Authentic Rao’s Meatballs Recipe

Authentic Rao’s Meatballs Recipe

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There is a reason why people wait months for a reservation at Rao’s in New York City. Their meatballs are legendary—incredibly tender, flavorful, and perfectly balanced. This recipe recreates that famous flavor profile in your own kitchen using the traditional blend of ground beef, pork, and veal.

FAQ

Can I bake these instead of frying?

Yes, you can bake them at 400°F (200°C) on a parchment-lined sheet for about 20 minutes, though frying provides the traditional golden crust.

Can I use just ground beef?

You can, but the fat content of the pork and the texture of the veal are essential to the signature Rao's flavor and tenderness.

⏱️
Prep
20 mins
🔥
Cook
45 mins
Total
1 hr 5 mins
🍽️
Servings
6 servings
👩‍🍳
Difficulty
Medium

Authentic Rao’s Meatballs Recipe

Learn how to make the legendary Rao’s meatballs at home. This classic Italian meatball recipe uses a blend of three meats for the perfect tender texture.

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Ingredients

Servings: 6 servings

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Instructions

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, and ground veal. Use your hands to gently mix the meats together.
  2. Add the breadcrumbs, Parmesan, parsley, garlic, salt, pepper, and the beaten eggs. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overwork the meat.
  3. Slowly add the water (or milk) to the mixture. This is the secret to a soft, tender meatball. The mixture will feel very wet—this is normal.
  1. Form the mixture into round meatballs, about the size of a tennis ball or slightly smaller.
  2. Heat about 1/2 inch of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  3. Fry the meatballs in batches, turning carefully, until they are browned on all sides. They do not need to be cooked through at this stage, as they will finish cooking in your sauce.
  4. Transfer the browned meatballs into a pot of simmering marinara sauce and cook for 30–40 minutes.
480 kcal
Calories
28g
Protein
15g
Carbs
34g
Fat
Recipe Notes

For the softest texture, use whole milk instead of water. Also, handle the mixture gently; over-mixing will result in tough, dense meatballs.

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harrycruse

Recipe developer and home cook sharing tested, reliable recipes.

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