Italian cuisine is renowned for its delicious and hearty meat dishes. Here are some classic Italian recipes featuring meat that you can try at home:
1. Spaghetti Bolognese
Ingredients:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1 lb (450g) ground pork
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 carrots, finely chopped
- 2 stalks celery, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup red wine
- 1 cup milk
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb (450g) spaghetti
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
Instructions:
- Prepare the Vegetables:
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute.
- Cook the Meat:
- Add the ground beef and ground pork to the pot. Cook until browned, breaking up the meat with a spoon.
- Drain off any excess fat.
- Add the Liquids and Seasonings:
- Pour in the red wine and cook until the liquid has mostly evaporated.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, milk, tomato paste, salt, black pepper, oregano, and basil.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and let it cook for at least 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
- Cook the Spaghetti:
- Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Serve:
- Toss the cooked spaghetti with the Bolognese sauce.
- Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese.
Natchitoches Meat Pie Recipe
2. Osso Buco
Ingredients:
- 4 veal shanks, about 1.5 inches thick
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup dry white wine
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- 1 bay leaf
- Gremolata (optional, for serving)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Veal Shanks:
- Season the veal shanks with salt and pepper.
- Dredge the shanks in flour, shaking off any excess.
- Sear the Veal Shanks:
- Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- Add the floured veal shanks and sear on both sides until browned. Remove the shanks from the pot and set aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables:
- In the same pot, add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute.
- Deglaze the Pot:
- Pour in the white wine and scrape the bottom of the pot to deglaze, releasing any browned bits.
- Add the Liquids and Seasonings:
- Stir in the beef broth, diced tomatoes, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaf.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Cook the Osso Buco:
- Return the seared veal shanks to the pot, ensuring they are submerged in the liquid.
- Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 2 to 2.5 hours, or until the veal is tender and falling off the bone.
- Serve:
- Serve the osso buco hot, topped with gremolata if desired.
Weight Watchers Hamburger Meat Recipes
3. Italian Meatballs
Ingredients:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1 lb (450g) ground pork
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Marinara sauce, for serving
Instructions:
- Prepare the Meat Mixture:
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, milk, egg, chopped onion, minced garlic, parsley, salt, black pepper, oregano, and basil. Mix well until combined.
- Form the Meatballs:
- Using your hands, form the meat mixture into meatballs, about 1.5 inches in diameter.
- Cook the Meatballs:
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the meatballs and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
- Pour in the marinara sauce and bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and let the meatballs cook in the sauce for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through.
- Serve:
- Serve the Italian meatballs hot, with additional marinara sauce if desired.
Meat Jun Recipe
4. Chicken Parmesan
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups breadcrumbs
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- Set up a breading station with three shallow dishes. Place the flour in the first dish. Beat the eggs in the second dish. Combine the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, oregano, basil, garlic powder, and onion powder in the third dish.
- Bread the Chicken:
- Dredge each chicken breast in the flour, shaking off any excess.
- Dip the floured chicken in the beaten eggs, ensuring it is fully coated.
- Coat the chicken in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
- Cook the Chicken:
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the breaded chicken breasts and cook until golden brown and crispy, about 4-5 minutes per side.
- Transfer the cooked chicken to a baking dish.
- Assemble the Chicken Parmesan:
- Spoon the marinara sauce over the chicken breasts.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake:
- Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C).
- Bake the chicken Parmesan for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve:
- Garnish with chopped fresh basil.
- Serve the chicken Parmesan hot, with a side of pasta or a salad.
5. Beef Ragu
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs (900g) beef chuck, cut into chunks
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup red wine
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- 1 bay leaf
- Pasta, for serving
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
Instructions:
- Prepare the Beef:
- Season the beef chunks with salt and pepper.
- Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- Add the beef chunks and sear on all sides until browned. Remove the beef from the pot and set aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables:
- Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the same pot. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute.
- Deglaze the Pot:
- Pour in the red wine and scrape the bottom of the pot to deglaze, releasing any browned bits.
- Add the Liquids and Seasonings:
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, beef broth, tomato paste, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaf.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Cook the Ragu:
- Return the seared beef to the pot, ensuring it is submerged in the liquid.
- Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 2 to 2.5 hours, or until the beef is tender and falling apart.
- Serve:
- Serve the beef ragu over pasta, topped with grated Parmesan cheese.
The Italian Love for Meat
Meat has been a staple in Italian kitchens for centuries. From the rolling hills of Tuscany to the coastal regions of Sicily, each region has its unique way of preparing meat dishes. Italians emphasize using fresh, local ingredients and traditional techniques that have been passed down through generations.
Common Types of Meat in Italian Cuisine
- Beef: Used in dishes like Bistecca alla Fiorentina and ragu.
- Pork: Featured in sausages, prosciutto, and pork roasts.
- Chicken: A lighter option in recipes like Pollo alla Cacciatora.
- Lamb: Popular in Southern Italy, especially in stews.
- Veal: A delicacy in dishes like Osso Buco and Saltimbocca.
Tips for Cooking Italian Meat Dishes:
- Use Quality Ingredients: The key to delicious Italian cooking is high-quality, fresh ingredients. Opt for the best meat, vegetables, and herbs you can find.
- Season Generously: Italian dishes are known for their robust flavors. Don’t be afraid to season your dishes generously with herbs, spices, and aromatics.
- Cook Slowly: Many Italian meat dishes benefit from slow cooking, which allows the flavors to meld together and the meat to become tender.
- Pair with Pasta or Bread: Italian meat dishes are often served with pasta or crusty bread, which helps to soak up the delicious sauces.
- Experiment with Wine: Italian cuisine often incorporates wine in cooking. Experiment with different types of wine to enhance the flavors of your dishes.
These Italian meat recipes are sure to impress your family and friends. From classic Spaghetti Bolognese to hearty Osso Buco, these dishes capture the essence of Italian cuisine. Buon appetite
Frequently Asked Questions About Italian Recipes With Meat
Q: Can I substitute meats in these recipes?
A: Yes, you can use chicken instead of veal in Osso Buco or turkey instead of beef in Ragu.
Q: Are these recipes freezer-friendly?
A: Most Italian meat sauces, like Ragu, can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Q: What wine pairs best with Italian meat dishes?
A: Red wines like Chianti or Barolo pair well with rich meat dishes.
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