Mountain Meatballs Recipe
If you are looking for a hearty, comforting dinner that feels like a warm embrace on a chilly evening, the Mountain Meatballs Recipe is your new best friend. These meatballs are packed with a perfect balance of beef and pork, seasoned generously with herbs and spices, and simmered in a rich marinara sauce that’s bursting with flavor. Whether you’re gathering around the table with family or craving a satisfying solo meal, this recipe fills the kitchen with irresistible aromas and promises bites full of juicy, tender goodness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is key to this Mountain Meatballs Recipe, but don’t worry—they are simple, approachable, and each one plays an important role. From fresh herbs to savory cheeses, these essentials come together to create spectacular taste, texture, and visual appeal.
- Ground beef (1 lb): A lean option that ensures the meatballs stay juicy without being greasy.
- Ground pork (1/2 lb): Adds a subtle sweetness and tenderness to the mix.
- Breadcrumbs (1/2 cup): Essential for binding and keeping the meatballs delightfully soft.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (1/4 cup): Gives a nutty, salty punch and depth of flavor.
- Eggs (2 large): The natural glue that holds everything together beautifully.
- Garlic, minced (2 cloves): Brings that classic aromatic warmth that’s hard to resist.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (1/4 cup): Adds a bright, fresh contrast to the rich meat.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon) and black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Simple seasoning that elevates the entire dish.
- Dried oregano (1/2 teaspoon) and basil (1/2 teaspoon): Infuse the meatballs with traditional Italian flair.
- Onion powder (1/2 teaspoon): Gives a subtle depth without overpowering the other flavors.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (1/4 teaspoon, optional): Just a hint of heat to awaken the palate.
- Milk (1/4 cup): Keeps the mixture moist and tender.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons for frying, 1 tablespoon for sauce): Adds richness and helps develop beautiful browning and flavor.
- Marinara sauce (2 cups): Whether store-bought or homemade, it’s the saucy heart of the Mountain Meatballs Recipe.
- Beef broth or water (1/2 cup): Adds moisture and enhances the sauce’s savory depth.
How to Make Mountain Meatballs Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper or giving it a light grease. This setup keeps your meatballs from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze—one less thing to worry about when you’re excited to dig in.
Step 2: Combine the Ingredients
Grab a large bowl and mix together the ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, eggs, minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, pepper, oregano, basil, onion powder, and the optional red pepper flakes. Pour in the milk and gently mix everything until it’s just combined—the mixture should feel moist but firm enough to hold shape.
Step 3: Shape Your Meatballs
Now for the fun part—rolling the meatballs! Using your hands, form the mixture into 1 to 1.5-inch meatballs and place them evenly spaced on your prepared baking sheet. You should end up with roughly 20 perfectly round bites of deliciousness, ready to be cooked.
Step 4: Brown the Meatballs
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Working in batches, gently brown the meatballs on all sides, which usually takes about 3 to 4 minutes per batch. This browning step develops flavor and texture that just can’t be skipped. Once browned, transfer the meatballs to a clean plate.
Step 5: Simmer in Sauce
In the same skillet, pour in your marinara sauce, beef broth, and a tablespoon of olive oil. Add garlic powder, red pepper flakes if you like a little extra kick, and season with salt and pepper. Bring this sauce to a gentle simmer, then carefully nestle the browned meatballs back into the skillet.
Step 6: Cook Through and Thicken
Cover the skillet with a lid and let the meatballs simmer in the sauce for 15 to 20 minutes. During this time, they’ll cook through beautifully while the sauce thickens to a luscious consistency that clings to every bite—just how a Mountain Meatballs Recipe should be.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Serve your Mountain Meatballs piping hot. Whether you prefer them over a cozy bed of pasta, stuffed inside crusty sub rolls, or alongside warm garlic bread, these meatballs are guaranteed to bring smiles at your table.
How to Serve Mountain Meatballs Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes like chopped parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese brighten up the rich flavors and add a pop of color. They also give that restaurant-quality finishing touch that makes the dish feel extra special.
