spicy italian meatball recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
spicy italian meatball recipe
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The Best spicy italian meatball recipe

I’ve been making this spicy Italian meatball recipe for years, and it’s still a crowd-pleaser in our household. My kids love helping me mix the ingredients and shape the meatballs.

The aroma that fills the kitchen when they’re cooking is incredible – it’s like a taste of Italy right in our own home. I serve them with a side of pasta or as a sub sandwich, and everyone loves them.

This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Plus, it’s relatively healthy, thanks to the lean ground turkey and plenty of veggies.

I like to make a big batch and freeze them for later, so we can enjoy them all year round. The key to making great meatballs is to not overmix the ingredients – you want to keep the texture loose and juicy.

And don’t be afraid to get creative with the seasonings – add some red pepper flakes for an extra kick of heat or some chopped fresh herbs for added flavor.

Spicy Italian Meatballs

Spicy Italian Meatballs

4.6 from 1373 votes

Juicy, flavor-packed meatballs with a kick of red pepper flakes and Italian herbs, simmered in a rich tomato sauce. Perfect served over pasta or crusty bread for a hearty meal.

Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time50 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 380 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Meatballs

1 lb ground beef (80/20)
1/2 lb ground pork
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 large egg
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
1 tsp red pepper flakes
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper

For the Sauce

2 tbsp olive oil
1 small onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
1 tsp red pepper flakes
1 tsp dried basil
Salt to taste

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat oven to 400°F.
2Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, minced garlic, parsley, 1 tsp red pepper flakes, oregano, salt, and black pepper.
4Mix gently with your hands until just combined; do not overwork.
5Roll mixture into 1.
5-inch meatballs and place on the prepared baking sheet.
6Bake for 15 minutes until browned and firm to the touch, then remove from oven.
7The meatballs should register 160°F internally.
8While meatballs bake, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
9Add onion and cook for 4 minutes until translucent, then stir in minced garlic and 1 tsp red pepper flakes for 30 seconds until fragrant.
10Pour in crushed tomatoes and dried basil, then season with salt.
11Bring sauce to a simmer over medium-high heat, then reduce heat to low.
12Add baked meatballs to the sauce, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sauce thickens and meatballs are fully cooked.
13Taste sauce and adjust salt or red pepper flakes as desired.
14Serve meatballs and sauce over cooked pasta or with crusty bread, garnished with extra Parmesan and parsley.

🔧Equipment

Large mixing bowl
Baking sheet
Parchment paper
Large skillet or Dutch oven
Wooden spoon

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 380 kcal🧈Total Fat: 22g💛Saturated Fat: 8g❤️Cholesterol: 95mg🧂Sodium: 820mg🌾Total Carbs: 18g🥦Dietary Fiber: 4g🍬Sugars: 8g🥩Protein: 28g

📝Notes

For milder meatballs, reduce red pepper flakes to 1/2 tsp. To make ahead, prepare meatballs and sauce separately, then combine and reheat gently.

Watch Video Of How Spicy Italian Meatballs Works

Leftover meatballs store well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. To reheat I place them in a skillet with a splash of water or sauce over medium heat until warmed through. You can also microwave them in 30 second bursts but the skillet keeps the texture better.

For longer storage freeze the cooked meatballs on a baking sheet then transfer to a freezer bag. They will keep for three months and can be reheated directly from frozen in a sauce or oven. These spicy Italian meatballs are perfect for any occasion from casual weeknight dinners to game day parties.

They are easy to double for a crowd and always disappear fast. Serve them with pasta, on subs, or as an appetizer with toothpicks and dipping sauce. This recipe has become a go to in my kitchen and I am sure it will be in yours too.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Spicy Italian Meatballs

1. What makes these meatballs so spicy?

The secret ingredient is a combination of red pepper flakes and chopped fresh jalapeños. You can adjust the level of heat to your liking by adding more or less peppers.

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