Chicago Meatballs

Indulge in the hearty, bold flavors of Chicago Meatballs, a comforting recipe that combines juicy ground beef, zesty Italian sausage, and a blend of Italian herbs for a taste sensation that's straight from the heart of the Windy City. Perfectly seasoned and pan-seared for a golden, caramelized crust, these meatballs are then simmered in a rich, homemade tomato-basil sauce that’s laced with just a hint of sweetness. Whether served over tender pasta, paired with crusty bread, or featured as a show-stopping appetizer, this recipe promises melt-in-your-mouth perfection with every bite. Easy to make yet packed with gourmet appeal, Chicago Meatballs are a must-try for your next cozy dinner or family gathering.

Nutriscore Rating: 66/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 lb Ground beef (80% lean)
• 0.5 lb Italian sausage
• 0.5 cup Breadcrumbs
• 0.25 cup Grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 piece Large egg
• 3 cloves Garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons Fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 teaspoon Dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
• 0.25 teaspoon Crushed red pepper flakes
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil (for searing)
• 28 oz Canned crushed tomatoes
• 1 small Yellow onion, finely chopped
• 4 leaves Basil leaves
• 1 teaspoon Sugar

Directions

Step 1

In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, Italian sausage, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, parsley, oregano, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes.

Step 2

Mix the ingredients thoroughly with your hands until evenly combined, being careful not to overwork the mixture.

Step 3

Shape the mixture into golf ball-sized meatballs, about 1.5 inches in diameter. You should get approximately 12-14 meatballs.

Step 4

Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Step 5

Sear the meatballs in batches, turning them gently with tongs, until they are browned on all sides. This should take about 6-8 minutes per batch. Transfer browned meatballs to a plate and set aside.

Step 6

In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 7

Pour in the canned crushed tomatoes, then add basil leaves and sugar. Stir well to combine.

Step 8

Return the seared meatballs to the skillet, nestling them into the tomato sauce.

Step 9

Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let the meatballs simmer in the sauce for 20-25 minutes, or until they are fully cooked through (an internal temperature of 165°F).

Step 10

Remove from heat and discard the basil leaves before serving.

Step 11

Serve the Chicago Meatballs with your choice of pasta, crusty bread, or as a hearty appetizer. Sprinkle with additional Parmesan or parsley, if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1704.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2718.9

Total Fat 194.5g	0%
Saturated Fat 66.9g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 11.2g
Cholesterol 700.5mg	0%
Sodium 6656.0mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 106.7g	0%
Dietary Fiber 17.2g	0%
Total Sugars 47.0g
Protein 151.0g	0%

Vitamin D 159.8IU	0%
Calcium 635.9mg	0%
Iron 23.2mg	0%
Potassium 4731.1mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 62.9%

Protein: 21.7%

Carbs: 15.3%