Are you craving a comforting yet incredibly flavorful dinner that’s surprisingly easy to make? Look no further! These Omaha Steaks Meatballs are the perfect solution for a quick weeknight meal or a sophisticated appetizer. Using high-quality Omaha Steaks ground beef, these meatballs pack a punch of deliciousness that will leave everyone wanting more. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, providing a healthy and delicious meal without sacrificing flavor or time. Let's dive into this simple yet impressive recipe!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb Omaha Steaks Ground Beef (80/20 blend recommended)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (panko recommended)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 1/4 cup 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
- Your favorite marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions:
Get Started:
- In a large bowl, gently combine the ground beef, 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.
Shape and Brown:
- Roll the meat mixture into 1-inch meatballs.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Carefully add the meatballs to the skillet, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Brown the meatballs on all sides, about 5-7 minutes, until nicely browned.
Simmer and Serve:
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Pour your favorite marinara sauce over the meatballs. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and the sauce has thickened slightly.
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Serve the meatballs over pasta, rice, polenta, or alongside crusty bread for dipping.
Tips for Meatball Perfection:
- Don't overmix: Overmixing the meat mixture will result in tough meatballs. Gently combine the ingredients until just incorporated.
- Use high-quality ground beef: The flavor of these meatballs truly depends on the quality of the ground beef. Omaha Steaks ground beef is a perfect choice for its rich flavor and tenderness.
- Don't overcrowd the pan: Overcrowding the pan will prevent the meatballs from browning properly. Work in batches if necessary.
- Adjust seasonings to your taste: Feel free to adjust the amount of herbs, spices, and red pepper flakes to suit your preferences.
- Make it ahead: These meatballs can be made ahead of time and reheated. Simply store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze them for longer storage.
Variations:
- Spicy Meatballs: Add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
- Cheesy Meatballs: Add 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese to the meat mixture.
- Mediterranean Meatballs: Substitute the oregano and basil with 1 teaspoon of dried thyme and 1/2 teaspoon of dried mint. Add some chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the meat mixture.
Nutritional Information (per meatball, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 100-120
- Protein: 10-12g
- Fat: 6-8g
- Carbohydrates: 2-3g
Enjoy your delicious and easy Omaha Steaks Meatballs! This recipe is a fantastic example of homemade cooking at its finest, delivering a healthy and delicious meal perfect for busy weeknights. These meatballs are sure to become a family favorite!