Best 7 Italian Meatball Buns Recipes

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**Indulge in the tantalizing flavors of Italy with our irresistible Italian Meatball Buns, a culinary journey that promises to delight your taste buds.**

These soft and fluffy buns, meticulously crafted with love and attention to detail, serve as the perfect vessel for our succulent and savory meatballs, a symphony of ground beef, pork, and aromatic Italian herbs and spices. Perfectly browned and brimming with juicy goodness, these meatballs are nestled within the pillowy buns, creating a harmonious balance of textures and flavors.

Our collection of recipes offers a delightful array of options to suit every palate. From the classic Italian Meatball Buns, bursting with traditional flavors, to the adventurous Spicy Italian Meatball Buns, ignited with a touch of fiery heat, we have something for everyone.

For those seeking a vegetarian alternative, our Vegetarian Meatball Buns, featuring hearty and flavorful plant-based meatballs, are a delightful choice. And for a taste of the unexpected, our unique Sweet and Sour Meatball Buns, with their tantalizing combination of sweet and tangy flavors, are sure to leave you craving more.

These Italian Meatball Buns are not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. Serve them as a delectable appetizer at your next gathering, elevate your lunch break with their satisfying goodness, or relish them as a comforting dinner option.

So, embark on this culinary adventure and let the irresistible aromas and flavors of our Italian Meatball Buns transport you to the heart of Italy. Prepare to be captivated by a taste experience that will leave you longing for more.

Here are our top 7 tried and tested recipes!

ITALIAN MEATBALL SUBS



Italian Meatball Subs image

This is one of those recipes you always come back to. A flavorful tomato sauce and mildly spiced meatballs make a hearty sandwich filling, or they can be served over pasta. I broil the meatballs first to quickly brown them. -Jean Glacken, Elkton, Maryland

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Lunch

Time 4h25m

Yield 6 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 23

2 large eggs, lightly beaten
1/4 cup whole milk
1/2 cup dry bread crumbs
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
1 pound ground beef
1/2 pound bulk Italian sausage
SAUCE:
1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
1 small onion, chopped
1/2 cup chopped green pepper
1/2 cup dry red wine or beef broth
1/3 cup water
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
6 Italian rolls, split
Shredded Parmesan cheese, optional

Steps:

  • In a large bowl, combine eggs and milk; add the bread crumbs, cheese, salt, pepper and garlic powder. Add beef and sausage; mix well. Shape into 1-in. balls. Preheat broiler. Place meatballs in a 15x10x1-in. baking pan. Broil 4 in. from the heat for 4 minutes; turn and broil 3 minutes longer. , Transfer to a 5-qt. slow cooker. Combine the tomato sauce and paste, onion, green pepper, wine, water and seasonings; pour over meatballs. Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours. Serve on rolls. Sprinkle with shredded cheese if desired.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 501 calories, Fat 24g fat (8g saturated fat), Cholesterol 137mg cholesterol, Sodium 1410mg sodium, Carbohydrate 39g carbohydrate (6g sugars, Fiber 4g fiber), Protein 29g protein.

ITALIAN MEATBALL BUNS



Italian Meatball Buns image

These soft little rolls come with a surprise inside-savory Italian meatballs. They're wonderful dipped in marinara sauce, making them fun for my grandkids and adults, too. I love how easy they are to put together. -Trina Linder-Mobley, Clover, South Carolina

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Appetizers

Time 45m

Yield 2 dozen.

Number Of Ingredients 6

12 frozen bread dough dinner rolls
1 package (12 ounces) frozen fully cooked Italian meatballs, thawed
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup minced fresh basil
1-1/2 cups marinara sauce, warmed

Steps:

  • Let dough stand at room temperature until softened, 25-30 minutes., Cut each roll in half. Wrap each portion around a meatball, enclosing meatball completely; pinch dough firmly to seal. Place on greased baking sheets, seam side down. Cover with kitchen towel; let rise in a warm place until almost doubled, 1-1/2 to 2 hours., Preheat oven to 350°. Bake buns until golden brown, 12-15 minutes. Brush tops with oil; sprinkle with cheese and basil. Serve with marinara sauce.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 98 calories, Fat 4g fat (1g saturated fat), Cholesterol 13mg cholesterol, Sodium 253mg sodium, Carbohydrate 12g carbohydrate (2g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 5g protein.

CHEF JOHN'S ITALIAN MEATBALLS



Chef John's Italian Meatballs image

Homemade meatballs are a very easy to make, and since we skip the very messy step of pan-frying these before they hit the sauce, it becomes downright simple. Here I use a standard half-beef/half-pork mixture. You can substitute water or beef broth for the milk, if preferred.

