Jul 13 2026
RestaurantsAzzurra Cucina ItalianaChef Alessandra's Meatballs (3) Recipe

Chef Alessandra's Meatballs (3) Recipe

Time1h
Serves4

Veal, beef, and pork, basil ricotta meatballs topped with marinara sauce and basil oil

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Ingredients

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Meatball Ingredients

Marinara Sauce Ingredients

Basil Oil Ingredients

Method

Meatball Preparation

  1. 1

    Preheat the Oven

    Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).

  2. 2

    Mix Meatball Ingredients

    In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground veal, ground beef, and ground pork. Add the ricotta cheese, chopped basil, minced garlic, grated Parmesan cheese, egg, breadcrumbs, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything together until well combined, but do not overmix.

  3. 3

    Form Meatballs

    Using your hands, shape the mixture into meatballs, about 2 inches in diameter. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

  4. 4

    Cook Meatballs

    Drizzle the meatballs with olive oil and bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.

Marinara Sauce Preparation

  1. 5

    Sauté the Onions and Garlic

    In a saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.

  2. 6

    Add Tomatoes and Seasoning

    Stir in the canned crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Bring to a simmer and let it cook for about 15 minutes to develop the flavors.

  3. 7

    Finish the Sauce

    Add the fresh chopped basil to the sauce just before serving and stir to combine.

Basil Oil Preparation

  1. 8

    Blend Basil Oil

    In a blender, combine fresh basil and olive oil. Blend until smooth and well combined. Adjust seasoning with salt if desired.

Assembly

  1. 9

    Serve the Meatballs

    Place the cooked meatballs on a plate, generously spoon marinara sauce over them, and drizzle with basil oil. Garnish with additional fresh basil if desired.

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