Jun 08 2026
RestaurantsCafe BrioMeatballs Recipe

Meatballs Recipe

Inspired by Cafe Brio
Time1h 30m
Serves4

Beef and pork meatballs, amatriciana sauce, polenta, parmigiano

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Ingredients

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Meatballs

Polenta

Method

Prepare the Meatballs

  1. 1

    Mix the Ingredients

    In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, bread crumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, eggs, minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well combined.

  2. 2

    Form the Meatballs

    Shape the mixture into meatballs, about 1-1.5 inches in diameter.

  3. 3

    Cook the Meatballs

    In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add meatballs and cook until browned on all sides, about 8-10 minutes. Remove and set aside.

Prepare the Amatriciana Sauce

  1. 4

    Cook Pancetta

    In the same skillet, add pancetta or guanciale and cook until crispy, about 5 minutes.

  2. 5

    Add Garlic and Tomatoes

    Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute. Then, pour in crushed tomatoes, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 15-20 minutes.

  3. 6

    Combine Meatballs with Sauce

    Return meatballs to the skillet and simmer for an additional 10 minutes.

Prepare the Polenta

  1. 7

    Boil Water

    In a saucepan, bring water and salt to a boil.

  2. 8

    Add Polenta

    Gradually whisk in the polenta, reduce heat to low, and cook, stirring frequently, until thickened (about 20-25 minutes).

  3. 9

    Finish with Cheese

    Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.

Serve

  1. 10

    Plate the Dish

    Serve the polenta on a plate, top with meatballs and amatriciana sauce. Garnish with additional grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

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