Craving a comforting yet exciting meal that's quick to make and incredibly satisfying? Then look no further! This recipe brings you the vibrant flavors of Bobby Flay's legendary meatballs, a dish that effortlessly blends simple ingredients with masterful technique. Whether you're a seasoned home cook or just starting your culinary journey, this easy recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Get ready to impress your family and friends with these juicy, flavorful meatballs – a true testament to the power of homemade cooking.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)
- 1/2 pound ground pork
- 1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 1/4 cup bread crumbs
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a touch of heat)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Your favorite marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions:
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Prepare the Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, gently combine the ground beef, ground pork, Parmesan cheese, parsley, garlic, egg, bread crumbs, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Avoid overmixing, as this can result in tough meatballs. The goal is to just blend the ingredients.
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Shape the Meatballs: Roll the meat mixture into 1-inch meatballs. For perfectly round meatballs, use a small cookie scoop or a spoon to portion the meat.
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Brown the Meatballs: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the meatballs and cook, turning occasionally, until they are nicely browned on all sides, about 8-10 minutes. Don't overcrowd the pan; work in batches if necessary for even browning.
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Simmer in Sauce: Once browned, transfer the meatballs to a slow cooker or a Dutch oven. Pour your favorite marinara sauce over the meatballs, ensuring they are mostly submerged. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for at least 1 hour, or up to 2 hours, for extra tender meatballs. The longer they simmer, the more flavorful they become!
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Serve and Enjoy: Serve the meatballs hot, spooned over pasta, alongside crusty bread, or as part of a hearty meatball sub.
Tips for Perfect Meatballs:
- Don't overmix the meat: Overmixing develops the gluten in the meat, resulting in tough meatballs. Gently combine the ingredients until just mixed.
- Use a good quality ground meat: The flavor of your meatballs will depend heavily on the quality of your ground meat. Opt for a blend of beef and pork for optimal juiciness.
- Don't overcrowd the pan: Give the meatballs enough space to brown evenly. Cook them in batches if your pan isn't large enough.
- Let the meatballs rest: Allow the meatballs to rest for a few minutes after cooking before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender meatballs.
Delicious Variations:
- Spicy Meatballs: Increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
- Cheese-Stuffed Meatballs: Create a small indentation in the center of each meatball before rolling and fill with a small piece of mozzarella or provolone cheese.
- Herb-Infused Meatballs: Experiment with different herbs, such as thyme, rosemary, or sage.
Nutritional Information (per meatball, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 100-120
- Protein: 8-10g
- Fat: 7-9g
This delicious and easy recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, offering a quick and healthy meal that tastes like it took all day to make. These flavorful meatballs are sure to become a family favorite! Enjoy!