Jul 14 2026
RestaurantsEncore by GoodfellasMeatball Salad Recipe

Meatball Salad Recipe

Time1h
Serves4

Chef Gennaro's famous meatballs topped with "Sunday gravy" served around a bed of iceberg lettuce dressed with lemon and extra virgin olive oil

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Ingredients

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Meatballs

Sunday Gravy

Method

Meatballs

  1. 1

    Prepare the Meatball Mixture

    In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, egg, chopped parsley, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly combined.

  2. 2

    Form the Meatballs

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

  3. 3

    Bake the Meatballs

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

Sunday Gravy

  1. 4

    Sauté the Onions and Garlic

    In a large saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute.

  2. 5

    Add Tomatoes and Seasonings

    Stir in the canned crushed tomatoes, bay leaf, salt, black pepper, and sugar. Bring the mixture to a simmer.

  3. 6

    Combine Meatballs with Gravy

    Once the meatballs are baked, gently add them to the gravy. Simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

  4. 7

    Finish with Fresh Basil

    Just before serving, stir in the chopped fresh basil to the gravy.

Salad

  1. 8

    Prepare the Salad

    In a large serving bowl, add the chopped iceberg lettuce.

  2. 9

    Dress the Salad

    In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, salt, and black pepper to taste. Drizzle the dressing over the lettuce and toss gently to combine.

  3. 10

    Serve

    Plate the dressed lettuce on individual plates. Top with meatballs and spoon Sunday gravy over the top. Serve immediately.

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