Classic Pesto Meatballs
Ready In: 33 mins
Serves: 48
Yields: 4 dozen
Ingredients
- 2 lbs ground beef
- 1 small finely chopped onion
- 1⁄2 cup roasted red pepper, finely diced
- 1⁄3 cup prepared pesto sauce
- 1⁄4 cup plain breadcrumbs
- 1⁄4 cup part-skim ricotta cheese
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1⁄2 teaspoon ground black pepper
Directions
- Combine ground beef, onion, pepper, pesto, bread crumbs, ricotta, salt and pepper; mix well. Roll meatballs into 1 1/2"-inch balls and freeze or cook.
- Saute: saute meatballs on the stove with 2 teaspoons canola oil in a large skillet over medium heat (taking care not to overcrowd the pan). Turn frequently to brown on all sides, until cooked through. Small meatballs will take 8-10 minutes.
- Bake: bake meatballs in a 350 oven in a glass baking dish or on a rimmed baking sheet. Small meatballs will take 25 minutes.
- Grilled: freeze meatballs for 20 minutes, then skewer them close together on prepared kabob sticks and GRILL over medium-high heat on oiled grates, turning occasionally until cooked through. Small meatballs will take about 10 miutes.
- Freezing: Place rolled meatballs on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze until firm. Transfer to plastic storage containers or heavy-duty resealable bags, label and freeze for up to a month.
- Note: If the prepared pesto you buy is salty, reduce the kosher salt in this recipe.
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