A meatball is a small, round ball of ground meat, typically made with beef, pork, or a combination of the two. Meatballs can also be made with other types of meat, such as lamb or turkey, or with plant-based ingredients such as beans or tofu. Meatballs are often flavored with herbs, spices, and other seasonings, and they can be cooked in a variety of ways, including baking, frying, or simmering in a sauce. They are a popular food in many cultures around the world and can be served as a main dish or as an ingredient in other dishes, such as soups, stews, or sandwiches.

Best Meatball Recipes

Swedish Meatballs Recipe

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 pound ground pork
  • 1 small onion, finely diced
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 egg
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons flour
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

  1. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, onion, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Mix well to combine.
  2. Roll the mixture into small balls, about the size of a golf ball.
  3. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook until they are browned on all sides and cooked through, about 10-12 minutes.
  4. Remove the meatballs from the skillet and set aside.
  5. In the same skillet, add the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the flour is lightly golden.
  6. Slowly add the beef broth, stirring constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Bring the mixture to a boil and then reduce the heat to a simmer.
  7. Add the heavy cream and Worcestershire sauce to the skillet and stir to combine.
  8. Return the meatballs to the skillet and simmer for an additional 10 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.
  9. Season the sauce with salt and pepper, to taste.
  10. Serve the Swedish meatballs over noodles or mashed potatoes, garnished with chopped parsley or dill, if desired.

Mediterranean Meatballs with Tzatziki

Ingredients:

For the meatballs:

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 egg
  • 1/4 cup finely diced onion
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the tzatziki:

  • 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 1/2 cucumber, grated and squeezed to remove excess moisture
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
  • salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

  1. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, onion, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine.
  2. Roll the mixture into small balls, about the size of a golf ball.
  3. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook until they are browned on all sides and cooked through, about 10-12 minutes.
  4. While the meatballs are cooking, make the tzatziki sauce. In a small bowl, combine the yogurt, cucumber, garlic, lemon juice, and dill. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.
  5. Serve the meatballs with the tzatziki sauce on the side, garnished with additional dill, if desired. Enjoy!

Cyprus Meatballs

Ingredients:

For the meatballs:

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 egg
  • 1/4 cup finely diced onion
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the tomato sauce:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 onion, finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

  1. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, onion, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine.
  2. Roll the mixture into small balls, about the size of a golf ball.
  3. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook until they are browned on all sides and cooked through, about 10-12 minutes.
  4. While the meatballs are cooking, make the tomato sauce. In a separate skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook until the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes.
  5. Add the diced tomatoes and oregano to the skillet and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer and let it cook for 10 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.
  6. Serve the Cyprus meatballs with the tomato sauce on top, garnished with additional oregano, if desired. Enjoy!

Teriyaki Chicken Meatballs with Broccoli

Ingredients:

For the meatballs:

  • 1 pound ground chicken
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 egg
  • 1/4 cup finely diced onion
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon grated ginger
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

For the teriyaki sauce:

  • 1/2 cup soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon grated ginger
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 1/4 cup water

For the broccoli:

  • 1 head of broccoli, cut into florets
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

  1. In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, egg, onion, garlic, ginger, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine.
  2. Roll the mixture into small balls, about the size of a golf ball.
  3. In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook until they are browned on all sides and cooked through, about 10-12 minutes.
  4. While the meatballs are cooking, make the teriyaki sauce. In a small saucepan, combine the soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat.
  5. In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water until smooth. Add the cornstarch mixture to the saucepan and stir until the sauce thickens, about 2-3 minutes.
  6. In a separate skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the broccoli and cook until it is tender and lightly browned, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.
  7. Serve the teriyaki chicken meatballs with the broccoli on the side, drizzled with the teriyaki sauce. Enjoy!

Vegetarian Meatballs

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup cooked brown rice
  • 1 cup cooked black beans
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 egg
  • 1/4 cup finely diced onion
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the tomato sauce:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 onion, finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

  1. In a large bowl, combine the brown rice, black beans, breadcrumbs, egg, onion, garlic, chili powder, cumin, and salt. Mix well to combine.
  2. Roll the mixture into small balls, about the size of a golf ball.
  3. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook until they are browned on all sides and heated through, about 10-12 minutes.
  4. While the meatballs are cooking, make the tomato sauce. In a separate skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook until the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes.
  5. Add the diced tomatoes and dried herbs to the skillet and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer and let it cook for 10 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.
  6. Serve the vegetarian meatballs with the tomato sauce on top, garnished with additional herbs, if desired. Enjoy!

What to Serve with Meatballs

There are many different dishes that go well with meatballs, depending on the flavor of the meatballs and the desired meal. Some ideas for what to serve with meatballs include:

  • Pasta: Meatballs and pasta is a classic combination. You can serve the meatballs over spaghetti, linguine, or any other type of pasta.
  • Rice: Rice is a great side dish for meatballs, especially if you’re looking for something light and fluffy to balance out the rich, savory flavors of the meatballs.
  • Mashed potatoes: Mashed potatoes are a creamy, comforting side dish that pairs well with meatballs. You can also mix the meatballs into the mashed potatoes for a more filling and satisfying meal.
  • Vegetables: Roasted or sautéed vegetables are a healthy and delicious way to round out a meal with meatballs. Some options might include broccoli, green beans, asparagus, bell peppers, or zucchini.
  • Salad: A simple green salad can provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of meatballs. You can also add other elements, such as fruit, nuts, or cheese, to add flavor and texture.
  • Bread: A slice of bread or a roll can be a great way to soak up the delicious sauces that often accompany meatballs. You can also use bread to make sandwiches with leftover meatballs.

How to Make the Perfect Meatballs

Here are some tips for making good meatballs:

  1. Use good quality meat: Choose ground meat that is fresh and has a good flavor. This will help ensure that your meatballs are flavorful and moist.
  2. Add moisture: To keep your meatballs from becoming dry and tough, add moisture to the mixture. This can be in the form of eggs, milk, or even soaked breadcrumbs.
  3. Use a binding agent: A binding agent, such as breadcrumbs or eggs, helps hold the meatballs together and gives them structure.
  4. Don’t overmix: Overmixing the meat mixture can lead to tough meatballs. Gently mix the ingredients together until just combined.
  5. Use the right size pan: If the pan is too small, the meatballs will be crowded and may steam rather than brown. If the pan is too large, the meatballs will spread out too much and may not cook evenly.
  6. Don’t overcrowd the pan: It’s important to give the meatballs enough space in the pan so that they can brown evenly. If the pan is too crowded, the meatballs may steam instead of brown.
  7. Cook the meatballs evenly: To ensure that the meatballs are cooked evenly, roll them into even-sized balls. This will help them cook at the same rate.
  8. Don’t overcook the meatballs: Overcooking the meatballs can cause them to become dry and tough. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness and remove the meatballs from the heat when they reach an internal temperature of 160°F for ground beef and pork, and 165°F for ground chicken or turkey.

Categorized in:

info