Classic Pesto Meatballs Recipes

CLASSIC PESTO MEATBALLS

Steps:

• 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.

PESTO MEATBALLS

Steps:

• In a bowl, mix the turkey with the breadcrumbs, 1/2 cup pesto, the milk and grated Parmesan; form into small balls.
• Heat a thin layer of olive oil in a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Cook the meatballs until just browned, then add the chicken broth and remaining 1/4 cup pesto and simmer until cooked through. Stir in the heavy cream and simmer until the sauce is slightly thickened.

CLASSIC MEATBALLS

Steps:

• Heat oven to 400°F. Line 13x9-inch pan with foil; spray with cooking spray.
• In large bowl, mix all ingredients. Shape mixture into 24 (1 1/2-inch) meatballs. Place 1 inch apart in pan.
• Bake uncovered 18 to 22 minutes or until temperature reaches 160°F and no longer pink in center.

PESTO MEATBALLS

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.
• Grease a cookie sheet with spray.
• Mix all ingredients together by hand and form into oversized golf balls.
• Bake for 10-15 minutes, until no longer pink in the middle.

CHICKEN PESTO MEATBALLS

Steps:

• Cook spaghetti according to package directions; drain., In a large bowl, combine bread crumbs, pesto, cheese and garlic powder. Add chicken; mix lightly but thoroughly. Shape into 1-in. balls., In a large skillet, brown meatballs over medium heat, turning occasionally. Add sauce and water; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, covered, until meatballs are cooked through, about 5 minutes. Serve with spaghetti. If desired, top with basil and additional cheese. Freeze option: Freeze cooled meatball mixture in freezer containers. To use, partially thaw in refrigerator overnight. Heat through in a covered saucepan over low heat, stirring gently; add water if necessary.

CLASSIC SWEDISH MEATBALLS

Steps:

• In a bowl, mix the mince with the egg, onion, breadcrumbs, dill and seasoning. Form into small meatballs about the size of walnuts - you should get about 20.
• Heat the olive oil in a large non-stick frying pan and brown the meatballs. You may have to do this in 2 batches. Remove from pan, melt the butter, then sprinkle over the flour and stir well. Cook for 2 mins, then slowly whisk in the stock. Keep whisking until it is a thick gravy, then return the meatballs to the pan and heat through. Sprinkle with dill and serve with cranberry jelly, greens and mash.

TURKEY-PESTO MEATBALLS

Steps:

• Heat oven to 375°F. Line cookie sheet with sides or 15x10-inch pan with foil; spray foil with cooking spray.
• In large bowl, mix all ingredients until well combined. Shape mixture into balls; place on cookie sheet.
• Bake 20 to 25 minutes or until thermometer inserted in center of meatballs reads 165°F.

PESTO TURKEY MEATBALLS

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Lightly grease a sheet pan.
• Combine turkey, bread crumbs, pesto, Pecorino Romano cheese, egg, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl and mix with your hands until well combined.
• Roll mixture into small, walnut-sized meatballs. Place onto the prepared pan.
• Bake in the preheated oven until no longer pink in the centers, 20 to 25 minutes.