Remove from Favorites Add to Favorites Remove from Favorites Add to Favorites

SIGN UP FOR FREE SHIPPING ON YOUR FIRST ORDER

Photo Credit: Elizabeth Newman

Giada's Pork Meatballs Over Arugula

10 MINPrep Time
30 MINCook Time
4Servings
(1)
by Giada De Laurentiis
Beginner
Photo Credit: Elizabeth Newman
You must be signed in to print this content

People always think of meatballs with their pasta, but funny enough, it's not traditional in Italy to ever serve them together! While "meatballs with salad" might seem more odd here in the 'States, it would actually be the much more common way to see them be eaten in Italy.

I love this recipe so much - the blend of Italian sausage, ground pork and ricotta creates the most succulent, juicy and tender meatballs. Serve them on top of some lightly dressed arugula and shaved Parmesan, and it's a great protein-rich dinner - or a fabulous starter for a party!

Giada's Pork Meatballs Over Arugula
star

Giada's Pork Meatballs Over Arugula

Category

Main Course

Servings

4

Prep Time

10 minutes

Cook Time

30 minutes

Image of Giada's Pork Meatballs Over Arugula

Ingredients

    For The Meatballs:

  • 1/3 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 3 tablespoons whole milk (at room temperature)
  • 1 egg (at room temperature)
  • 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 pound sweet Italian sausage (casing removed)
  • 1/2 pound ground pork
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 1 24 ounce jar marinara sauce
  • For the Salad:

  • 1/2 5 ounce container baby arugula, about 4 cups
  • 2 teaspoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 cup shaved parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. This recipe originated on an episode of Giada Entertains. Episode: Weeknight Special.
  2. In a medium bowl combine the breadcrumbs, milk, egg, ricotta cheese and parmesan. Stir well to combine and allow the breadcrumbs to absorb the liquid. Add the sausage, pork and salt. Using your hands mix gently to combine.
  3. Heat a medium straight sided skillet over medium heat. Add enough oil to cover the bottom of the pan. Roll heaping tablespoons of the meat mixture into balls and place in the hot pan. Add as many as the pan will allow without overcrowding, working in two batches if needed. Brown the balls on all sides rotating as needed, about 8 minutes. Remove the balls to a plate when they are browned all over. Continue with the remaining meat. When all the meatballs are browned, pour off the excess oil from the pan. Add the marinera. Return the balls to the sauce and cover the pan. Allow to simmer for 15 minutes. Remove from the heat.
  4. Meanwhile, in a medium bowl toss together the arugula, lemon juice, olive oil and parmesan shavings. Divide the salad among 4 to 5 salad bowls and top with 3 to 4 meatballs. Serve with more cheese if desired.

Nutrition

Nutrition

Nutrition Serving Size
4
per serving
Calories
789
Amount/Serving % Daily Value
Carbs
17 grams
Protein
40 grams
Fat
63 grams
Saturated Fat
23 grams
Cholesterol
170 milligrams
Sodium
2308 milligrams
Fiber
3 grams
Sugar
9 grams
Facebook Instagram Pinterest Twitter YouTube Play Cart Email Mailing List Search Dairy Free Nut Free Gluten Free Vegan Vegetarian Delete Close Admin Star Badge Like Comment View More Right Arrow Left Arrow Down Arrow Food Submit Recipe Shop Video Entertaining Living Recipes Ask Giada Family Live Stream Pets Checkmark Lock Lock
nut free

3 comments

  • Author's avatar image
    Dawn - Apr 07

    These are my go to meatballs. I used to nag the old Italian grandma neighbour for her meatball recipe. No more! I don’t always serve them with the salad, but every time I make them, my guests say they are the best meatballs they have ever had. Making a huge batch to go with my sister-in-law’s manicotti for an Easter family dinner. Made the sauce today, making the meatballs tomorrow, and will put it all together in the crockpot on low for dinner.

  • Author's avatar image
    Jim - Jul 26

    How would you do this the day before? do the full meatball recipe, fully cooked in the marinara, refrigerate then reheat in a pot in the marinara the next day???

  • Author's avatar image
    JAMES KUCERA - Jun 09
    ★★★★★
    ★★★★★

    We love this recipe! The meatballs end up very tender because of the ricotta, and while we thought it was odd to put them on a bed of arugula (instead of pasta), the tartness of the lemony olive oil was a perfect balance.

Please sign in or create an account to review or comment on recipes.