Calabrian Spicy Meatballs
Calabrian Spicy Meatballs are an unforgettable culinary delight that infuses your dining experience with rich flavors and a hint of heat. These tender, juicy meatballs are crafted with a perfect blend of spices and vibrant ingredients, making them ideal for family dinners or festive gatherings. Serve them over spaghetti or as savory appetizers, and watch as they steal the show at any occasion. With their unique Calabrian chili kick, these meatballs promise to keep your guests coming back for more.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20)
- 2 tbsp Calabrian chili peppers (finely chopped)
- 1 cup fresh breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley (chopped)
- 1 large egg
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, parsley, egg, salt, pepper, and Calabrian chili peppers. Mix gently until just combined.
- With damp hands, form about 1.5 tablespoons of mixture into meatballs and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C).
- Meanwhile, heat your favorite marinara sauce in a pan over medium heat. Add baked meatballs and let simmer for about 10 minutes.
- Serve hot over spaghetti or with crusty bread.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 meatballs (120g)
- Calories: 270
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 19g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: For added flavor, swap ground beef for ground pork or turkey. Adjust the number of Calabrian chili peppers based on your spice preference. Keep hands wet while shaping meatballs to prevent sticking.