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Golden-brown, slightly charred Italian meatballs nestled in a rich, bubbling tomato sauce with visible herbs and wisps of garlic, garnished with fresh parsley and served on a rustic wooden board beside warm crusty bread.

The Godfather Clemenza’s Meatballs and Sauce

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Clemenza’s Meatballs and Sauce is a faithful homage to the iconic meatball recipe made famous in *The Godfather*.juicy, herbed beef and pork meatballs simmered slowly in a bold tomato sauce, finished with fresh parsley and a drizzle of olive oil. Perfect for Sundays or any night you crave big, bold flavors.

  • Total Time: 80 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef (80% lean)
  • 1/2 lb ground Italian pork sausage, casing removed
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs, soaked in 1/4 cup milk
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp dried oregano
  • 2 tbsp olive oil, for browning
  • 1 tbsp olive oil, for sauce
  • 1 medium onion, finely diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine beef, pork, breadcrumbs (with milk), Parmesan, parsley, garlic, egg, salt, pepper, and oregano. Mix gently with hands until just combined—do not overmix.
  2. Roll mixture into 24 evenly sized meatballs (about 1.5 inches in diameter).
  3. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown meatballs in batches, about 3–4 minutes per side. Set aside.
  4. Reduce heat to medium. Add 1 tbsp olive oil, then sauté onion until soft (5 mins). Add garlic and cook 1 minute more.
  5. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, sugar, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring to a gentle simmer.
  6. Return meatballs to the pot, cover, and simmer on low for 45–60 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  7. Stir in fresh basil and adjust seasoning. Serve warm over pasta, polenta, or with crusty bread.

Notes

  • For extra tenderness, add 1/4 cup finely grated zucchini or mushrooms to the meat mixture.
  • Freeze cooked meatballs and sauce separately for up to 3 months—perfect for future Godfather movie nights.
  • For deeper flavor, add a splash of red wine to the sauce while simmering.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 60 minutes
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: Italian-American
  • Diet: None specified (contains gluten, dairy, egg)

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4 meatballs + 1/2 cup sauce
  • Calories: 390 Kcal
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 720mg
  • Fat: 26g
  • Saturated Fat: 9g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5g
  • Carbohydrates: 22g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 25g
  • Cholesterol: 85mg

Find it online: https://hollywood-recipes.com/the-godfather-clemenzas-meatballs-and-sauce/

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