A rich, savory aroma fills the air as you prepare to dive into a plate of Hearty Brussels Meatballs. Imagine the tender meatballs, perfectly browned and bursting with flavor, served over a bed of comforting mashed potatoes or nestled in a warm sub roll. Each bite promises an explosion of taste that dances on your palate, making every dinner feel like a cozy gathering around the fireplace.
These Hearty Brussels Meatballs are not just food; they’re a memory waiting to happen. Picture the laughter echoing through your kitchen as your family digs in, each one fighting for the last meatball like it’s the last slice of pizza at a party. Perfect for family dinners or game day gatherings, these meatballs will make your heart sing and your belly happy, leaving you eagerly anticipating seconds.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This recipe is so easy to whip up that even your cat could supervise (but please don’t let them)
- The flavor combination is rich and satisfying, making it comfort food at its finest
- Your friends and family will be raving about how delicious this dish looks and tastes
- Versatile enough for any occasion, from casual weeknight dinners to fancy gatherings
I remember serving these Hearty Brussels Meatballs at my cousin’s birthday party last year, where they disappeared faster than cake at a kid’s party.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Ground Beef: Choose lean ground beef for juicy meatballs without excess grease.
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Brussels Sprouts: Fresh Brussels sprouts add crunch and a slight bitterness that balances the flavors beautifully.
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Breadcrumbs: Use Italian-style breadcrumbs for added flavor and texture; they help bind the meatballs together.
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Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan brings a nutty flavor that enhances the overall taste of the meatballs.
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Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves provide an aromatic punch that makes every bite irresistible.
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Eggs: Eggs act as a binder in this recipe; they keep your meatballs moist and fluffy.
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Parsley: Fresh parsley adds color and freshness; it brightens up those hearty flavors.
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Olive Oil: A drizzle of olive oil ensures that everything stays moist while cooking.
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Salt & Pepper: Season generously to enhance all those amazing flavors packed into each meatball.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Hearty Brussels Meatballs
Prepare the Brussels Sprouts: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Trim and halve fresh Brussels sprouts, tossing them with olive oil until lightly coated. Roast them for about 20 minutes until golden brown.
Create the Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, roasted Brussels sprouts, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, chopped parsley, eggs, salt, and pepper. Mix gently but thoroughly until just combined.
Shape Your Meatballs: Using wet hands (trust me on this), form the mixture into balls about 1 inch in diameter. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Bake Until Golden: Bake the meatballs in your preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until they’re nicely browned and cooked through. Your kitchen should smell heavenly by now!
Prepare Your Sauce: While waiting for those beauties to bake, heat some olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add diced tomatoes and season with salt and pepper. Simmer for about 10 minutes until slightly thickened.
Cover with Sauce: Once baked, gently transfer the meatballs into the skillet with sauce. Stir carefully to coat each one evenly before serving hot over pasta or on sub rolls.
Now you’ve got flavorful Hearty Brussels Meatballs ready to impress everyone at your dinner table! Enjoy every moment as you serve these delicious bites filled with warmth and love. For more inspiration, check out this delicious dinner recipes recipe.
You Must Know
- Hearty Brussels Meatballs pack a flavorful punch and are surprisingly versatile for any meal
- The savory aroma fills the kitchen, making everyone eager to dig in
- Plus, they freeze well, so you can savor them later without sacrificing taste or texture
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by mixing your ground meat with finely chopped Brussels sprouts for an even distribution of flavor. Sear the meatballs until golden brown, then finish cooking them in tomato sauce to enhance their moisture and taste.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out ground meat for turkey or chicken for a lighter dish. Add spices like smoked paprika or fresh herbs to give your hearty Brussels meatballs a unique twist that reflects your palate.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of sauce to keep them juicy and delicious.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For best results, let the meat mixture rest for 10 minutes before forming into meatballs
- This helps flavors meld together beautifully
- Always use a meat thermometer to ensure they are cooked through but still moist inside. </p>
- <p>Experiment with different sauces; a sweet chili glaze can take them to another level!
When I first made these hearty Brussels meatballs, my family devoured them in minutes—now it’s our go-to recipe for gatherings and cozy nights in.
FAQ
What kind of ground meat works best for hearty Brussels meatballs?
Ground beef or turkey provides great flavor and texture when combined with Brussels sprouts. For more inspiration, check out this great lunch options recipe.
Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare them a day ahead and refrigerate before cooking.
How do I know when my meatballs are fully cooked?
Use a meat thermometer; they should reach an internal temperature of 165°F for safety.
Hearty Brussels Meatballs
Indulge in the comforting flavors of Hearty Brussels Meatballs, where tender meatballs made with lean ground beef and fresh Brussels sprouts are perfectly seasoned and baked to perfection. Each bite offers a delightful mix of savory goodness, sure to bring smiles at any family dinner or gathering. Serve these delicious meatballs over mashed potatoes or in a warm sub roll, and watch them disappear faster than you can say “seconds.”
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 cup Brussels sprouts (trimmed and halved)
- 1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ cup fresh parsley (chopped)
- 2 tbsp olive oil (plus more for drizzling)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss halved Brussels sprouts in olive oil and roast for about 20 minutes until golden brown.
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, roasted Brussels sprouts, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, chopped parsley, eggs, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until combined.
- Using wet hands, form the mixture into meatballs about 1 inch in diameter and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until browned and cooked through.
- While baking, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add diced tomatoes and season with salt and pepper; simmer for about 10 minutes.
- Transfer baked meatballs to the skillet with sauce and stir gently to coat before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 meatballs (approximately 150g)
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: For a lighter option, substitute ground beef with turkey or chicken. To add extra flavor, incorporate spices such as smoked paprika or additional herbs into the meat mixture. Leftover meatballs can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days; reheat gently with a splash of sauce.