Provided by Chef John

Categories     World Cuisine Recipes     European     Italian

Time 2h15m

Yield 30

Number Of Ingredients 14

⅓ cup plain bread crumbs
½ cup milk
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 onion, diced
1 pound ground beef
1 pound ground pork
2 eggs
¼ bunch fresh parsley, chopped
3 cloves garlic, crushed
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 teaspoon dried Italian herb seasoning
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

Steps:

  • Cover a baking sheet with foil and spray lightly with cooking spray.
  • Soak bread crumbs in milk in a small bowl for 20 minutes.
  • Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook and stir onions in hot oil until translucent, about 20 minutes.
  • Mix beef and pork together in a large bowl. Stir onions, bread crumb mixture, eggs, parsley, garlic, salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes, Italian herb seasoning, and Parmesan cheese into meat mixture with a rubber spatula until combined. Cover and refrigerate for about one hour.
  • Preheat an oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C).
  • Using wet hands, form meat mixture into balls about 1 1/2 inches in diameter. Arrange onto prepared baking sheet.
  • Bake in the preheated oven until browned and cooked through, 15 to 20 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 81.9 calories, Carbohydrate 1.7 g, Cholesterol 32.3 mg, Fat 5.5 g, Fiber 0.2 g, Protein 6.2 g, SaturatedFat 1.9 g, Sodium 192.1 mg, Sugar 0.5 g

CHEESY MEATBALL SLIDERS



Cheesy Meatball Sliders image

These sliders are a fun way to serve meatballs at your party without using a slow cooker. Made on mini Hawaiian rolls, they have a hint of sweetness to balance out all the wonderful Italian seasonings. -Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Appetizers     Lunch

Time 1h30m

Yield 12 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 16

2 pounds lean ground beef (90% lean)
1 cup Italian-style bread crumbs
3 tablespoons prepared pesto
1 large egg, lightly beaten
1 jar (24 ounces) pasta sauce
1 package (18 ounces) Hawaiian sweet rolls
12 slices part-skim mozzarella cheese
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 cup melted butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese or shredded Italian cheese blend
Minced fresh basil

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350°. Combine ground beef, bread crumbs, pesto and egg; mix lightly. Shape into 12 meatballs; place on a greased rack in a 15x10x1-in. baking pan. Bake until browned and a thermometer reads 160°, about 35 minutes. Toss meatballs with sauce; set aside., Meanwhile, without separating rolls, cut horizontally in half; arrange bottom halves in a greased 13x9-in. baking dish. Place half of cheese slices over roll bottoms; sprinkle with oregano. Add meatballs and sauce. Top with remaining cheese slices and bun tops., Combine butter, olive oil, garlic, Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes; brush over buns. Bake, covered, for 20 minutes. Uncover; sprinkle with Parmesan and shredded mozzarella., Bake, uncovered, until cheese is melted, 10-15 minutes longer. Sprinkle with basil before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 514 calories, Fat 25g fat (12g saturated fat), Cholesterol 120mg cholesterol, Sodium 856mg sodium, Carbohydrate 39g carbohydrate (15g sugars, Fiber 3g fiber), Protein 33g protein.

ROASTED ITALIAN MEATBALLS



Roasted Italian Meatballs image

Provided by Ina Garten

Categories     main-dish

Time 1h

Yield 10 servings (30 to 32 meatballs)

Number Of Ingredients 22

1 pound ground sirloin
1/2 pound ground pork
1/2 pound ground veal
1 3/4 cups dry seasoned bread crumbs
1/2 cup freshly ground Italian Pecorino cheese (2 ounces)
1/2 cup freshly ground Italian Parmesan cheese (2 ounces), plus extra for serving
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 extra-large eggs, lightly beaten
3/4 cup dry red wine, such as Chianti
1/4 cup good olive oil
2 (32-ounce) jars good marinara sauce, such as Rao's
Creamy Parmesan Polenta (recipe follows) or cooked spaghetti, for serving
4 cups chicken stock, preferably homemade
2 teaspoons minced garlic (2 cloves)
1 cup yellow cornmeal, preferably stone-ground
1 tablespoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
1/2 cup creme fraiche
2 tablespoons (1/4 stick) unsalted butter

