Are you craving a comforting yet sophisticated meal that's surprisingly easy to make? Then look no further! This recipe brings you Geoffrey Zakarian's take on classic meatballs, elevated with bright, zesty flavors and a tender, juicy texture. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a more impressive gathering, these meatballs are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Get ready to experience homemade cooking at its finest!
Ingredients:
This recipe makes approximately 24 meatballs.
- 1 pound ground veal
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)
- 1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh basil
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (panko recommended)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a touch of heat)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions:
Step 1: Preparing the Meatball Mixture
In a large bowl, gently combine the ground veal, ground beef, Parmesan cheese, parsley, basil, eggs, breadcrumbs, garlic, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Avoid overmixing, as this can result in tough meatballs.
Step 2: Shaping the Meatballs
Using your hands, gently form the mixture into 1-inch meatballs. Try to make them as uniform in size as possible for even cooking.
Step 3: Browning the Meatballs
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully add the meatballs to the skillet, ensuring not to overcrowd it. Brown the meatballs on all sides, about 4-5 minutes total. This step adds incredible depth of flavor.
Step 4: Simmering the Meatballs (Optional)
For extra tender meatballs and deeper flavor, you can transfer the browned meatballs to a slow cooker or Dutch oven. Add a cup of your favorite sauce (marinara, tomato, or even a creamy white sauce) and simmer on low for 2-3 hours or until cooked through.
Step 5: Serving Suggestions
These delicious meatballs are incredibly versatile. Serve them as is, with your favorite pasta, over polenta, in a hearty soup, or nestled in a crusty bread bowl.
Tips for Meatball Perfection:
- Don't overmix the meat: Overmixing develops gluten and can lead to tough meatballs.
- Use high-quality ingredients: The better the ingredients, the better the meatballs will taste.
- Don't overcrowd the pan: Give the meatballs enough space to brown evenly. Work in batches if necessary.
- Adjust seasonings to your taste: Feel free to add more or less salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes to suit your preferences.
Variations:
- Spicy Meatballs: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce to the meatball mixture.
- Herb Variations: Experiment with different herbs like oregano, thyme, or rosemary.
- Cheese-Stuffed Meatballs: Add a small piece of mozzarella or provolone cheese to the center of each meatball before browning.
Nutritional Information (per meatball, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 80-100 Protein: Approximately 8-10g Fat: Approximately 5-7g
This recipe offers a fantastic blend of easy recipes and healthy meals. These quick dinner ideas are perfect for busy weeknights, allowing you to enjoy a delicious and satisfying dish without spending hours in the kitchen. Try this Geoffrey Zakarian-inspired recipe today and discover a new favorite among your best recipes!