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Bobby Flay Meatballs Recipe

Bobby Flay Meatballs Recipe

I’ve got a fantastic recipe for you today: Bobby Flay’s meatballs!

This is one recipe you absolutely need to try if you love hearty, flavorful meatballs with a rich tomato sauce.

You’ll be using a blend of pork, veal, and beef, along with Parmesan, garlic, and parsley to create melt-in-your-mouth meatballs.

A key trick is to carefully brown the meatballs on all sides before adding them to the sauce.

Cooking them in marinara for a good 55 minutes really lets the flavors meld beautifully.

One thing I love about this recipe is its versatility; you can make it in a slow cooker too.

How to Make Bobby Flay’s Meatball Recipe

bobby flay meatballs variations

Ingredients

  • 1 lb. Ground Beef
  • 1 lb. Ground Pork
  • 1 lb. Ground Veal
  • 1 cup Italian Breadcrumbs
  • 1 cup Romano Cheese (grated)
  • 2 Eggs
  • 1/2 cup Milk
  • 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley (chopped)
  • 3 Garlic Cloves (minced)
  • 1 tsp Salt
  • 1 tsp Black Pepper
  • 1/4 cup Olive Oil
  • 1 Onion (finely chopped)
  • 1 can Tomatoes (32 oz.)
  • 1 Bay Leaf
  • 1/2 tsp Red Pepper Flakes

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1:

Preheat your oven to 410°F (210° C).

Step 2:

In a large bowl, mix the ground beef, pork, and veal.

Step 3:

Add the Italian breadcrumbs, grated Romano cheese, eggs, milk, fresh parsley, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper.

Step 4:

Use your hands to mix until everything is well combined.

Step 5:

Form the mixture into 1.5-inch meatballs and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Step 6:

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Step 7:

Add the meatballs and cook until golden brown on all sides.

Step 8:

Transfer the browned meatballs to a baking dish.

Step 9:

In the same skillet, add the finely chopped onion and cook until softened.

Step 10:

Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.

Step 11:

Stir in the can of tomatoes, bay leaf, and red pepper flakes.

Step 12:

Bring the sauce to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 5 minutes.

Step 13:

Cover the meatballs with the marinara sauce and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes.

Tips and Tricks for Making This Recipe

Use Fresh Ingredients!

Fresh parsley and garlic can make a huge difference in flavor, so try to avoid dried alternatives if possible.

Don’t Overmix

Mix the meatball ingredients just until combined to keep the meatballs tender. Overmixing can make them tough.

Brown the Meatballs

Browning the meatballs before baking adds a depth of flavor that enhances the entire dish.

Add Spices to Taste

If you prefer more heat, increase the red pepper flakes. You can also add more herbs like oregano or basil for extra flavor.

Cooking Meatballs Evenly

Arrange the meatballs on the baking sheet with a bit of space between each one to ensure they cook evenly.

What to Serve with Bobby Flay Meatball Recipe

bobby flay meatball sides

Classic Spaghetti

You can’t go wrong with serving these meatballs over a bed of classic spaghetti.

Toss the pasta with a bit of olive oil and garlic for extra flavor.

Top it with a generous helping of marinara sauce.

Garlic Bread

Garlic bread is a must-have side dish for meatballs!

Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, it complements the meatballs perfectly.

A sprinkle of parmesan cheese on top takes it to the next level.

Caesar Salad

A fresh and crunchy Caesar salad pairs wonderfully with meatballs.

The crisp romaine lettuce and tangy dressing balance the rich flavors of the meatballs.

Add some croutons and shaved parmesan for extra texture.

Roasted Vegetables

Roasted vegetables are a great way to add some healthy options to your meal.

You can use seasonal vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and carrots.

Roast them with olive oil, salt, and a touch of balsamic vinegar.

Polenta

If you’re looking for something different, try serving the meatballs with creamy polenta.

Polenta is smooth and slightly sweet, making it a nice contrast to the savory meatballs.

A spoonful of marinara sauce over the polenta ties the flavors together beautifully.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the fantastic things about Bobby Flay’s meatball recipe is its versatility!

You can easily swap out ground beef with a mix of pork and veal for a richer flavor.

