Description
Hearty Smoked Italian Meatballs merge classic Mediterranean flavors with smoky depth, creating a mouthwatering symphony of ground beef, herbs, and aromatic spices. Each tender morsel promises a culinary journey that delights your palate with authentic Italian comfort.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1 lb (454 grams) ground beef (80/20)
- 1 lb (454 grams) ground pork
- 2 eggs
Dairy and Bread Components:
- ½ cup (120 milliliters) Italian-style breadcrumbs
- ½ cup (50 grams) grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup (60 milliliters) whole milk
- 2 tablespoons (8 grams) fresh parsley, chopped
Seasonings and Flavor Enhancers:
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) Worcestershire sauce
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) marinara sauce (for serving)
Instructions
- Calibrate the smoker to a consistent 225F, selecting aromatic woods like hickory, oak, or cherry to infuse deep, complex flavors into the meat. Allow the smoker to stabilize its temperature for optimal cooking conditions.
- In a spacious mixing vessel, combine ground beef and pork with breadcrumbs, creating a harmonious blend of proteins and binding agents. Incorporate Parmesan, eggs, and milk to enhance moisture and richness, then integrate garlic, herbs, and seasonings for a robust Italian-inspired profile.
- Gently form the seasoned meat mixture into uniform spheres, approximately 1.5 inches in diameter. Arrange the meatballs on a wire rack or parchment-lined surface, ensuring consistent sizing for even cooking.
- Transfer the meatballs directly onto the smoker grates, maintaining a careful arrangement to promote balanced heat circulation. Smoke the meatballs patiently, monitoring their internal temperature until they reach a safe 165F, which typically requires 1.5 to 2 hours of slow cooking.
- Once perfectly smoked, carefully extract the meatballs from the heat source. Lovingly toss them in warm marinara sauce, allowing the rich tomato base to complement the smoky meat. Present the meatballs over pasta, nestled in submarine rolls, or as an elegant appetizer with additional sauce for delightful dipping.
Notes
- Perfectly size meatballs by using a cookie scoop or kitchen scale to ensure consistent cooking and even smoking.
- Balance meat ratios by mixing ground beef and pork for maximum moisture and rich flavor profile.
- Prevent dryness by avoiding overmixing the meat mixture, which can make meatballs tough and dense.
- Enhance smoky depth by selecting complementary wood chips like hickory for robust taste or cherry for subtle sweetness.
- Boost nutritional value by substituting lean ground turkey for beef, creating a lighter protein option without sacrificing taste.
- Simplify meal prep by forming and freezing meatballs ahead of time, allowing convenient cooking when needed.
- Maintain food safety by checking internal temperature with a reliable meat thermometer, ensuring 165F for perfectly cooked meatballs.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Category: Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Smoking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 500
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 61 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 14 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg