Tired of bland, boring meatballs? Craving a truly delicious and satisfying meal that's surprisingly easy to make? Then get ready to elevate your dinner game with this recipe inspired by the culinary genius of Gordon Ramsay. We'll be crafting juicy, flavorful meatballs that are perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a more elaborate meal. This recipe combines simple ingredients with clever techniques to deliver restaurant-quality results in your own kitchen. Get ready for a flavor explosion!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)
- 1/2 lb ground pork
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (panko recommended)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a touch of heat)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup dry red wine (optional, but adds depth of flavor)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil, for garnish
Instructions:
Get started: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Prepare the meatball mixture: In a large bowl, gently combine the ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, parsley, garlic, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Avoid overmixing, as this can result in tough meatballs.
Form the meatballs: Roll the meat mixture into 1-inch meatballs. Try to make them as uniform in size as possible for even cooking.
Brown the meatballs: Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the meatballs on all sides, working in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan. This step adds incredible flavor!
Simmer in the sauce: Once browned, add the crushed tomatoes and red wine (if using) to the skillet. Bring to a simmer, then transfer the skillet to the preheated oven.
Bake to perfection: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and the sauce has thickened slightly. A meat thermometer inserted into the center of a meatball should register 160°F (71°C).
Garnish and serve: Garnish with fresh basil before serving. These delicious meatballs are perfect served over pasta, with mashed potatoes, or alongside a simple green salad.
Cooking Tips for Mouthwatering Meatballs:
- Don't overmix the meat: Gently combine the ingredients to prevent tough meatballs.
- Use high-quality ground meat: The flavor of your meatballs will directly reflect the quality of the meat you use.
- Brown the meatballs thoroughly: This step adds incredible depth of flavor to the finished dish.
- Simmer gently: Avoid boiling the sauce, as this can make the meatballs tough.
- Adjust seasonings to your taste: Feel free to adjust the amount of herbs, spices, and red pepper flakes to suit your preference.
Variations:
- Add cheese: Stuff the meatballs with mozzarella or provolone cheese for an extra cheesy treat.
- Use different herbs: Experiment with other herbs such as thyme, rosemary, or sage.
- Make it spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce to the sauce for extra heat.
- Add vegetables: Incorporate finely chopped vegetables like onions, carrots, or zucchini into the meatball mixture for added nutrition and flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on serving size and specific ingredients used. For a more accurate calculation, use a nutrition calculator and input your exact ingredients.
This recipe offers a healthy balance of protein and flavor, making it a satisfying and nutritious meal option. Enjoy!