By Lori Walker, MS, RD | Published on August 9, 2023 | Last Updated on November 7, 2023
Giada de Laurentiis is a well-known Italian-American chef who has made her mark in the culinary world with her classic Italian dishes. Her simple yet flavorful dishes have been enjoyed by viewers around the world on shows such as The Food Network’s Everyday Italian and Giada at Home.
One of her signature dishes is her Italian meatballs, which she often serves with tomato sauce. The accompanying sauce adds the perfect finishing touch. Enjoy this delicious dish at your next family dinner or special occasion!
Whether you’re a beginner cook or an experienced chef, Giada de Laurentiis’ Italian Meatballs are sure to be a hit. Follow her easy step-by-step instructions and add some of the optional tips she provides for extra flavor.
What is Giada de Laurentiis Meatball?
Giada de Laurentiis Italian Meatballs are a classic Italian dish made with ground dark turkey meat, spicy Italian sausage, and an array of herbs and spices.
Giada’s recipe adds Parmesan cheese to give the meatballs a rich flavor, as well as fresh herbs like basil and parsley for added brightness. The meatballs are then combined with a homemade tomato sauce for the ultimate Italian-style meal.
Giada uses extra-virgin olive oil to keep her meatballs moist and flavorful, as well as ketchup and tomato paste for more depth of flavor. This classic Italian dish is sure to be a hit at any dinner table and is easy enough for even beginner cooks to make.
What does it taste like?
Giada de Laurentiis’ Italian Meatballs are full of flavor and provide a delicious combination of savory, sweet, and salty tastes. The ground dark turkey meat and sausage are tender and juicy, while the Parmesan cheese adds a rich, salty flavor.
The fresh herbs give it a bright zing that complements the sweetness of the tomatoes in the sauce. The combination of the herbs and spices, as well as the ketchup and tomato paste, give the sauce a unique depth of flavor.
The extra-virgin olive oil helps keep the meatballs moist and provides an underlying base note to the dish. Altogether, these flavors create an irresistible Italian meal that’s sure to please everyone at your table!
How did I first get introduced to the Giada de Laurentiis Meatball?
I first got introduced to Giada de Laurentiis Meatball while watching an episode of her show Everyday Italian. As soon as I saw Giada preparing this dish, I knew that it was one I had to try. Not only did it look delicious, but also easy enough for even beginner cooks like myself.
The recipe looked simple enough: ground dark turkey meat, spicy Italian sausage, and an array of herbs and spices along with some breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese for added flavor. The accompanying tomato sauce was the perfect finishing touch. I knew that this would be a hit at my next family dinner or special occasion.
I followed Giada’s instructions step-by-step and was amazed at how quickly the meatballs came together. Giada also suggested some optional ingredients to add for extra flavor, like red pepper flakes, olives, smoked paprika, and cumin. I decided to go with all of them so that my meatballs would be as flavorful as possible.
The result? Absolutely delicious! The meatballs had that perfect combination of savory, sweet, and salty tastes. The sauce was rich and flavorful thanks to all the herbs and spices I added. My family couldn’t get enough of it!
Since then, Giada de Laurentiis’ Italian Meatballs have been a staple in my household. It’s an easy yet delicious dish that I know everyone will love. What’s more, it’s an impressive dish that is still easy enough for beginner cooks like me to make!
I’m so grateful I got the chance to learn this recipe from Giada and am excited to share it with others. Try out this delicious classic Italian dish at your next dinner party or special occasion – you won’t be disappointed!
How to make Giada de Laurentiis Meatball?
Making Giada de Laurentiis’ Italian Meatballs is easy and requires minimal prep time. Here are the step-by-step instructions on how to make this classic Italian dish:
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Ingredients
- Plain breadcrumbs: this will help bind the meatballs together and give them a nice texture
- Parmesan: this cheese adds flavor, richness, and saltiness to the mix
- Basil & Parsley: these fresh herbs add a bright, zesty flavor to the dish
- Ketchup & Tomato Paste: these provide acidity and depth of flavor to balance out the sweetness of the tomatoes
- Garlic & Onion: these classic aromatics add a warm, savory base note to the dish
- Ground dark turkey meat & spicy Italian turkey sausage links: these provide a tender texture and deep flavor to the meatballs
- Extra-virgin olive oil: this will help keep the meatballs moist and flavourful
- Crushed tomatoes: this provides the base for the sauce and allows it to simmer and thicken as it cooks
- Low-sodium chicken broth: this will help thin out the sauce slightly, giving it a light consistency that’s perfect for serving over pasta.
