Mountain Meatballs

If you’re craving a hearty, flavorful meal that feels like a big, cozy hug, then Mountain Meatballs are the way to go. Picture this: savory, tender meatballs packed with flavor, smothered in a rich, savory sauce, and perfectly seasoned to give you that ultimate comfort food experience. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just looking to treat yourself to a filling, satisfying dish, these meatballs are your go-to. They’re bold, juicy, and downright delicious—trust me, once you taste them, you’ll wonder why you didn’t make them sooner!

Why You’ll Love Mountain Meatballs

This recipe isn’t just about the meatballs—it’s about the joy of indulging in a wholesome, tasty meal. Here’s why these Mountain Meatballs will quickly become a favorite:

• Flavor Packed: The meatballs are bursting with savory goodness, while the rich sauce adds the perfect finishing touch. Every bite is full of flavor!
• Comforting and Hearty: This dish is made for those days when you need something satisfying and comforting—think cozy dinners, hearty family meals, or cozy nights in.
• Versatile: Serve these meatballs over mashed potatoes, pasta, or with a side of crusty bread. They’re the kind of dish that can adapt to whatever you’re in the mood for.
• Budget-Friendly: Ground meat, breadcrumbs, and simple seasonings come together to make something that feels indulgent without breaking the bank.
• Crowd-Pleasing: Whether you’re making dinner for your family or hosting a gathering, this dish is sure to please even the pickiest eaters.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these juicy, flavorful Mountain Meatballs:

• Ground Beef or Pork: The heart of the meatballs. You can use just beef, just pork, or a mix of both for extra flavor and juiciness.
• Breadcrumbs: These help bind the meatballs together and add a tender texture.
• Egg: To help hold the meatballs together and add richness.
• Garlic: Freshly minced garlic brings an aromatic kick to the meatballs, making them irresistible.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a savory, umami depth to the meatballs and helps them stay juicy.
• Herbs (Parsley and Oregano): Fresh parsley and dried oregano round out the flavor profile, giving the meatballs a deliciously fragrant lift.
• Salt and Pepper: To season everything perfectly.
• Olive Oil: For sautéing the meatballs, giving them a crispy exterior.
• Tomato Sauce (or Marinara Sauce): A rich, tangy sauce that brings everything together and complements the meatballs’ flavor.

(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Here’s how you can make these irresistible Mountain Meatballs:

1. Make the Meatball Mixture:

In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, Parmesan cheese, parsley, oregano, salt, and pepper. Use your hands or a spoon to mix everything together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatballs tough.

2. Form the Meatballs:

Take small portions of the meat mixture and roll them into balls, about 1-1.5 inches in diameter. You should get around 20 meatballs, depending on the size.

3. Brown the Meatballs:

Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the meatballs to the pan. Cook in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding. Brown the meatballs on all sides, about 5-7 minutes, until they’re golden and crispy on the outside. They don’t need to be fully cooked through at this stage—they’ll finish cooking in the sauce.

4. Simmer in Sauce:

Once the meatballs are browned, remove them from the skillet and set them aside. In the same skillet, add your tomato sauce (or marinara sauce). Stir it to pick up all the flavor bits left from the meatballs. Return the meatballs to the pan, spooning some sauce over each one. Cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes, allowing the meatballs to cook through and absorb the delicious sauce.

5. Serve and Enjoy:

Serve the meatballs hot, with extra sauce if you like. You can serve them over mashed potatoes, spaghetti, or just with a side of crusty bread for dipping. Enjoy the comfort and flavor!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 450
Total Fat: 24g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 95mg
Sodium: 800mg
Total Carbohydrates: 30g
Dietary Fiber: 2g
Sugars: 8g
Protein: 28g
Vitamin D: 0mcg
Calcium: 180mg
Iron: 3mg
Potassium: 550mg

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

How to Serve Mountain Meatballs

These Mountain Meatballs are perfect on their own or paired with various side dishes. Here are a few serving suggestions:

• Over Mashed Potatoes: The rich meatballs and sauce are perfect over a heap of creamy mashed potatoes. It’s comfort food at its finest.
• With Pasta: Serve the meatballs on a bed of spaghetti or your favorite pasta for a classic dish that everyone will love.
• With Crusty Bread: Scoop up the sauce with fresh, crusty bread for a satisfying meal that feels like a hug in food form.
• On a Sub Roll: Make a meatball sub by serving these meatballs on a hoagie roll with a bit of mozzarella cheese melted on top. Perfect for a hearty lunch!

Additional Tips

• Keep the Meatballs Juicy: Don’t overmix the meatball mixture. The more you handle it, the tougher the meatballs will be. Just mix until it’s combined and then stop!
• Freezing Tips: These meatballs freeze wonderfully! After cooking, let them cool completely and freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw and simmer in the sauce.
• Spice It Up: For a little heat, add red pepper flakes to the sauce or mix in some chili powder with the meatball mixture.
• Make Ahead: If you’re short on time, make the meatballs ahead of time and refrigerate them until you’re ready to cook. You can even brown the meatballs earlier in the day and simmer them in the sauce right before serving.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef or pork?
A1: Yes! Ground turkey or chicken can be used as a leaner alternative. Keep in mind that the meatballs might be a bit drier, so adding a touch more olive oil or an extra egg can help with moisture.

Q2: Can I make these meatballs gluten-free?
A2: Absolutely! Simply swap the regular breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs or use crushed gluten-free crackers. Make sure to check your sauce for any gluten-containing ingredients as well.

Q3: Can I bake the meatballs instead of frying them?
A3: Yes, you can bake the meatballs! Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the meatballs for about 20-25 minutes, until they’re cooked through and golden on the outside.

Q4: Can I use store-bought sauce for this recipe?
A4: Definitely! Store-bought marinara sauce works just fine. Look for one with no added sugars or preservatives for the best flavor.

Q5: How do I keep the meatballs from falling apart?
A5: Be sure to use breadcrumbs as a binder and don’t overwork the meat mixture. If your mixture seems too loose, add a bit more breadcrumbs or even a little grated cheese to help them hold together.

Q6: How do I know when the meatballs are cooked through?
A6: To check if they’re done, cut one in half—if it’s no longer pink inside and the juices run clear, they’re ready. You can also use a meat thermometer—the internal temperature should be 160°F (71°C).

Q7: Can I double the recipe?
A7: Absolutely! Just be sure you have a large enough skillet or cook in batches. You can also freeze any extras for later.

Q8: Can I add vegetables to the meatballs?
A8: Yes, finely grated carrots, zucchini, or even spinach can be added to the meatballs to sneak in some extra veggies and moisture.

Q9: Can I use a slow cooker to cook the meatballs?
A9: Yes! After browning the meatballs, place them in a slow cooker with the sauce and cook on low for 4 hours or high for 2 hours.

Q10: What’s the best way to store leftovers?
A10: Store any leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. They also freeze well for up to 3 months. Just reheat in the sauce for the best flavor.

Conclusion

These Mountain Meatballs are the ultimate comfort food—hearty, savory, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re serving them on a bed of mashed potatoes, pasta, or with crusty bread, they’re guaranteed to bring smiles to the table. So, get ready to indulge in a dish that’s as satisfying as it is delicious. Happy cooking!

Print