Name: Smoked Italian Meatballs
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 2 h
Total time: 2 h 20 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1/2 lb ground pork; 1/2 cup breadcrumbs; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 egg; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 small onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes; 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning; 1 teaspoon sugar; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh basil for garnish (optional)

Jump to Recipe

If you’re a fan of classic Italian meatballs, then you’re in for a treat with this Smoked Italian Meatballs recipe. The smoky flavor pairs beautifully with the traditional Italian seasonings, making this dish something extraordinary. The process begins with making your own meatballs from a simple combination of ingredients, followed by smoking them on the Traeger, which infuses them with a rich, smoky flavor. Afterward, the meatballs are braised in homemade tomato sauce, all cooked together in a heavy-duty enameled Dutch oven (think Staub!) inside the smoker. The result? A dish so irresistible that you’ll be reaching for seconds, or even thirds.

This unique twist on traditional meatballs adds a deep, smoky depth to the flavors, elevating a simple weeknight meal to something memorable. Whether served with pasta, on a sub roll, or enjoyed on their own, these Smoked Italian Meatballs are perfect for any occasion. If you’re ready to change up your meatball game and add an extra layer of flavor to your dishes, this recipe is just what you need.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Smoked Flavor

The smoking process infuses the meatballs with an irresistible smoky flavor that elevates the classic Italian seasoning to new heights.

2. Homemade Sauce

The rich homemade tomato sauce pairs perfectly with the smoky meatballs, offering the ultimate combination of savory flavors.

3. Tender and Juicy Meatballs

Smoking the meatballs first and then braising them ensures they stay juicy and tender, giving you the perfect texture in every bite.

4. Simple Ingredients

Despite the smoky twist, this recipe is simple to make, using basic ingredients that are easy to find at any grocery store.

5. Versatile

These Smoked Italian Meatballs can be served in various ways—whether you enjoy them in a sub sandwich, on top of pasta, or just as an appetizer, they’re always a hit.

Ingredients

For the Meatballs:

Ground beef or a blend of beef and pork
Italian breadcrumbs

Grated Parmesan cheese
Garlic (minced)
Fresh parsley (chopped)

Salt and pepper
Eggs

For the Tomato Sauce:

Canned tomatoes (crushed or whole)

Fresh basil
Olive oil
Garlic (minced)

Salt and pepper
Red pepper flakes (optional for heat)

Variations

Meatball Blend: If you prefer a different blend, try using ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option, or swap in lamb for a richer flavor.

Spicy Kick: Add some red pepper flakes to the meatballs or tomato sauce for an extra kick of spice.
Tomato Sauce: Feel free to customize the tomato sauce with additional herbs like oregano or thyme, or stir in a bit of cream for a richer, more indulgent sauce.
Vegetarian Option: For a vegetarian version, substitute the meatballs with plant-based meatballs made from lentils or soy protein.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs

Mix together the ground meat, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic, parsley, salt, pepper, and eggs in a large bowl. Use your hands to form the mixture into meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter.

Step 2: Smoke the Meatballs

Preheat your Traeger smoker to 225°F. Arrange the meatballs on the smoker’s grate and smoke for about 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F. The smoky flavor should be fully infused into the meatballs at this stage.

Step 3: Prepare the Tomato Sauce

While the meatballs are smoking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Add the crushed tomatoes, basil, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Simmer the sauce for 20-30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Step 4: Braise the Meatballs

Once the meatballs are done smoking, transfer them to a heavy-duty enameled Dutch oven (such as a Staub) and pour the tomato sauce over the top. Put the entire Dutch oven back into the smoker and braise the meatballs in the sauce for an additional 45 minutes to an hour. This allows the meatballs to soak up all the flavors from the sauce while remaining juicy and tender.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Once the meatballs are fully cooked and the sauce has thickened, remove the Dutch oven from the smoker. Serve the Smoked Italian Meatballs with your favorite pasta, on a sub roll, or enjoy them as-is with some crusty bread to dip into the sauce.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Forming Meatballs: For uniform meatballs, use a small cookie scoop or your hands to ensure each meatball is the same size. This ensures even cooking.

Monitoring Temperature: Keep an eye on the internal temperature of the meatballs to ensure they reach 165°F for safety while keeping them tender.
Braising Time: Braising the meatballs in the sauce in the smoker helps them soak up the flavors, but if you’re short on time, you can braise them in the oven at 350°F instead.
Make Ahead: You can prepare the meatballs and sauce in advance, store them in the fridge, and then simply reheat them in the smoker or oven for an easy meal.

How to Serve

These Smoked Italian Meatballs are incredibly versatile and can be served in various ways:

On Pasta: Serve the meatballs and sauce over a bed of spaghetti or your favorite pasta for a classic Italian dinner.
Sub Sandwich: Place the meatballs in a toasted sub roll, top with mozzarella cheese, and broil for a few minutes for a hearty meatball sub.

As an Appetizer: Serve the meatballs as a standalone appetizer with toothpicks for easy serving at parties or gatherings.
With Crusty Bread: Serve with slices of crusty Italian bread to soak up the delicious tomato sauce.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover meatballs and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave before serving.

Freezing

These meatballs freeze beautifully. After smoking and braising, let the meatballs and sauce cool completely. Transfer them to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, defrost overnight in the refrigerator and then warm in the oven or on the stovetop.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the meatballs in a pot on the stove over low heat, or reheat them in the oven at 350°F until they are hot and bubbly.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought meatballs instead of homemade?

Yes, you can use store-bought meatballs, but the smoky flavor and homemade tomato sauce will make a big difference in the final result.

What if I don’t have a smoker?

If you don’t have a smoker, you can bake the meatballs in the oven at 375°F for 20-25 minutes, and then braise them in the tomato sauce on the stovetop.

Can I make this recipe in advance?

Yes, you can make the meatballs and tomato sauce in advance. Simply store them in the refrigerator and reheat when ready to serve.

How long does it take to smoke the meatballs?

Smoking the meatballs usually takes about 45 minutes to 1 hour, depending on the size of the meatballs and the temperature of your smoker.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Yes, the tomato sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Can I use a different type of meat for the meatballs?

Yes, you can use ground turkey, chicken, or pork instead of beef for the meatballs, depending on your preference.

What can I serve with Smoked Italian Meatballs?

These meatballs pair well with pasta, in a sandwich, with rice, or alongside roasted vegetables or a simple salad.

How do I get the perfect meatball texture?

Make sure not to overwork the meat mixture to keep the meatballs tender. Also, be sure to let them rest and firm up in the refrigerator before smoking.

What if I don’t have a Dutch oven?

You can braise the meatballs in a heavy oven-safe dish or a large skillet with a lid.

How do I know when the meatballs are fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the meatballs. They should reach 165°F for safe consumption.

Conclusion

Smoked Italian Meatballs are a unique and delicious twist on a classic favorite. The smoky flavor enhances the traditional Italian seasoning, and braising them in homemade tomato sauce makes them even more flavorful and tender. This recipe is sure to impress your guests and become a new family favorite, whether served with pasta, on a sandwich, or enjoyed on their own. Try it today and elevate your meatball game!