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Neapolitan Meatballs with Ragù
In Naples, meatballs are generously sized, and their texture is ultra-tender from a high ratio of bread to meat. For our version, we opted to use Japanese panko breadcrumbs. Panko, which has a neutral flavor and a light and fluffy but coarse texture, greatly streamlines the meatball-making process, eliminating the need to remove the crusts from fresh bread, cut and measure, soak in water, then squeeze out excess moisture. Panko only needs to be moistened with water and it’s ready to use. Neapolitans serve their meatballs with a basic tomato sauce they refer to as “ragù.” We use pecorino liberally in this recipe: a chunk simmered in the sauce, as well as grated both in and over the meatballs. Though not traditional, pasta is a fine accompaniment. Or offer warm, crusty bread alongside.
Ingredients
  • 4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided, plus more to serve
  • 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped
  • Kosher salt and ground black pepper
  • 6 medium garlic cloves, finely grated
  • 1½ teaspoons red pepper flakes, divided
  • 6½ ounces (2½ cups) panko breadcrumbs
  • 3 ounces pecorino Romano cheese, 2 ounces finely grated (1 cup), 1 ounce as a chunk, plus more grated, to serve
  • 1 large egg, plus 1 large egg yolk, beaten together
  • 1½ pounds 90 percent lean ground beef
  • 2 28-ounce cans whole peeled tomatoes
  • 6 to 8 large basil leaves
Note: Ingredients may have been altered from the original.
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