Tired of the same old dinner routine? Craving a flavorful, homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchen? Then look no further! This Tempo Meatball Mix recipe is your answer. It's a fantastically easy recipe, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a casual weekend gathering. This recipe utilizes the convenience of a pre-made meatball mix, elevating it with fresh herbs and a touch of homemade magic, resulting in a delicious and satisfying dish the whole family will adore.
Ingredients:
- 1 package (16 oz) Tempo Meatball Mix
- 1/2 cup milk (whole milk recommended for richness)
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Your favorite pasta (Spaghetti, penne, or rigatoni work well)
- Marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
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Prepare the Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the Tempo Meatball Mix, milk, egg, parsley, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Gently mix with your hands until just combined. Avoid overmixing, as this can result in tough meatballs.
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Form the Meatballs: Roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs. This is a great task to get the kids involved in!
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Brown 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. Brown the meatballs on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. This step adds a beautiful depth of flavor.
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Simmer in Sauce: Reduce the heat to medium-low, add your favorite marinara sauce, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and the sauce has thickened slightly. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
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Cook the Pasta: While the meatballs simmer, cook your chosen pasta according to package directions.
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Serve: Drain the pasta and add it to the skillet with the meatballs and sauce. Toss gently to combine. Serve immediately, topped with grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Tips for the Best Tempo Meatballs:
- Don't overmix the meatball mixture: Overmixing develops the gluten in the bread crumbs, resulting in tough meatballs.
- Use fresh herbs whenever possible: Fresh herbs provide a brighter, more vibrant flavor than dried herbs.
- Don't overcrowd the skillet: Overcrowding will steam the meatballs instead of browning them. Work in batches if necessary.
- Simmer gently: Low and slow simmering allows the flavors to meld and the meatballs to cook through evenly.
Variations:
- Spicy Meatballs: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meatball mixture for a little kick.
- Cheese-Stuffed Meatballs: Add small pieces of mozzarella or provolone cheese to the center of each meatball before browning.
- Herb Variations: Experiment with different herbs like basil, thyme, or rosemary.
- Meatless Meatballs: Substitute the Tempo Meatball Mix with a vegetarian meatball mix for a delicious vegetarian option.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the specific ingredients used and serving size. For a general estimate, consider using an online nutritional calculator with the ingredients listed above.
This Tempo Meatball Mix recipe is a fantastic example of quick, easy, and delicious homemade cooking. It's a perfect weeknight dinner solution that doesn’t compromise on taste or satisfaction. Enjoy!