Juicy Meatballs Baked in the Oven: A Simple and Tasty Recipe

Introduction

These Juicy Meatballs Baked in the Oven are a delicious and simple recipe that’s perfect for any occasion. Packed with flavor and easy to prepare, these meatballs are sure to become a family favorite. Follow this step-by-step guide to create tender, juicy meatballs with a tasty filling.

Ingredients

For the Meat Mixture:

  • 800 grams minced meat (≈ 3.5 cups)
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • Salt, to taste
  • Sweet pepper, to taste
  • Dried garlic, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

For the Filling:

  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 150 grams tomatoes (≈ 1 cup), chopped
  • 1/3 piece green pepper, chopped
  • 140 grams cheese (of your choice) (≈ 1 1/4 cups), grated
  • Pinch of salt
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon mayonnaise

To Grease:

  • Vegetable fat

Others:

  • Plant oil (for greasing)
  • Parsley for garnish

Number of Servings

This recipe serves 4-6 people.

Nutritional Information

The nutritional information per serving (assuming 6 servings) is as follows:

  • Calories: 380
  • Total Fat: 25g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Cholesterol: 90mg
  • Sodium: 600mg
  • Total Carbohydrate: 6g
  • Dietary Fiber: 1g
  • Sugars: 3g
  • Protein: 30g

Method of Preparation

Step 1: Mixing the Meat

  1. Combine Meat and Spices
    • In a large bowl, mix the minced meat with the chopped onion, salt, sweet pepper, dried garlic, and black pepper. Ensure everything is well combined.

Step 2: Preparing the Filling

  1. Chop and Mix Filling Ingredients
    • Chop the small onion, tomatoes, and green pepper. Grate the cheese. In a separate bowl, mix all the filling ingredients together. Add mayonnaise, salt, and black pepper, and mix thoroughly.

Step 3: Forming and Baking

  1. Preheat Oven
    • Preheat your oven to 180 degrees Celsius (350 degrees Fahrenheit).
  2. Shape Meat Mixture
    • Grease a baking pan with plant oil. Shape the meat mixture into small nests, making an indentation in the center for the filling.
  3. Add Filling
    • Add a spoonful of the filling mixture to each meatball nest.
  4. Bake Meatballs
    • Place the filled meatball nests on the baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 35 minutes, or until the meatballs are golden brown and cooked through.

Step 4: Garnishing

  1. Garnish with Parsley
    • Once baked, sprinkle the meatball nests with fresh parsley for a burst of color and flavor.

Tips for Perfect Meatballs

Meat Selection Tips:

  • Variety: Choose your preferred meat—beef, pork, or a mix.
  • Quality: Opt for high-quality, lean meat for the juiciest results.

Spice it Up:

  • Experiment: Don’t be afraid to play with spices like marjoram or thyme for extra flavor.
  • Heat: For a kick, add some chili pepper to the filling mix.

Greasing and Baking:

  • Even Coating: Ensure the baking pan is evenly coated with vegetable oil to prevent sticking.
  • Golden Brown: Bake until the meatballs are golden brown and cooked through for maximum flavor.

Garnishing with Parsley:

  • Freshness: Sprinkling parsley adds a fresh, vibrant touch to your dish.
  • Visual Appeal: It’s not just about taste—presentation matters too!

Conclusion

These Juicy Meatballs Baked in the Oven are easy to make and packed with flavor. Perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion, they are sure to impress with their delicious filling and tender texture. Enjoy making and serving these mouth-watering meatballs with your favorite side dishes.

Enjoy cooking and indulging in these delightful meatballs, and make them a regular part of your meal planning!

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