Rustic Italian Bison & Pork Meatballs in Rich Tomato Sauce
A pot of homemade Italian meatballs simmering in tomato sauce is timeless. The smell fills the kitchen and draws loved ones to the table well before dinner.
This version combines the rich, slightly sweet flavour of Noble Premium Ground Bison with the tenderness ofduBreton Ground Pork to create exceptionally juicy meatballs with wonderful depth of flavour. The blend is lean yet satisfying, producing meatballs that are hearty without feeling heavy.
Whether you serve them over a plate of perfectly cooked spaghetti, tucked into a toasted sandwich, or simply alongside slices of warm homemade bread for dipping into the rich tomato sauce, these meatballs are comfort food at its finest. Perfect for Sunday dinners, meal prep, or special family gatherings, this recipe is one you'll return to again and again.
Why You'll Love This Recipe?
Because …
• Made with premium Canadian bison and pork.
• Tender, juicy meatballs every time.
• Rich homemade tomato sauce.
• Perfect over pasta or with crusty bread.
• Freezer-friendly.
• Great for family dinners and entertaining.
• Wonderful leftovers.
What Makes Bison Special?
Bison is naturally leaner than beef while still delivering rich flavour. When paired with ground pork, the result is beautifully moist meatballs that stay tender throughout cooking. It's a delicious combination that gives a traditional Italian favourite a unique twist.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve these Italian meatballs with:
• Spaghetti
• Linguine
• Pappardelle
• Creamy polenta
• Homemade Italian bread
• Garlic bread
• Caesar salad
• Roasted vegetables
• Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil
Storage:
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freeze cooked meatballs and sauce for up to 3 months.
Reheat gently on the stovetop until hot.
Did you know?
• Meatballs aren't actually one traditional Italian dish. Every region of Italy has its own version of "polpette."
• In Italy, meatballs are often served as a main course rather than on top of pasta.
• Spaghetti and meatballs became especially popular in North America through Italian immigrant communities.
Rustic Italian Bison & Pork Meatballs in Rich Tomato Sauce Recipe
By Zosia Culinary Adventures| Date: August 12, 2026
Preparation Time: 40 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 24 meatballs (95 g each)
Ingredients:
454 g Noble Premium Ground Bison or ground beef of your choice
454 g du Breton Ground Pork
4 large eggs, beaten
4 large slices stale sourdough breador other homemade bread, soaked in water or milk
1.5 cups grated parmesan or pecorino cheese
2 garlic cloves, minced
½ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
1.5 L Roasted Tomato and Red Pepper Sauceor Marinara sauce of your choice
sea salt
white pepper
crusty bread or cooked spaghetti for serving
Instructions:
Presoak the cut-up stale bread in water or milk for about 30 minutes to soften it thoroughly, then squeeze out the excess liquid until it’s just moist.
In the large bowl place the ground meats, softened bread mixture, beaten eggs, grated cheese, chopped parsley, minced garlic, and a generous pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper. Gently work everything together with your hands or a spoon until the ingredients are thoroughly and evenly combined.
Form the mixture into even size 24 meatballs and set them aside.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Brown the meatballs on several sides, about 6–8 minutes total. They don't need to cook completely through yet.
Pour the prepared tomato sauce into the large enameled cast-iron casserole skillet. Arrange all the meatballs on top of the sauce in a single layer. Gently shake the pan a few times so the sauce laps up around and begins to coat the meatballs; add a bit more sauce if necessary to ensure they’re mostly covered. Cover the casserole and transfer it to the preheated oven set to 350°F (176°C). Let it cook for 30 minutes.
Sprinkle with fresh parsley or basil and extra Parmesan.
Best served: over spaghetti, with crusty Italian bread, or simply with lots of Parmesan and sauce.