Side Dishes
Mountain Meatballs pair wonderfully with al dente spaghetti, creamy mashed potatoes, or even roasted vegetables. A simple green salad or homemade garlic bread can balance the hearty meatballs and keep your meal well-rounded.
Creative Ways to Present
Get playful by serving your meatballs as sliders with melted provolone cheese, or skewer them for easy party appetizers. Layer them in a lasagna-style bake, or serve alongside polenta for a rustic, comforting feast.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store leftover Mountain Meatballs and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3 to 4 days, making them a perfect make-ahead meal for busy nights.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, these meatballs freeze exceptionally well. Freeze the cooked meatballs and sauce in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months. Just be sure to cool them completely before freezing.
Reheating
Reheat the meatballs gently on the stovetop over low heat, covered, so they warm through without drying out. You can also microwave them in short intervals, stirring occasionally, until hot and delicious.
FAQs
Can I use all beef instead of mixing beef and pork?
Absolutely! Using all ground beef will still yield tasty meatballs, but mixing pork adds extra juiciness and tenderness that’s worth trying for if you can.
Is it necessary to brown the meatballs before simmering?
Browning the meatballs creates a wonderful crust and deeper flavor. While you can skip this step, the final result won’t be quite as rich or textured.
Can I make these meatballs gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers to keep the Mountain Meatballs Recipe safe for gluten-sensitive diets.
What can I do if I want a spicier dish?
Feel free to increase the crushed red pepper flakes in both the meatballs and sauce, or add a splash of hot sauce to the marinara. Just a little heat wakes up the flavors beautifully.
Can I prepare these meatballs in advance?
This recipe is very friendly for meal prep. You can make the meatballs ahead, refrigerate or freeze them, and then just warm them in sauce when you’re ready to eat.
Final Thoughts
Trust me, once you try this Mountain Meatballs Recipe, it’s going to become a beloved staple in your recipe collection. The way the flavorful herbs, tender meats, and rich sauce come together is pure magic. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and treat yourself and your loved ones to this fantastic, comforting meal. Happy cooking!
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Mountain Meatballs Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings (about 20 meatballs) 1x
Description
Mountain Meatballs are hearty, flavorful meatballs made from a blend of ground beef and pork, infused with herbs and spices, browned to perfection, and simmered in a rich marinara sauce. Perfect for a comforting family meal, they can be served over pasta, as a meatball sub, or enjoyed on their own with garlic bread.
Ingredients
Meatballs
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 lb ground pork
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/4 cup milk
Cooking and Sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for frying)
- 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/2 cup beef broth (or water)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the meatball mixture: In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly combine ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, eggs, minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, black pepper, oregano, basil, onion powder, and crushed red pepper flakes. Pour in the milk and mix well until the mixture is moist but firm enough to shape into meatballs.
- Shape the meatballs: Use your hands to form the mixture into 1 to 1.5-inch meatballs and evenly space them on the prepared baking sheet. This should yield about 20 meatballs.
- Brown the meatballs: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. In batches, carefully add meatballs and cook until browned on all sides, approximately 3-4 minutes per batch, ensuring they don’t overcrowd the pan. Transfer browned meatballs to a plate once done.
- Prepare the sauce: In the same skillet, add marinara sauce, beef broth, and 1 tablespoon olive oil. Stir in garlic powder, red pepper flakes if using, and season with salt and pepper to your taste. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
- Simmer meatballs in sauce: Carefully add the browned meatballs back into the skillet with the sauce. Cover with a lid and let them simmer for 15-20 minutes, allowing the meatballs to cook through and the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Serve: Serve the Mountain Meatballs hot, either over a bed of cooked pasta, inside sub rolls for delicious meatball sandwiches, or on their own accompanied by garlic bread. Garnish with extra fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
- For extra heat, add more crushed red pepper flakes according to your taste preference.
- You can substitute beef broth with water or vegetable broth if desired.
- Ensure not to overcrowd the skillet when browning the meatballs to get an even sear.
- Leftover meatballs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