- Kosher salt: this will help bring out the flavor of all of the ingredients
- Freshly ground black pepper: this is essential for adding a bit of heat and depth to the dish
- Fennel Seeds & Dried Oregano: these herbs add an unmistakably Italian flavor to the sauce.
Step-by-step instructions
Step 1
Preheat the oven to 375°F.
Step 2
In a large bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, Parmesan, basil, and parsley.
Step 3
In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, ketchup (if using), tomato paste, salt, and pepper until smooth. Pour this mixture into the breadcrumb mixture and stir until evenly combined.
Step 4
Add the eggs, garlic, and onion to the mixture and use a fork or your hands to thoroughly combine all of the ingredients.
Step 5
Add the turkey meat and sausage links to the bowl and mix with your hands until everything is just combined (it should still be slightly lumpy).
Step 6
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly oil it.
Step 7
Using your hands, form the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them on the baking sheet (you should have about 30-35 meatballs total). Drizzle a little olive oil over the top of each meatball.
Step 8
Bake the meatballs for 25-30 minutes, or until they are cooked through and golden brown on top.
Step 9
While the meatballs are baking, prepare the sauce: heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic, onion, salt, and pepper and cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and lightly browned, about 8 minutes. Add the basil, fennel seeds, and oregano to the pan and cook for another minute.
Step 10
Add the crushed tomatoes and chicken broth (if using) to the skillet and bring to a simmer. Lower the heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly.
Step 11
Add the cooked meatballs to the sauce and stir gently to coat them in the sauce. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes, or until heated through. Serve with your favorite pasta and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese!
Tips
- To make the meatballs faster, you can use a mini food processor to quickly chop the onion and garlic.
- If you don’t have fresh herbs, dried ones will work just as well.
- For extra flavor, add 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the sauce with the other spices.
- Add some chopped olives to the sauce for a salty, briny flavor.
- To make the meatballs even more flavorful, add 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika or 1/4 teaspoon of cumin.
- For a shortcut, you can use store-bought marinara sauce instead of making your own!
Giada De Laurentiis Meatball Recipe
Equipment
- Large Bowl
Ingredients
Meatballs:
- 1/2 small onion finely chopped, adding a mild and slightly sweet taste, providing texture and enhancing the overall flavor of the meatballs.
- 3/8 teaspoon kosher salt enhancing the natural flavors of the dish, ensuring a well-balanced seasoning in the meatballs.
- 1/8 tablespoons chopped fresh Italian parsley providing a vibrant green color and mild flavor, adding freshness and a hint of sweetness to the dish.
- 1 large egg at room temperature, acting as a binding agent, helping to hold the ingredients together and create a cohesive mixture.
- 1/2 pound spicy Italian turkey sausage links casings removed, providing a flavorful and slightly spicy taste, adding a bold and zesty element to the meatballs.
- 1/2 cup plain breadcrumbs providing a crispy and golden coating, adding texture and a satisfying crunch to the dish.
- 1/8 tablespoons whole milk at room temperature, adding moisture and richness to the meatball mixture, resulting in tender and juicy meatballs.
- 1/4 cup finely grated Parmesan plus more for serving, offering a nutty and savory taste, creating a rich and cheesy element to the meatballs.
- 1/8 tablespoons chopped fresh basil adding a fresh and herbaceous note, enhancing the overall flavor profile of the meatballs.
- 1/2 pound ground dark turkey meat offering a lean and healthier alternative to traditional beef, adding a meaty and satisfying element to the meatballs.
- 1/2 tablespoon ketchup optional, offering a tangy and slightly sweet taste, adding depth and complexity to the meatballs.
- Extra-virgin olive oil for drizzling, adding a rich and fruity note, enhancing the overall flavor and providing a delightful golden crust to the meatballs.
- 1/2 tablespoon tomato paste providing a concentrated and rich tomato flavor, enhancing the overall taste of the meatballs.
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper adding a subtle heat and depth of flavor to the meatballs.
- 1 clove garlic minced, releasing its aromatic and savory essence, enhancing the overall flavor profile of the meatballs.
Sauce:
- 1/2 large onion finely chopped, adding a mild and slightly sweet taste, providing texture and enhancing the overall flavor of the sauce.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano infusing the sauce with a robust and savory flavor, enhancing the overall taste of the dish.
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt plus more to season, enhancing the natural flavors of the dish, ensuring a well-balanced seasoning in the sauce.
- 1 1/2 cloves garlic smashed and peeled, releasing its aromatic and savory essence, infusing the sauce with a delicious garlicky flavor.