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Line two sheet pans with parchment paper.
  • Place the sirloin, pork, and veal in a large mixing bowl and lightly break up the meats with a fork and your fingertips. Add the bread crumbs, Pecorino, Parmesan, garlic, parsley, 2 teaspoons salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Add the eggs, wine, and 3/4 cup water and combine lightly but thoroughly.
  • Measure out 2-ounce portions of the mixture (I use a rounded 1 3/4-inch ice cream scoop) and roll each lightly into a ball. Place one inch apart on the prepared sheet pans. Brush the meatballs with the olive oil.
  • Bake the meatballs for 25 to 30 minutes, until lightly browned. Pour the marinara into a large pot and bring to a simmer. Carefully add the meatballs and simmer for 10 minutes, until heated through.
  • To serve with polenta, spoon a puddle of creamy Parmesan polenta on one side of each dinner plate. Spoon 1 or 2 meatballs plus a puddle of tomato sauce on the other side, allowing them to combine in the center of the plate. To serve with spaghetti, distribute among shallow pasta bowls. Spoon the meatballs and sauce onto the pasta. Sprinkle with extra Parmesan and serve hot.
  • Place the chicken stock in a large saucepan. Add the garlic and cook over medium-high heat until the stock comes to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low and very slowly whisk in the cornmeal, whisking constantly to make sure there are no lumps. Switch to a wooden spoon, add the salt and pepper, and simmer, stirring almost constantly, for 10 minutes, until thick. Be sure to scrape the bottom of the pan thoroughly while you're stirring. Off the heat, stir in the Parmesan, creme fraiche, and butter. Taste for seasonings and serve hot with extra Parmesan cheese to sprinkle on top.

ITALIAN BAKED MEATBALLS



Italian Baked Meatballs image

This recipe makes the most tender and tasty meatballs. I also freeze these meatballs and take out how many servings I need for each meal. If cooking in sauce, add baked meatballs 20 minutes before serving time.

Provided by Dawn Fronius

Categories     World Cuisine Recipes     European     Italian

Time 50m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 10

1 cup Italian-seasoned bread crumbs
¼ cup grated Romano cheese
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ cup water
2 eggs
1 ½ pounds ground beef

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
  • Mix bread crumbs, Romano cheese, parsley, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder together. Combine with water and eggs. Add ground beef and mix well. Roll mixture into balls and place on a nonstick baking sheet.
  • Bake in the preheated oven until browned, about 30 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 343 calories, Carbohydrate 14.1 g, Cholesterol 135.2 mg, Fat 20.4 g, Fiber 0.8 g, Protein 24.4 g, SaturatedFat 7.8 g, Sodium 611.7 mg, Sugar 1 g

GREAT-GRANDMA'S ITALIAN MEATBALLS



Great-Grandma's Italian Meatballs image

My great-grandmother started this easy meatball recipe with our family. We use ground beef and turkey for these meatballs, and the flavor's so good, you won't miss the extra calories. -Audrey Colantino, Winchester, Massachusetts

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 50m

Yield 8 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 11

2 teaspoons olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
3/4 cup seasoned bread crumbs
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
1 teaspoon each dried basil, oregano and parsley flakes
3/4 teaspoon salt
1 pound lean ground turkey
1 pound lean ground beef (90% lean)
Optional: Hot cooked pasta and pasta sauce

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 375°. In a small skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add onion; cook and stir until tender, 3-4 minutes. Add garlic; cook 1 minute longer. Cool slightly., In a large bowl, combine bread crumbs, cheese, eggs, seasonings and onion mixture. Add turkey and beef; mix lightly but thoroughly. Shape into 1-1/2-in. balls., Place meatballs on a rack coated with cooking spray in a 15x10x1-in. baking pan. Bake until lightly browned and cooked through, 18-22 minutes. If desired, serve with pasta and pasta sauce.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 271 calories, Fat 13g fat (5g saturated fat), Cholesterol 125mg cholesterol, Sodium 569mg sodium, Carbohydrate 10g carbohydrate (1g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 27g protein. Diabetic Exchanges

Tips:

  • Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature before starting to make the dough. This will help the yeast activate and produce a light and airy dough.
  • When shaping the meatballs, make sure to pack them tightly so they don't fall apart during cooking.
  • If you don't have a stand mixer, you can knead the dough by hand. Just be sure to knead it for at least 10 minutes, or until smooth and elastic.
  • Let the dough rise in a warm place for at least 1 hour, or until doubled in size. A warm place, like a sunny windowsill or near a stove, can speed up the rising process.
  • When baking the buns, brush them with melted butter or olive oil before placing them in the oven. This will help them brown beautifully.

Conclusion:

Italian Meatball Buns are a delicious and easy-to-make meal that's perfect for any occasion. With a few simple tips, you can create perfect, light and fluffy buns that are filled with tender meatballs. These buns are sure to be a hit with your family and friends.

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