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Dutch Oven Meatballs

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Dutch Oven Meatballs are a comforting and flavorful dish that combines tender meatballs with a rich, savory sauce. The Dutch oven ensures that the meatballs stay tender and juicy as they slow cook in the sauce, creating a melt-in-your-mouth experience. Perfect for any occasion, whether served over pasta, on sub rolls, or on their own.

Ingredients

  1. 1 lb ground beef (or a mix of ground beef and pork)
    1/2 cup breadcrumbs (preferably Italian)
    1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
    1 egg
    2 garlic cloves, minced
    1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
    1/2 tsp dried oregano
    Salt and pepper, to taste
    1 tbsp olive oil for browning
    2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
    1/4 cup water or beef broth
    1/2 tsp dried basil
    1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
    1 tbsp olive oil (for the Dutch oven)

Instructions

In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, parsley, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the meatballs tender.

  1. Shape the mixture into meatballs about 1-1.5 inches in diameter. You should get around 16-20 meatballs depending on the size.
  2. Heat 1 tbsp of olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium heat. Once hot, add the meatballs in batches, browning each side for about 5 minutes. Remove and set aside.
  3. In the same Dutch oven, add 1 tbsp of olive oil and heat over medium heat. Pour in the marinara sauce, water (or beef broth), and stir in basil and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring the sauce to a simmer.
  4. Gently return the browned meatballs to the Dutch oven, submerging them in the sauce. Cover the pot and let it simmer on low heat for 25-30 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through.
  5. Serve the meatballs over pasta, in sub rolls with melted cheese, or on their own with a side of crusty bread.

Notes

  1. Cheese Stuffed Meatballs: Add a small cube of mozzarella cheese in the center of each meatball before forming them for a gooey, cheesy surprise inside.
  2. Spicy Meatballs: Add more red pepper flakes to the sauce or incorporate chili flakes into the meatball mixture for added heat.
  3. Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or ground oats to make these meatballs gluten-free.
  4. Herb Variation: Add other herbs like thyme, rosemary, or basil to the meatball mixture or sauce for different flavor profiles.
  5. Italian Sausage Meatballs: Mix in some ground Italian sausage for a more flavorful, juicy meatball.
  6. Storage: Leftover Dutch Oven Meatballs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The sauce will continue to enhance the flavor of the meatballs.
  7. Reheating: Reheat the meatballs and sauce in a skillet or Dutch oven over low heat, adding a little extra water or broth if needed. You can also microwave them in a microwave-safe dish for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://thefamilycooking.com/dutch-oven-meatballs/