Portioning meat is always difficult at dinner time. Cutting the right size, almost pulling out the scale to weigh it, comparing it to a deck of playing cards, etc. Meatballs make it easy! For this recipe, each person can have up to 6 meatballs, and not exceed a 4 oz. portion of meat. However, splitting those 6 into two meals (for those who prefer to skimp on meat) will give you some great flavor with your spaghetti and on that sandwich. Also, my children hate ground beef chunks in spaghetti sauce, but LOVE meatballs. There is some novelty making it far more interesting than meatloaf, but slightly less appealing than mini-hamburgers. I have to believe the physical appearance is the primary reason behind such toddler-thinking.
When you want Meat-Meatballs, try these flavorful, garlicky nuggets. I tried so many recipes for meatballs and was repeatedly met with disappointment. This concoction was discovered the hard way - through trial and error. Nothing earth-shattering, except maybe the addition of cheese and rolled oats. Oh, and don't skip the food processor - it helps ensure that the mixture gets evenly distributed among the meatballs.
1 lb. ground beef (90/10 or 85/15 fat content)
1/4 cup rolled oats
2 slices of bread (a hamburger bun or a hotdog bun)
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp fresh ground pepper
1 egg
1/4 cup minced fresh onion
1/4 cup shredded parmesan
1/4 cup shredded mozzarella
2 garlic cloves, minced
couple shakes of Italian seasoning
Heat oven to 400ยบ
Put rolled oats and bread in food processor until finely chopped. Add remainder of ingredients (except meat) to the food processor until well combined. Break up ground beef in mixing bowl and add mixture until well combined.
Line bottom of broiler pan with aluminum foil. Spray top of broiler pan with non-stick cooking spray.
Shape into 1.5" meatballs (makes about 24) and place on top of broiler pan. Bake for 18-20 minutes.
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Once made, I try to split the meatballs to make two meals in one week. However, this time we ended up making lunch out of the leftovers instead.....
Meal #1 Meatballs, spaghetti, marinara sauce, and steamed broccoli.
Meal #2 Meatball sandwiches on hoagie rolls with smoked provolone broiled in the oven. Reserve some marinara from previous meal to spread on toasted sandwiches. Serve with Cesar salad.
(Soundtrack while making this meal on Monday night: Jason Aldean - Night Train)
Heh Sissy - Can the main ingredient be substituted (i.e. ground chicken, ground turkey, etc.)? Thanks!
ReplyDeleteI have never made them with anything other than beef. However, if you decide to use turkey or chicken, I would advise to possibly reduce the cooking time or oven temperature slightly. If they cook too long, the lack of fat content could result in a dry meatball. Otherwise, these have so much flavor from the onion, garlic and cheeses, they should taste great.
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