Traeger Kitchen
Grilled Italian Meatballs (Polpetti)
Prep Time
20
Minutes
Cook Time
30
Minutes
Serves
4 - 6
People
Effort
What's this?
It is all about the meatballs. Meatballs are a go-to appetizer or side dish, dish them up at any ole gathering, family and friends will rave. For mad props, tell everyone this is your Sicilian Grandmother's secret Polpetti recipe.
Ingredients
1 1/2 Cup White Bread
1/4 Cup milk
1 Tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
2 Strips bacon
1/2 Cup onion
1 Clove garlic, minced
1 1/2 Pound ground chuck, 80% lean
1/2 Pound ground pork
1 Cup Parmesan cheese
2 Tablespoon parsley, minced
1 Teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 Teaspoon black pepper
1/2 Teaspoon Basil, dried
1/4 Teaspoon dried oregano
Steps
1
In a mixing bowl, combine the bread and milk; let sit for 5 minutes. Wring the milk out of the bread. Discard the milk and return the bread to the bowl.2
Heat a frying pan over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the bacon, onion, and garlic. Saut for 5 minutes, or until the onion is translucent and the bacon has begun to render its fat. Add to the bread mixture and let cool.3
Add the ground chuck, ground pork, Parmesan, parsley, salt, pepper, basil, and oregano. Using a light touch, combine the ingredients with your hands.4
Generously oil your hands with olive oil and form the meat mixture into 1-1/2 inch balls.5
In the meantime, start the Traeger grill on Smoke with the lid open until the fire is established (4 to 5 minutes). Set the temperature to 350F and preheat, lid closed, for 10 to 15 minutes.6
Arrange the meatballs on the grill grate. Grill for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the internal temperature of a meatball is 160F. Let the meatballs rest for 5 minutes. Skewer them on toothpicks or short bamboo skewers and serve with warmed marinara or other sauce. Garnish with fresh basil leaves, if desired.