- 1/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth optional, adding a savory and umami-rich note, enhancing the overall depth of flavor in the sauce.
- 3 tablespoons chopped fresh basil offering a fresh and herbaceous note, adding brightness and a vibrant green color to the sauce.
- 1 teaspoon finely ground fennel seeds providing a distinct and aromatic taste, adding depth and complexity to the sauce.
- 1/8 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil adding a rich and fruity note, enhancing the overall flavor of the sauce.
- One 14-ounce can crushed tomatoes creating a rich and velvety tomato base, adding a comforting and flavorful element to the sauce.
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper plus more to season, adding a subtle heat and depth of flavor to the sauce.
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- In a large bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, Parmesan, basil, and parsley.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, ketchup (if using), tomato paste, salt, and pepper until smooth. Pour this mixture into the breadcrumb mixture and stir until evenly combined.
- Add the eggs, garlic, and onion to the mixture and use a fork or your hands to thoroughly combine all of the ingredients.
- Add the turkey meat and sausage links to the bowl and mix with your hands until everything is just combined (it should still be slightly lumpy).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly oil it.
- Using your hands, form the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them on the baking sheet (you should have about 30-35 meatballs total). Drizzle a little olive oil over the top of each meatball.
- Bake the meatballs for 25-30 minutes, or until they are cooked through and golden brown on top.
- While the meatballs are baking, prepare the sauce: heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic, onion, salt, and pepper and cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and lightly browned, about 8 minutes. Add the basil, fennel seeds, and oregano to the pan and cook for another minute.
- Add the crushed tomatoes and chicken broth (if using) to the skillet and bring to a simmer. Lower the heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Add the cooked meatballs to the sauce and stir gently to coat them in the sauce. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes, or until heated through. Serve with your favorite pasta and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese!
Notes
- To make the meatballs faster, you can use a mini food processor to quickly chop the onion and garlic.
- If you don’t have fresh herbs, dried ones will work just as well.
- For extra flavor, add 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the sauce with the other spices.
- Add some chopped olives to the sauce for a salty, briny flavor.
- To make the meatballs even more flavorful, add 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika or 1/4 teaspoon of cumin.
- For a shortcut, you can use store-bought marinara sauce instead of making your own!
Nutrition Information
What to serve with Giada de Laurentiis Meatball?
Giada de Laurentiis’ Italian Meatballs are the perfect dish to serve at your next dinner party or family gathering. Serve them over a bed of creamy polenta, warm crusty bread, or your favorite pasta for an impressive meal that everyone will love.
For a light and healthy side, try steamed green beans drizzled with olive oil and lemon juice. Or, for a heartier side dish, try roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts or zucchini. And of course, don’t forget a glass of Italian red wine!
How to store leftover Giada de Laurentiis Meatballs?
Leftover Giada de Laurentiis’ Italian Meatballs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, simply place them on a baking sheet and bake in a 350F oven for about 15 minutes. You can also freeze the cooked meatballs for up to 3 months.
To do this, simply place them in a sealed freezer-safe container (or bag) and freeze them for up to 3 months.
When you’re ready to eat, thaw the meatballs in the refrigerator overnight and then follow the instructions above to reheat them.
Can pregnant women eat this?
Yes, Giada de Laurentiis’ Italian Meatballs are an excellent dish for pregnant women. The ingredients in this classic Italian dish are all safe for pregnant women and the protein from the turkey meat and sausage will provide a healthy boost of energy.
As always, it is important to check with your doctor before consuming any food during pregnancy. Enjoy this delicious dish!
FAQs
Can I use other meats in this?
Absolutely! You can easily substitute ground pork, beef, or even lamb for the turkey in this recipe. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Do I have to use spicy Italian sausage links?
Not at all. If you’d prefer a milder version, simply use plain Italian sausage links.
What can I do with the leftovers?
Leftover Giada de Laurentiis’ Italian Meatballs are perfect for making sandwiches or pasta dishes. Just add some extra sauce and you’ll have a delicious meal in no time!
Wrapping Up
Thank you for trying out Giada de Laurentiis’ Italian Meatball recipe! We hope you enjoy this classic Italian dish as much as we do. If you have any questions or suggestions, please leave them in the comments below.
Please share this article with your friends and family, and don’t forget to follow us on social media for more delicious recipes!
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My name is Lori Walker. I’m a registered dietitian, food blogger and food enthusiast. I share easy healthy, delicious recipes on my blog and review necessary kitchen items. The recipes I share take less… Read more
