How to Make Delicious Meat-Based Italian Dishes at Home

When it comes to Italian cuisine, meat-based dishes steal the spotlight with their rich flavors and satisfying textures. Making these dishes at home can be a delightful experience, allowing you to customize the ingredients to your taste. Here are some popular meat-based Italian dishes and tips on how to create them in your kitchen.

1. Classic Meatballs (Polpette)

Italian meatballs are a staple in many households. To make authentic meatballs, start with a blend of ground beef and pork for the best flavor.

Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef, 1 pound ground pork, 1 cup breadcrumbs, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 2 cloves minced garlic, 1/4 cup chopped parsley, 1 egg, salt, and pepper.

Instructions:

• In a large bowl, mix all ingredients until combined.
• Shape the mixture into small balls, about the size of a golf ball.
• In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and add the meatballs, browning them on all sides.
• Once browned, transfer them to a pot with marinara sauce and simmer for about 30 minutes.

2. Osso Buco

This traditional Milanese dish features braised veal shanks and is perfect for special occasions.

Ingredients: 4 veal shanks, 1 onion, 1 carrot, 1 celery stalk, 2 cloves garlic, 1 cup white wine, 1 can diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, salt, and pepper.

Instructions:

• Season the veal shanks with salt and pepper. In a heavy pot, brown them on all sides.
• Remove the shanks and sauté the onion, carrot, celery, and garlic until softened.
• Add the shanks back to the pot, pour in the wine, and simmer until reduced by half.
• Add the tomatoes and enough broth to cover the shanks. Cover and cook on low for 2-3 hours until the meat is tender.

3. Bolognese Sauce (Ragù alla Bolognese)

Bolognese sauce is rich, meaty, and perfect for serving over pasta.

Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef, 1 carrot, 1 onion, 1 celery stalk, 2 cloves garlic, 1 cup red wine, 1 can diced tomatoes, and olive oil.

Instructions:

• In a saucepan, heat olive oil and add chopped onion, carrot, and celery. Sauté until softened.
• Add the ground beef and cook until browned.
• Stir in the garlic, wine, and tomatoes. Let simmer for about 1-2 hours for rich flavor.

4. Chicken Piccata

This lemony chicken dish is easy to prepare and bursting with flavor.

Ingredients: 4 boneless chicken breasts, 1/2 cup flour, 1/2 cup white wine, 1/4 cup lemon juice, capers, parsley, salt, and pepper.

Instructions:

• Flatten the chicken breasts, season with salt and pepper, and dust with flour.
• Heat olive oil in a skillet and brown the chicken on both sides.
• Add wine, lemon juice, and capers, then simmer until the chicken is cooked through.
• Garnish with parsley before serving.

5. Grilled Sausages with Peppers and Onions

This is a simple yet flavorful dish that brings together two Italian classics.

Ingredients: Italian sausages, bell peppers, onions, olive oil, salt, and pepper.

Instructions:

• Preheat your grill. Slice the peppers and onions and toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
• Grill the sausages until cooked through, while also grilling the vegetables until they are tender and slightly charred.
• Serve the sausages