The Lineup/Dinner/Three-Meat Meatballs in Tomato Sauce

Three-Meat Meatballs in Tomato Sauce

Classic spaghetti-and-meatballs meatballs made with a three-meat blend of beef, lamb, and veal. Seared, simmered in marinara, and served over pasta.

MediumPrep: 20 minCook: 35 minServes 4Stovetop

Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20)
  • 1/2 lb ground lamb
  • 1/2 lb ground veal
  • 1 Cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 large eggs
  • 3/4 Cup grated Parmesan
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/4 Cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • EVOO, for searing
  • 1 jar (24 oz) marinara, or homemade tomato sauce
  • 1 lb spaghetti or rigatoni, for serving

Assembly

  1. 1.In a large bowl, combine the three meats, panko, eggs, Parmesan, garlic, parsley, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
  2. 2.Mix by hand until just combined — don't overwork the mixture or the meatballs will turn tough.
  3. 3.Roll into roughly 16 meatballs, about 1 1/2 oz each.
  4. 4.Heat EVOO in a Dutch oven or deep skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the meatballs on all sides until browned, working in batches if needed.
  5. 5.Add the marinara to the pan, stirring to combine with the pan drippings. Lower the heat to a simmer.
  6. 6.Simmer covered for 20-25 minutes, until the meatballs are cooked through.
  7. 7.Meanwhile, cook the pasta in salted water until al dente.
  8. 8.Serve the meatballs over pasta with extra sauce and grated Parmesan on top. Garlic bread alongside.
Semmer's Kitchen

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The Story

These are your standard spaghetti-and-meatballs meatballs — normal-sized, meant to be served over pasta, not the star of the show. What separates them from an average meatball is the three-meat blend: beef brings the flavor, lamb adds richness, veal brings tenderness. They come out tasting fresh and homemade in a way that a beef-only meatball just doesn't match. Pairs perfectly with garlic bread.