This meatball recipe, aptly named "Meatball Nirvana," combines elements from various recipes to create the ultimate flavorful and juicy meatball experience. Perfect for serving with pasta, in a sandwich, or simply with a side of your favorite sauce.
Ingredients
- 1 pound extra lean ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- ½ cup seasoned bread crumbs
- ⅓ cup skim milk
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 ½ tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 ½ teaspoons Italian seasoning
- ¾ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¾ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ½ teaspoon garlic salt
- 1 dash hot pepper sauce (such as Frank's RedHot®), or to taste
Directions
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
- Mix Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, onion, bread crumbs, milk, Parmesan cheese, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, oregano, red pepper flakes, sea salt, garlic salt, and hot pepper sauce. Mix until all the ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Form Meatballs:
- Shape the mixture into 12 evenly sized meatballs. Place them on a baking sheet.
- Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and no longer pink in the center.
- Serve:
- Serve the meatballs over your favorite pasta, or nestle them inside crusty garlic bread rolls for a delicious meatball sub. Cover with your preferred red sauce for an added layer of flavor.
Tips:
- Lean Meat: Using extra lean ground beef helps keep the meatballs lighter but still juicy.
- Seasoning Adjustments: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes and hot sauce based on your heat preference.
- Serving Suggestion: If serving with pasta, consider cooking the pasta while the meatballs bake to save time.
These meatballs are sure to be a hit, providing a perfect blend of spices and flavors that elevate them beyond the ordinary. Whether you're looking to impress at a dinner party or just making a hearty family meal, this recipe is a must-try!
Meatball Nirvana Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 24 meatballs
Description
Meatball Nirvana is more than just your average meatball recipe; it's a revelation in flavor and texture. These meatballs are seasoned to perfection, packed with spices and herbs that create a delightful taste explosion with every bite. They're ideal for serving with spaghetti, in a sub, or as a savory appetizer.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- ½ pound ground pork (optional, for extra flavor)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon dried basil
- Optional: 1 teaspoon smoked paprika for a smoky flavor
Instructions
-
Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
-
Mix Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork (if using), breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, garlic, onion, egg, milk, Worcestershire sauce, salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes, oregano, basil, and smoked paprika (if using).
- Mix until all ingredients are evenly incorporated, but be careful not to overmix as this can make the meatballs tough.
-
Form Meatballs:
- Roll the mixture into balls, about the size of a golf ball.
-
Bake:
- Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the meatballs are browned and cooked through.
-
Serve:
- Serve the meatballs hot with your favorite pasta and sauce, tucked into sub rolls with marinara and melted cheese, or as an appetizer with toothpicks and dipping sauce.
Notes
- For a lighter version, you can use ground turkey instead of beef and pork.
- Soaking the breadcrumbs in milk before mixing helps to keep the meatballs moist.
- Searing the meatballs in a skillet before baking can add an extra layer of flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 meatballs
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
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