3 Ridiculously Delicious Meatball Dishes You Need to Make

Photo by Gary Barnes: pexels

Meatballs are comfort food that is enjoyed by people of various cultural backgrounds. These adaptable and flavorful morsels have a remarkable capacity to satiate appetites and unite people around the table. Meatballs never fail to give a flavorful kick, whether you enjoy them coated in decadent sauces, served over pasta, or tucked inside a hefty sandwich.

The mouthwatering meatball dishes we’ll discuss are certain to become favorites in your kitchen.

1. Instant Italian Pot Meatballs with Tomato Sauce

A delicious and simple recipe, Instant Pot meatballs with tomato sauce combines fragrant, delicate meatballs with a rich tomato sauce that is cooked to perfection in the Instant Pot.

Ingredients:

Meatballs

• 1 pound ground beef
• ½ pound ground pork
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 teaspoons dried Italian herb mix
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1½ teaspoons fine sea salt
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 egg, beaten
• ¾ cup Italian bread crumbs
• ½ cup grated pecorino Romano cheese

Tomato Sauce

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large carrot, peeled and diced
• 3 cloves garlic, crushed
• 1 large onion, diced
• 1 celery, diced
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian Seasoning
• ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
• 1 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 1 cup chicken broth or water
• ½ cup red wine
• 1 can of crushed tomatoes

Instructions:

• Combine ground meat and pork in a large bowl.
• Sprinkle breadcrumbs, cheese, onion, garlic, salt, pepper, herbs, and red pepper flakes over the meat before mixing.
• Thoroughly mix the ingredients to ensure even distribution, a crucial step when learning how to make instant pot meatballs that taste good.
• Now incorporate an egg by placing it on top and stirring it into the mixture.
• For sautéing the soffritto, heat olive oil on medium heat in the Instant Pot until it shimmers
• Add Italian herbs, red pepper flakes, and sea salt. Sauté onion, celery, carrot, and garlic, turning for about 5 minutes.
• Pour in the wine, stirring and loosening any onion bits stuck to the pot’s bottom. Simmer briefly to reduce the alcohol content.
• Then arrange the meatballs in a single layer after stirring in chicken broth and place smashed tomatoes over the meatballs.
• For the stovetop pressure cooker, lock the lid and cook on high pressure for 13 minutes or use the Pressure Cook mode on the Instant Pot. Allow 20 minutes for natural pressure release.
• Use a slotted spoon to remove meatballs. Add freshly ground black pepper to the tomato sauce in the pot.
• Serve meatballs with a ladle of sauce and additional pecorino romano cheese for extra flavor. Enjoy!

2. Moroccan Spiced Lamb Meatballs

Through the lamb’s richness and the mix of aromatic spices, these meatballs promise to create a genuinely distinctive and savory experience. They offer a lovely journey into the world of North African cuisine, where strong and mellow tastes take center stage.

Ingredients:

For the meatballs:

• 1 pound ground lamb
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 egg
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro or parsley (for garnish)

For the yogurt sauce:

• 1 cup Greek yogurt
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh mint
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

• Mix the ground lamb, breadcrumbs, minced garlic, minced onion, ground cumin, ground coriander, ground cinnamon, ground paprika, ground ginger, salt, and pepper in a sizable bowl. Mix thoroughly to spread the spices evenly.
• Once the egg has been added, thoroughly blend the mixture once again.
• Make meatballs out of the mixture that are 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter.
• Set a skillet to medium-high heat to preheat. Oil can be added to help avoid sticking. The meatballs should be well browned, possibly in batches if necessary. This process guarantees the development of a beautiful sear and flavor.
• Make the yogurt sauce by mixing Greek yogurt, chopped mint, chopped cilantro, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a basin while the meatballs are browning. Mix thoroughly, then chill until ready to serve.
• Once the meatballs are cooked, remove them to a platter and allow any extra oil to drip off onto a piece of paper towel.
• Serve the yogurt sauce beside the meatballs or drizzle it over them as well as some flatbreads or cooked couscous.
• Add fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped, as a garnish for an added splash of color and flavor.

3. Tex-Mex Turkey Meatball Chili

With Tex-Mex turkey meatball chili, embrace a fusion of tastes. It is a hearty and filling dish that mixes the flavor of classic meatballs with the zing of Tex-Mex cooking.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground turkey
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 egg
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro

For the chili:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 can tomato sauce
• 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup corn kernels
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Shredded cheese, sour cream, and sliced green onions for topping

Instructions:

• Combine the ground turkey with the breadcrumbs, diced onion, minced garlic, ground cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt, and pepper in a sizable bowl. Mix thoroughly.
• To the mixture, add the egg and, if using, the cilantro. Mix everything until it’s all distributed equally.
• Make meatballs out of the mixture that are 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter.
• Over medium heat, heat the olive oil in a big pot. Add diced bell pepper and onion and saute until it softens.
• Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 more seconds or until fragrant.
• Add the chopped tomatoes, tomato sauce, black beans, kidney beans, corn, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper along with the ground cumin. Mix thoroughly.
• Shaped turkey meatballs should be gently added to the chili mixture.
• For around 20 to 25 minutes, simmer the chili covered on medium-low heat to let the flavors merge and the meatballs fully cook.
• Once heated through and finished cooking, taste the chili and make any necessary seasoning adjustments.
• Serve it in bowls. Top with shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream, and sliced green onions.

Conclusion

Unquestionably charming, meatballs are adaptable and tasty. These extremely excellent meatball meals demonstrate the universal popularity of this modest comfort food, ranging from Italian classics to unusual fusions.

Andi Perullo de Ledesma

I am Andi Perullo de Ledesma, a Chinese Medicine Doctor and Travel Photojournalist in Charlotte, NC. I am also wife to Lucas and mother to Joaquín. Follow us as we explore life and the world one beautiful adventure at a time.

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