Are you looking for a quick dinner idea that's both healthy and incredibly flavorful? Then look no further! These oatmeal meatballs are a fantastic way to sneak in extra fiber and nutrients while enjoying a comforting, homemade meal. Forget bland and boring meatballs – this recipe delivers juicy, tender meatballs bursting with deliciousness. They're perfect for busy weeknights and easily adaptable to your taste preferences. Let's get cooking!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1 cup cooked brown rice (or quinoa for a gluten-free option)
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup grated carrot (optional, for added moisture and sweetness)
- 1 pound ground beef (or turkey, chicken, or a vegetarian substitute like lentils)
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (panko recommended for extra crispiness)
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions:
Get Started:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Prepare the Meatball Mixture:
- In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, cooked brown rice, onion, garlic, and carrot (if using). Mix well.
- Add the ground meat, breadcrumbs, egg, parsley, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper to the bowl. Gently mix with your hands until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough meatballs.
Shape and Bake:
- Roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs.
- Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Brown the meatballs on all sides, about 2-3 minutes per side. This step adds incredible flavor!
- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and slightly browned. Use a meat thermometer to ensure they reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
Serve and Enjoy:
- Serve your delicious oatmeal meatballs with your favorite sauce – marinara, creamy tomato, or even a simple balsamic glaze all work wonderfully. They're also great served over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes.
Tips for Perfect Meatballs:
- Don't overmix: Overmixing the meatball mixture can make the meatballs tough. Mix gently until just combined.
- Chill the mixture: For even better results, chill the meatball mixture in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before shaping and baking. This helps the meatballs hold their shape better.
- Adjust seasonings: Feel free to adjust the seasonings to your liking. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat, or experiment with different herbs and spices.
Variations:
- Spicy Meatballs: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the meatball mixture.
- Cheese-Stuffed Meatballs: Add a small cube of mozzarella or cheddar cheese to the center of each meatball before baking.
- Mediterranean Meatballs: Substitute ground lamb for beef and add crumbled feta cheese and dried mint to the meatball mixture.
Nutritional Information (per meatball, approximate):
This will vary depending on the specific ingredients used. For a general idea using the recipe above with ground beef: Calories: 100-120, Protein: 8-10g, Fat: 6-8g, Carbohydrates: 5-7g, Fiber: 2-3g. Remember to use a nutrition calculator for a more precise analysis based on your exact ingredients and quantities.
These easy, healthy, and delicious oatmeal meatballs are a fantastic addition to your recipe repertoire. They're a quick dinner solution, perfect for busy weeknights, family meals, or meal prepping. Enjoy!