If you’re watching your carbs, substituting traditional breadcrumbs with almond flour is a great low-carb option.

Adding Extra Flavor

Crushed red pepper flakes add a nice bit of heat without being overwhelming!

Don’t hesitate to throw in some fresh herbs like basil or oregano to give the meatballs an extra aromatic punch.

Dairy-Free Options

For those who are dairy-free, you can replace the Parmesan cheese with a dairy-free alternative or nutritional yeast.

Instead of milk, you can use beef broth or almond milk to keep the meatballs moist.

Cooking Methods

If you don’t have time to regularly check the oven, you can cook these meatballs in a slow cooker.

Place the meatballs in the slow cooker, cover with sauce, and cook on low heat for about 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.

For a healthier version, consider baking the meatballs instead of frying them.

Preheat your oven to 410°F (210° C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Dietary Restrictions

If you’re gluten-free, make sure to use gluten-free breadcrumbs or ground oats instead of traditional breadcrumbs.

With these variations and substitutions, you can tailor Bobby Flay’s meatball recipe to suit your personal preferences and dietary needs!

How to Store Leftover Bobby Flay Meatballs

Cooling Down

Let the meatballs cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes.

This helps prevent condensation in the storage container.

Refrigeration

Once cooled, place the meatballs in an airtight container.

You can also use heavy-duty aluminum foil or plastic wrap to cover them.

Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing

If you want to keep them longer, freezing is a great option!

Arrange the meatballs on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.

Transfer the frozen meatballs to a freezer-safe bag or container.

They can be stored in the freezer for up to three months.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overworking the Meat

Overworking the meat mixture can lead to dense and tough meatballs.

You should mix the ingredients just until combined.

Using your hands gently works best to keep them light and tender.

Cooking in One Batch

Cooking too many meatballs at once changes the temperature of the pan.

It’s essential to cook in batches to get even browning on all sides.

This helps the meatballs cook properly without becoming greasy or too firm.

Neglecting to Roll Again

After shaping the meatballs initially, you need to roll them again before cooking.

This extra step helps maintain their shape during cooking.

Skipping this can cause them to break apart or cook unevenly.

bobby flay meatballs

Bobby Flay Meatballs Recipe

I've got a fantastic recipe for you today: Bobby Flay's meatballs!
This is one recipe you absolutely need to try if you love hearty, flavorful meatballs with a rich tomato sauce.
You'll be using a blend of pork, veal, and beef, along with Parmesan, garlic, and parsley to create melt-in-your-mouth meatballs.
A key trick is to carefully brown the meatballs on all sides before adding them to the sauce.
Cooking them in marinara for a good 55 minutes really lets the flavors meld beautifully.
One thing I love about this recipe is its versatility; you can make it in a slow cooker too.
Prep Time30 minutes
Cook Time30 minutes
Total Time1 hour
Course: Dinner
Servings: 6

Ingredients

  • 1 lb. Ground Beef
  • 1 lb. Ground Pork
  • 1 lb. Ground Veal
  • 1 cup Italian Breadcrumbs
  • 1 cup Romano Cheese grated
  • 2 Eggs
  • 1/2 cup Milk
  • 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley chopped
  • 3 Garlic Cloves minced
  • 1 tsp Salt
  • 1 tsp Black Pepper
  • 1/4 cup Olive Oil
  • 1 Onion finely chopped
  • 1 can Tomatoes 32 oz.
  • 1 Bay Leaf
  • 1/2 tsp Red Pepper Flakes

Instructions

  • Preheat your oven to 410°F (210° C).
  • In a large bowl, mix the ground beef, pork, and veal.
  • Add the Italian breadcrumbs, grated Romano cheese, eggs, milk, fresh parsley, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper.
  • Use your hands to mix until everything is well combined.
  • Form the mixture into 1.5-inch meatballs and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  • Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  • Add the meatballs and cook until golden brown on all sides.
  • Transfer the browned meatballs to a baking dish.
  • In the same skillet, add the finely chopped onion and cook until softened.
  • Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
  • Stir in the can of tomatoes, bay leaf, and red pepper flakes.
  • Bring the sauce to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
  • Cover the meatballs with the marinara sauce and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes.

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