Make Your Own Meatballs to Celebrate National Meatball Day

Every day is an unofficial meatball day at Buca di Beppo, but March 9th is National Meatball Day for everyone! As if we need a reason to enjoy this Italian staple. Meatballs are one of the top comfort foods in America and it’s easy to understand why. Many adults remember Mom or Grandma making meatballs for them when they were younger. The association of love and comfort brings an emotional connection to the delicious, round treats. Whether you like them over pasta, in a sub, or as a snack on their own, meatballs really do deserve a day of celebration.

What makes a great meatball? Fresh meat mixed with just enough of a binder (usually bread or breadcrumbs) to hold the mixture together but not weigh it down, sprinkled with seasonings (onions, garlic, fresh herbs, cheese, salt, and pepper) divided into small round portions and cooked to perfection. Easy enough right? Well, we’ve made it even easier by sharing our meatball recipe in honor of this special day.

Don’t Want to Cook? Make a Reservation Now and Have Us Make the Meatballs for You!

Buca di Bepo’s Magnificent Meatball Recipe

1 ½ pounds ground chuck

¼ cup shredded parmesan cheese

½ cup bread crumbs (preferably Italian)

2 large eggs

6 cloves of garlic

1 teaspoon each of salt and pepper

8 ounces of water

32 ounces of authentic marinara sauce

Step 1: Preheat oven to 350º. In a mixing bowl, combine first 6 ingredients and mix thoroughly. Do not over mix because this will cause the meatballs to become tough. Divide into equal portions and shape into 6 meatballs. Place meatballs on a baking sheet sprayed with cooking spray. Bake until a dark brown crust forms, about 13 to 15 minutes.

Step 2: Transfer meatballs to a Dutch oven. Combine marinara sauce and water, and pour over the meatballs. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake 35 to 45 minutes or until meatballs are cooked through. Place the meatballs on a platter. Skim the oil from the top of the marinara and ladle it over the meatballs.

Add your meatball masterpieces to the top of a bowl of your favorite pasta, make meatball sandwiches by hollowing out a baguette and then filling the bread with meatballs and sauce, or enjoy them on their own. Now the only decision you have to make is whether to show your loved ones your culinary skills, or save your yummy creations all for yourself! Happy National Meatball day from Buca di Beppo, your every day meatball headquarters!

Don’t Want to Cook? Make a Reservation Now and Have Us Make the Meatballs for You!