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Bobby Flay’s Italian Meatballs
Get Ready to Indulge in Bobby Flay’s Italian Meatballs!
Nothing quite says comfort food like a plate of hearty Italian meatballs. Bobby Flay, renowned for his culinary expertise, brings us a timeless recipe that marries tradition with undeniable flavor. Whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a family gathering, these meatballs are sure to satisfy. My first time preparing them was a revelation—the blend of ground beef and pork, the fragrant herbs, and the touch of Parmesan create a dish that feels both homemade and extraordinary. Let’s dive straight into this delightful recipe that’s perfect for any occasion!
What Makes This Recipe Special
Bobby Flay’s Italian meatballs bring soul to the dinner table in several ways. First off, the combination of ground beef and pork gives these meatballs a rich flavor and satisfying texture that you won’t find in many other recipes. And let’s not overlook the simplicity! With straightforward ingredients and an easy-to-follow method, this recipe delivers remarkable taste without requiring hours in the kitchen.
Imagine serving these meatballs with a side of marinara and fresh pasta, or even layering them into a sub sandwich topped with melted cheese. Perfect for family dinners, weekend gatherings, or meal prep for the week, they offer the kind of comfort food that everyone loves.
“These meatballs are amazing! I made them for a family dinner, and they disappeared in minutes!” – A satisfied home cook
Your Easy Cooking Guide
To make Bobby Flay’s Italian meatballs, follow these simple steps. You’ll be surprised at how quickly you can transform everyday ingredients into a dish that feels special.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large bowl, combine both grounds.
- Add the breadcrumbs, freshly grated Parmesan, chopped parsley, minced garlic, egg, seasoning, and milk. Mix until just combined.
- Form the mixture into bite-sized meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter.
- Arrange the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake them in that preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes or until they’re cooked through.
That’s it! Now you’re all set to enjoy a dish that tastes like you’ve been slaving away in the kitchen for hours. 
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Gather Your Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make these delicious meatballs:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 pound ground pork
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (Italian seasoned works great)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for that authentic taste)
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 cup milk
Feel free to swap out the meats for turkey or chicken if you’d like a lighter version.
Step-by-Step Directions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef and pork until well blended.
- Stir in the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, fresh parsley, minced garlic, and egg. Add in the salt, pepper, oregano, basil, and milk. Mix everything together until just combined; avoid over-mixing to keep them tender.
- Shape the mixture into meatballs, aiming for about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter.
- Place your meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, giving them a bit of space.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until they are cooked through and nicely browned.
Perfect Pairings for Bobby Flay’s Italian Meatballs
When it comes to serving these meatballs, the possibilities are endless! For a classic approach, pair them with spaghetti and marinara sauce. The rich flavor of the meatballs complements the tangy sauce beautifully. Alternatively, place them in a sub roll with melted provolone or mozzarella cheese for a delicious meatball sub.
Want to keep it light? Serve them over zoodles (zucchini noodles) or alongside a fresh Caesar salad. You can’t go wrong with any of these options!
Keeping Bobby Flay’s Italian Meatballs Fresh Longer
To store your meatballs, allow them to cool completely before placing them in an airtight container. They can be refrigerated for up to four days. If you’re not eating them right away, consider freezing them. They freeze wonderfully—just make sure to wrap them tightly so freezer burn doesn’t creep in.
To reheat, pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or heat them gently in the microwave. Safety tip: make sure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) when reheated.
Helpful Hints
To elevate your meatballs, consider adding a splash of your favorite red wine to the mixture for depth of flavor, or use fresh herbs if you have them on hand. Keep a kitchen scale handy: weighing your meatballs can ensure uniform size and cooking time, so they all come out perfectly!
Flavor Variations
Feeling adventurous? You can easily twist this recipe to suit your tastes. Swap out the pork for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter and leaner meatball. Or add some crushed red pepper for a kick!
For a Mediterranean flair, incorporate feta cheese and Kalamata olives into the mixture. Or play with spices—try adding cumin or smoked paprika for a unique twist on traditional flavors.
Your Questions Answered
How long do these meatballs take to prepare?
Preparation generally takes about 15 minutes, with an additional 20-25 minutes in the oven.
Can I prepare the meatballs ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prep the meatballs a day in advance. Just keep them stored in the fridge before baking.
What are some good substitutes for breadcrumbs?
If you’re gluten-free, crushed gluten-free crackers or oats can work well as a substitute.
How do I know when meatballs are cooked through?
Use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature. They should reach at least 165°F (74°C) for safety.
With these tips and tricks, you’re well-equipped to tackle Bobby Flay’s Italian meatballs! Enjoy this culinary delight that brings comfort and flavor to your table.
Print
Bobby Flay’s Italian Meatballs
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free (with breadcrumb substitution)
Description
Hearty Italian meatballs that offer rich flavor and satisfying texture, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 pound ground pork
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (Italian seasoned)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 cup milk
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef and pork until well blended.
- Stir in the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, fresh parsley, minced garlic, and egg. Add in the salt, pepper, oregano, basil, and milk. Mix everything together until just combined; avoid over-mixing to keep them tender.
- Shape the mixture into meatballs, aiming for about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter.
- Place your meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, giving them a bit of space.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until they are cooked through and nicely browned.
Notes
Can substitute ground pork with turkey or chicken for a lighter version. For added flavor, consider adding a splash of red wine or fresh herbs.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: meatballs, Italian, comfort food, baking, family dinner
