italian essentials: that’s a spicy meat-ta-ball

Name: Italian Essentials: That’s a Spicy Meat-ta-Ball
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: ## PLAN/PURCHASE; 1 pound(s) lean ground beef, freshly ground, or pre-ground; 1/4 cup(s) plain breadcrumbs, not panko; 1/4 cup(s) grated parmesan cheese; 2 clove(s) minced garlic; 2 teaspoon(s) parsley flakes; 2 teaspoon(s) dehydrated onions; 1/3 teaspoon(s) black or white pepper, freshly ground; 1/4 teaspoon(s) crushed red pepper flakes; ## ADDITIONAL INGREDIENTS; 1 - 2 large eggs (beaten); 1/4 cup(s) yellow onion, chopped fine, or grated; water or milk, by the tablespoon, as needed

28 Pinches 15 Photos

Andy Anderson !

Wichita, KS

Updated on Oct 3, 2021

These are actually not that spicy. The name comes from an old Alka Selzer commercial and every time I see it, I crack up. I will give you the link to it in the recipe steps. The ingredients are simple, and the results are awesome. So, you ready… Let’s get into the kitchen.

Rate

prep time 15 Min

cook time 25 Min

method Bake

yield Several

Ingredients

PLAN/PURCHASE
1 pound lean ground beef, freshly ground, or pre-ground
1/4 cup plain breadcrumbs, not panko
1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
2 cloves minced garlic
2 teaspoons parsley flakes
2 teaspoons dehydrated onions
1/3 teaspoon black or white pepper, freshly ground
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
ADDITIONAL INGREDIENTS
1 - 2 large eggs (beaten)
1/4 cup yellow onion, chopped fine, or grated
water or milk, by the tablespoon, as needed

How To Make italian essentials: that’s a spicy meat-ta-ball

Step 1

PREP/PREPARE

Step 2

You will need a full baking sheet, and some parchment paper, or foil. In addition, I like making the meatballs using a medium-size ice cream scoop.
Step 3

If you do not have any fresh onion or garlic, you can substitute a half teaspoon each of garlic and onion powder.
Step 4

Ground Beef The choice of beef is up to you. I prefer buying a chuck roast and grinding my own because I have control of the grind, and it is not all packed into those shrink wrapped, trays.
Step 5

Momma Mia, That’s a Spicy Meat-ta-Ball If you have never seen the Alka Selzer commercial, here it is. I think it is a hoot: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xUpj9oTNIBI
Step 6

Gather your ingredients (mise en place).
Step 7

Grind a pound of beef roast or use the pre-ground variety.
Step 8

Add all the spices and breadcrumbs and lightly toss to combine.
Step 9

Add the eggs and onions, and lightly mix together.
Step 10

If the mixture looks a bit dry add some water or milk a tablespoon at a time until they look moist and stick together.
Step 11

Divide up into equally sized meatballs, about the size of golf balls.
Step 12

I recommended using a parchment-lined baking sheet, but in these photographs, I am using an everskiller pan. They make Swedish “round” pancakes, or at least that is what I call them. The pan has round indentations that are perfect for making nice round meatballs. If you do not have one, no worries, a baking sheet will do just fine.
Step 13

Here is how they would look on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Step 14

Place a rack in the middle position and preheat the oven to 380f (195c).
Step 15

Place into the preheated oven and bake until cooked through and beginning to brown, about 18 – 22 minutes.
Step 16

Turn them about halfway through the baking process. That will help them to brown evenly.
Step 17

PLATE/PRESENT
Step 18

Serve them any place you want some yummy meatballs… On pasta with sauce, in an ovenproof dish in sauce topped with mozzarella, and baked until the cheese is bubbly and browning in spots. In an Italian wedding soup, or a Timpano… You gotta’ love Timpano. You choose. Enjoy.
Step 19

Keep the faith, and keep cooking.
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