
I love good homemade meatballs! For some reason, I’ve always been unsure of braising them in the sauce (probably my paranoia of food-borne illness). Anyway, I absolutely LOVE the cassis color of Le Creuset!
Don’t be afraid! Browning them first gets them to halfway cooked and then they summer in the sauce for an hour. No worries about them being under-done!
I think they are all beautiful. It’s tough to narrow it down to one favorite but I’m going with the purple one, ‘cassis’.
Excellent choice
first – I just LOVE the meatballs, how can you not
if I had to choose just one I would go Ocean – or cherry 🙂
Lapis is a beautiful Blue!
love the lapis myself…it would match my Polish pottery
It’s gorgeous!
I would love to have would love to have the Blue SKULs2501-26 inspired to cook the meatballs.
I love all the blues 🙂
I love the teal and purple, but all of the colors are great! 🙂
The cassis makes my heart go pitter-pat. It’s so lovely.
I LOVE the cassis! I’m so glad I picked it for my review piece 🙂
i love the cherry color! My kitchen has a lot of red in it!!!
Cherry seems to be a popular choice!
love the mineral blue, but the gold would go with our current decor. all so pretty
Beautiful recipe! Thanks for the giveaway too!
I would pick lapis or cherry. So many pretty colors!
I seriously love all the colors!
Purple is my favorite color so cassis is perfect for me.
I love the burgundy!
Me too 🙂
I love the red color that they call ‘cherry’.
**not an entry** attempting to subscribe I just get
“There was an error when subscribing. Please try again.”
Trying the RSS button leads to page of HTML with this header:
“This XML file does not appear to have any style information associated with it. The document tree is shown below.”
I am clicking on the “Notify me of new posts by email.” after I post this, maybe that will work.
Hi Margot thanks for letting me know. Try the side bar email sign up
Ah ha! Used a different email, maybe the widget just doesn’t like yahoo mail (in any case done!)
It is the sidebar signup that produces this error (I have screen shot if you need, because I’ve never seen this before); I tried again today – same deal. 🙁
I would pick Red, or lime green…But would accept any color!!! Have always wanted one of these…Thanks for the giveaway!
The lime is super fun!