Giant Lazy Meatballs
Looking for a delicious and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for any occasion? Look no further than these Giant Lazy Meatballs! Packed with flavorful ingredients and simple to prepare, these meatballs are sure to become a new family favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- Great flavors: The combination of ground beef, pork, and seasonings creates a rich and savory taste.
- Quick prep time: With simple ingredients and easy steps, you can have these meatballs ready in no time.
- Perfect for meal prep: Make a batch of these Giant Lazy Meatballs ahead of time for convenient meals throughout the week.
Ingredient Notes:
- Large slices of stale white bread (crusts removed) and milk help keep the meatballs moist.
- Ground beef and ground pork provide a rich and meaty flavor.
- Seasonings like kosher salt, black pepper, oregano, onion powder, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper add depth to the dish.
- Olive oil, Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, fresh Italian parsley, and eggs bind everything together.
For the Top:
- Tomato sauce, Monterey Jack cheese, Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, and fresh Italian parsley add flavor and richness to the finished dish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- In a large bowl, soak the bread in milk until softened.
- Add the ground beef, ground pork, seasonings, olive oil, cheeses, parsley, and eggs to the bowl.
- Mix everything together until well combined.
- Form the mixture into large meatballs and place them in a baking dish.
- Top each meatball with tomato sauce and a mixture of cheeses.
- Bake in the oven until cooked through and golden brown.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Helpful Tips:
- Use a mix of ground beef and pork for the best flavor.
- Don’t overmix the meatball mixture to keep them tender.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Expert Tips for the Best Results:
- For added flavor, brown the meatballs in a skillet before baking.
- Serve the meatballs with a side of pasta or crusty bread for a complete meal.
Serving Suggestions:
These Giant Lazy Meatballs are delicious served over spaghetti or with a side of garlic bread. Pair them with a glass of red wine for a cozy dinner.
Storage and Reheating Tips:
To store leftovers, place the meatballs in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat them in the oven or microwave until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use fresh bread instead of stale bread? Yes, fresh bread can be used, but it may require less milk.
- Can I freeze the meatballs? Yes, the meatballs can be frozen before or after baking for future meals.
- Can I use different types of cheese? Feel free to experiment with different cheeses to suit your taste preferences.
- How can I make the meatballs gluten-free? Use gluten-free bread and breadcrumbs in place of the white bread.
Conclusion:
These Giant Lazy Meatballs are a simple and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Give them a try and enjoy the delicious flavors and ease of preparation. Don’t forget to share your feedback with us!
PrintGiant Lazy Meatballs
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
These giant lazy meatballs are a delicious twist on a classic favorite. Made with a blend of ground beef and pork, seasoned with herbs and spices, and topped with a savory tomato sauce and cheese, they are sure to be a hit with the whole family.
Ingredients
– 4 large slices stale white bread, crusts removed
– 1/2 cup milk
– 1 pound ground beef
– 1 pound ground pork
– 2 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
– 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
– 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1 teaspoon onion powder
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 pinch cayenne pepper
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
– 1/3 cup chopped fresh Italian parsley (optional)
– 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
– For the Top: 2 cups tomato sauce, 2 ounces Monterey Jack cheese (shredded), 1/4 cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, 1 tablespoon chopped fresh Italian parsley
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). In a large bowl, combine the stale bread and milk. Let soak for 10 minutes.
2. Add the ground beef, ground pork, salt, pepper, oregano, onion powder, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, olive oil, Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, parsley (if using), and eggs to the bowl with the soaked bread. Mix until well combined.
3. Shape the meat mixture into large meatballs and place them in a baking dish. Pour the tomato sauce over the meatballs and sprinkle with Monterey Jack cheese and Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese.
4. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
5. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
– For a healthier option, you can use lean ground beef and turkey instead of ground pork.
– Feel free to customize the seasonings to suit your taste preferences.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 meatball
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 725mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 23g
- Cholesterol: 115mg