Jul 13 2026
RestaurantsBellaBrava Bexley - Land O’LakesTrattoria Meatballs Recipe

Trattoria Meatballs Recipe

Time1h 30m
Serves4

pomodoro sauce | pecorino Romano | torn basil | grilled housemade focaccia

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Ingredients

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Meatballs

Grilled Focaccia

Method

Meatballs

  1. 1

    Prepare the Meatball Mixture

    In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, grated Pecorino Romano, minced garlic, chopped parsley, egg, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well combined.

  2. 2

    Shape the Meatballs

    Using your hands, shape the mixture into meatballs about 1.5 inches in diameter and place them on a baking sheet.

  3. 3

    Cook the Meatballs

    Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the meatballs for 20-25 minutes or until they are cooked through and browned.

Pomodoro Sauce

  1. 4

    Sauté Garlic

    In a large saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

  2. 5

    Add Tomatoes

    Add the canned whole tomatoes (crushed by hand or with a spoon), followed by salt, black pepper, and sugar. Stir well.

  3. 6

    Simmer Sauce

    Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.

  4. 7

    Add Basil

    Stir in the torn basil leaves just before serving.

Grilled Focaccia

  1. 8

    Prepare the Dough

    In a bowl, mix warm water and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and olive oil, mixing until a dough forms.

  2. 9

    Knead the Dough

    Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.

  3. 10

    Shape and Grill Focaccia

    Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Punch down the risen dough and shape it into a flat rectangle. Brush with olive oil and sprinkle with rosemary. Grill for about 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown.

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