With the holidays quickly approaching it’s always nice to have a tried-and-true recipe close at hand. This recipe for Versatile Meatballs is one you’ll probably agree is worth keeping. Especially since it can easily be modified to be gluten-free which makes these meatballs a great gluten-free option if you need one.
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Versatile Meatballs are simply that, versatile. For now, let’s focus on yummy BBQ meatballs. It’s easy to make the meatballs smaller for a bite-size appetizer or larger as the main meat dish. They truly are delicious either way.
APPETIZER: Form the meatballs into 1-inch diameter size balls and bake until thoroughly cooked. Since the size of each meatball is smaller, remember to reduce the baking time. When the meatballs have finished baking place them on a serving platter, slather them with your favorite sauce, and add appetizer skewers to each meatball.
MAIN DISH: Form the meatballs into 2-inch diameter size balls and bake according to the recipe directions. When they have finished baking, use a basting brush and generously slather each meatball with Grandma King’s Homemade BBQ Sauce. This homemade BBQ sauce is my all-time favorite. Since I make it myself, I know exactly what is going into it and therefore I can make it gluten-free, plus it really is delicious!
Versatile Meatballs also work well in a wide variety of dishes. Instead of coating the meatballs in BBQ sauce smother them instead with Homemade Versatile Tomato Sauce. Serve over cooked organic wild rice and along with a tasty side salad.
Of course, spaghetti is always a favorite dish, especially with children. Top your favorite pasta with saucy meatballs, a touch of fresh basil, and shaved mozzarella cheese. Yum!
Did you know that meatballs make a great pizza topping? Yep! Start by half-baking your favorite pizza crust. Remove it from the oven, cover the crust with pizza or Buffalo sauce and add leftover meatballs (if there ever is such a thing! lol). Continue baking until the crust is done. Remove it from the oven and add a touch of fresh basil and a sprinkle of chopped parsley flakes.
Versatile Meatballs also work well for Italian meatball sub sandwiches. Simply slice open a loaf of Italian bread, add several saucy meatballs, and perhaps a slice of cheese. Place in the oven or microwave until thoroughly heated. Enjoy!
Finally, a steamy bowl of homemade soup is always good with Versatile Meatballs and is a great way to use up some of those leftover vegetables. In a stockpot bring 2 quarts of chicken broth to a low boil. Add chopped vegetables such as carrots, celery, onions, potatoes, salt, and pepper to taste. Cook until vegetables are tender. Add meatballs and simmer until meatballs are cooked through. Garnish with fresh herbs such as basil or cilantro. Serve piping hot.
Versatile Meatballs
A delicious versatile meatball recipe that can easily be modified to be gluten-free.
Ingredients
- 3 pounds ground chuck
- 1 cup panko bread crumbs (GF Option - use gluten-free panko bread crumbs)
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup peppers, chopped (I like to use a mixture of red, yellow and orange peppers)
- 1/2 cup onion, chopped
- 1 tablespoon dried basil leaves
- 2 teaspoons dried tarragon leaves
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon salt, or to taste
- 1 tablespoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
- Place all of the ingredients into a large mixing bowl.
- Mix ingredients until well combined.
- Shape mixture into balls (1-inch diameter for appetizer and 2-inch diameter for regular meatballs).
- Use parchment paper to line a 9 x 13 baking sheet with sides.
- Place meatballs onto baking sheet.
- Bake for approximately 35 - 40 minutes, or until fully cooked through.
- Serve hot with your favorite sauce.
Notes
FREEZING TIP: Versatile Meatballs freeze well. Place uncooked meatballs onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and place them in the freezer until meatballs are frozen solid. Place the desired amount of meatballs into ziplock freezer baggies and keep frozen until needed. When ready for use, thaw and bake according to directions.
FREEZING TIP: Versatile Meatballs freeze well. Place uncooked meatballs onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and place in the freezer until meatballs are frozen solid. Place the desired amount of meatballs into ziplock freezer baggies and keep frozen until needed. When ready for use, thaw and bake according to directions.
Enjoy!
Linda
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