Gourmet Italian Meatballs Pepperoni

Category: Satisfying Main Courses for Every Occasion

Discover luscious Italian meatballs blended with chopped pepperoni and spices, seared to golden perfection, and simmered in a savory tomato sauce with basil and onion. Served atop al dente spaghetti and topped with freshly grated parmesan and parsley, this dish combines classic flavors and modern presentation. Crisped pepperoni offers a lively garnish, perfect for a comforting yet impressively elegant weeknight meal. Enjoy a delectable balance of textures and tastes, all brought together in under an hour for an authentic Italian dining experience at home.

Loura is a chef and she is standing in front of a table full of fruits and vegetables.
Updated on Sat, 31 May 2025 14:37:28 GMT
A plate of food with meatballs and spaghetti. Save
A plate of food with meatballs and spaghetti. | recipesfoodyummy.com

Gourmet Italian meatballs with pepperoni bring a fun twist to classic spaghetti night This recipe makes every bite a celebration of pepperoni tang and tender meatball comfort all wrapped in a rich tomato sauce These meatballs are bursting with big flavors and come together without fuss for a meal that feels both special and weeknight friendly

When I first tried adding pepperoni to meatballs it took them to another level Now my friends always ask for this recipe at every get together

Ingredients

  • Ground beef or beef and pork mix: adds richness and makes the meatballs tender Choose fresh ground meat from a reputable butcher
  • Pepperoni: brings a little heat and extra flavor Try to get a good quality stick and chop it yourself for best taste
  • Breadcrumbs: bind the mixture so the meatballs stay together Use fresh if you have but store bought works fine
  • Grated parmesan: boosts savory flavor Opt for real Parmigiano Reggiano if possible
  • Fresh parsley: brightens the entire dish Choose vibrant green leaves no wilted bits
  • Egg: ensures everything binds for tender but stable meatballs
  • Minced garlic: deepens flavor Freshly minced delivers the strongest punch
  • Italian seasoning: unifies flavors Choose a blend with oregano basil and thyme avoid stale mixes
  • Salt and black pepper: season the mixture Use freshly ground pepper for best results
  • Olive oil: for browning the meatballs and sautéing the aromatics Pick extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor
  • Onion and garlic: form the savory foundation Yellow onion is classic and brings sweetness
  • Crushed tomatoes and tomato paste: make the sauce base San Marzano style tomatoes will give a richer sauce
  • Sugar: balances the acidity of the tomatoes A pinch is all you need and is optional
  • Salt pepper and fresh basil: round out the sauce Fresh basil adds freshness and aroma tear it just before adding
  • Spaghetti: serves as the classic vehicle Cook until just al dente
  • Extra parmesan parsley and pepperoni: make for the perfect garnish Choose a good quality parmesan and fresh herbs

Step-by-Step Instructions

Make the Meatballs:
Combine ground meat chopped pepperoni breadcrumbs parmesan parsley egg garlic and seasoning in a large bowl Mix gently by hand until just combined to keep the meatballs tender Shape into equal sized golf ball meatballs for even cooking
Sear the Meatballs:
Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat Place meatballs in the skillet without crowding Sear on all sides until a crisp brown crust forms about seven minutes Remove the meatballs to a plate set aside
Prepare the Sauce:
Add olive oil to the pan and cook the finely chopped onion over medium heat Stir occasionally letting it soften slowly about five minutes Add minced garlic and cook for one minute just until fragrant Pour in crushed tomatoes and stir in tomato paste salt pepper sugar and basil Bring to a gentle simmer Return the seared meatballs to the sauce cover and simmer for fifteen to twenty minutes until the meatballs are fully cooked and flavors meld
Cook the Pasta:
In a large pot bring salted water to a boil Drop in the spaghetti Stir to prevent sticking and cook until just al dente Drain the pasta well do not rinse for best sauce cling
Plate the Dish:
Arrange a nest of spaghetti on each plate Place two or three meatballs on top Spoon over plenty of sauce Shower with grated parmesan and chopped parsley For extra flair add a crispy pepperoni slice as garnish
A plate of meatballs with sauce on top. Save
A plate of meatballs with sauce on top. | recipesfoodyummy.com

I love using my own fresh basil from the garden for this sauce The aroma hits me every time I tear a leaf and reminds me of family dinners growing up with my mom’s spaghetti nights

