Think about soft and flavorful meatballs in a tasty Italian sauce – that’s Buca Di Beppo Meatball. It is a dish that’s all about delicious meatballs and adored by meatball lovers everywhere.
When you try a Buca Di Beppo Meatball, it is like a journey to Italy for your taste buds. These meatballs are incredible, with a blend of herbs and spices that will make your mouth happy. The sauce is tangy and warm, a perfect match for the meatballs. Every bite is a burst of flavors.
Buca Di Beppo Meatball is a famous Italian-American dish you can enjoy at Buca Di Beppo, a chain of family-style Italian restaurants across the country. It is a classic meatball made from a mix of ground beef and ground pork, combined with bread crumbs, eggs, Parmesan cheese, fresh parsley, and minced garlic. The mixture is seasoned with salt and black pepper to taste and shaped into meatballs, usually about 2 inches in diameter.
The meatballs are then cooked in a mix of olive oil and butter until they are nicely browned on all sides, which locks in the juiciness and flavors.
In the end, I believe Buca di Beppo’s meatballs are a true classic and a must-try for Italian-American cuisine lovers. Whether you are enjoying them at the restaurant or trying to recreate them at home, these meatballs are bound to be a hit!
The story behind the recipe
Buca di Beppo is an American restaurant chain that opened in 1993. They are famous for their Italian-American food served in big portions meant for sharing. While we do not know their meatball recipe for sure, it is probably created by their own chefs.
Meatballs are a common Italian-American dish, and the recipe can differ based on the region or family. Buca di Beppo’s meatballs are likely a mix of traditional Italian ingredients and methods, with a touch of American influence.
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How to make Buca di Beppo Meatball
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 cups bread crumbs
- 2 eggs, lightly beaten
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup finely chopped fresh parsley
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Salt according to taste
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup butter
- 2 cups tomato sauce
Step-by-step instructions for making Buca di Beppo:
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F.
- In a big bowl, mix together ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, garlic, eggs, milk, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything well.
- Shape the mixture into meatballs about 2 inches wide.
- Heat some olive oil and butter in a large pan over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, add the meatballs and cook until they are browned all over, which takes about 10-12 minutes.
- After the meatballs are browned, transfer them to an oven-safe dish and pour tomato sauce over them.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes.
- Take off the foil and continue baking for another 10-15 minutes until the meatballs are fully cooked.
- Serve the meatballs hot, and if you like, add more Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley for extra flavor.
Tips for making Buca di Beppo
- Consider using a cookie scoop or a small ice cream scoop to shape your meatballs uniformly. This ensures even cooking and a consistent look.
- Let the meatballs soak in the sauce for a yummy flavor.
- After baking, give the meatballs a few minutes to finish cooking completely and let the flavors blend.
- Cook the meatballs in a baking dish, baking them this way ensures even cooking and lets them soak up the tomato sauce’s flavors.
- Brown the meatballs before baking; this is important to lock in the juices and flavor of the meatballs.
Flavourful substitute
- Parmesan cheese: If you don’t have grated Parmesan cheese, you can use another hard, salty cheese like Pecorino Romano or Asiago.
- Ground meat: You can use ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef and pork for a leaner option. If you prefer a meatless version, you can use a vegetarian meat substitute like tofu or tempeh.
- Milk: You can use any type of milk, including almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk.
Serving suggestions
Make a sandwich: Slice a fresh baguette or hoagie roll, add meatballs and tomato sauce, top with mozzarella cheese, and broil until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Main dish: Place meatballs on a plate, spoon tomato sauce over them, and garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley, if you like.
Try with roasted vegetables: Add color and nutrients to your meal with roasted vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or carrots. Toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roast while the meatballs cook.
With pasta: Serve the meatballs with spaghetti, fettuccine, or your favorite pasta. Toss the pasta with tomato sauce, olive oil, or butter to complement the meatball flavors.