Storage Tips

Leftover meatballs and sauce keep well in the refrigerator for up to three days Store spaghetti separately for best texture You can also freeze the meatballs in sauce just cool completely and portion into airtight containers Reheat gently on the stove or in the oven

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap half the ground beef for ground turkey if you want a lighter option The pepperoni is key for flavor but a good spicy salami works in a pinch Gluten free breadcrumbs keep this dish friendly for more diets If you are out of fresh basil a pinch of dried can work add it when simmering sauce

Serving Suggestions

Pair these meatballs with buttered garlic bread or a simple green salad For a special occasion plate individual servings in wide shallow bowls to catch all the saucy goodness If you have extra sauce spoon it over roasted vegetables or use as a dip

Cultural Inspiration

Meatballs served with pasta are an Italian American comfort classic not something you often find in Italy The addition of pepperoni is a distinctly American twist inspired by pizza toppings It brings a peppery oomph that friends and family always remember

Recipe FAQs

→ What type of meat works best for the meatballs?

Ground beef is traditional, but combining beef with pork delivers extra juiciness and flavor.

→ Can I substitute the pepperoni?

Chopped salami or chorizo can add similar spice and texture if pepperoni isn’t available.

→ How can I prevent meatballs from falling apart?

Use breadcrumbs and egg for binding, and handle the mixture gently when shaping balls.

→ Is it possible to bake the meatballs instead of searing?

Baking at 400°F (200°C) for around 15 minutes before simmering in sauce is a time-saving alternative.

→ What pasta pairs well other than spaghetti?

Try linguine, fettuccine, or even penne—each holds the sauce beautifully and compliments the dish.

Gourmet Italian Meatballs Pepperoni

Tender Italian meatballs with pepperoni, rich tomato sauce, and spaghetti for a flavorful comfort meal.

Prep Time
20 mins
Cooking Time
30 mins
Total Duration
50 mins
By: Loura

Recipe Type: Main Dishes

Skill Level: Intermediate

Cuisine: Italian

Portions Yielded: 4 Serving Size (Approximately 12–16 meatballs with pasta)

Dietary Preferences: ~

What You'll Need

→ For the Meatballs

01 450g ground beef or a mix of beef and pork
02 60g finely chopped pepperoni
03 30g breadcrumbs
04 30g grated parmesan cheese
05 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
06 1 large egg
07 1 garlic clove, minced
08 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
09 Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

→ For the Sauce

10 2 tablespoons olive oil
11 1 small onion, finely chopped
12 2 garlic cloves, minced
13 400g can crushed tomatoes
14 1 tablespoon tomato paste
15 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
16 Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
17 A handful of fresh basil leaves, torn

→ For Serving

18 225g dried spaghetti
19 Freshly grated parmesan cheese
20 Chopped fresh parsley
21 Extra pepperoni slices (optional, for garnish)

Steps To Follow

Step 01

In a large bowl, blend ground meat, pepperoni, breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, parsley, egg, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper until evenly incorporated. Shape the mixture into golf ball-sized spheres.

Step 02

Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sear the meatballs on all sides until golden brown, approximately 5–7 minutes. Remove browned meatballs and set aside.

Step 03

In the same pan, add the remaining tablespoon olive oil. Sauté the chopped onion until translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, sugar if using, salt, pepper, and torn basil leaves. Allow the sauce to simmer for 5 minutes.

Step 04

Return the seared meatballs to the sauce. Cover and gently simmer for 15–20 minutes, ensuring the meatballs are fully cooked through.

Step 05

Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Step 06

Twirl portions of spaghetti onto serving plates. Arrange 2–3 meatballs per portion and spoon over generous amounts of sauce. Top with freshly grated parmesan, chopped parsley, and, if desired, a crisped slice of pepperoni.

Notes and Tips

  1. Use a blend of beef and pork for enhanced tenderness and flavor.
  2. Gently form meatballs to avoid over-compacting, resulting in a lighter texture.

Required Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Large skillet or sauté pan
  • Cooking spoon or spatula
  • Pot for boiling pasta
  • Colander

Allergy Info

Double-check every ingredient for possible allergens and consult a health professional if you're unsure.
  • Contains gluten from breadcrumbs and spaghetti.
  • Contains dairy from parmesan cheese.
  • Contains egg.

Nutritional Info (per serving)

These details are for informational purposes only and shouldn't replace medical advice.
  • Caloric Content: 740
  • Fats: 35 g
  • Carbohydrates: 74 g
  • Proteins: 37 g