Best Classic Pesto Meatballs Recipes

CLASSIC MEATBALLS

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Heat the olive oil and sliced garlic in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Cook, stirring, until the garlic is lightly golden, 2 to 3 minutes. Add the tomatoes, 1 teaspoon salt, a few grinds of pepper and 2 teaspoons oregano. Bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat and simmer gently, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly, 15 to 18 minutes.
• Meanwhile, make the meatballs: Combine the beef, parmesan, breadcrumbs, parsley, milk, eggs, grated garlic, 2 teaspoons salt, a few grinds of pepper and the remaining 1 teaspoon oregano in a large bowl. Mix well with your hands. Form into thirty 1 1/2-inch meatballs and divide between 2 baking sheets. Bake until firm and lightly browned, 12 to 15 minutes.
• Carefully remove the meatballs with a spatula and drain briefly on paper towels, then transfer to the sauce. Simmer until tender, 15 to 20 minutes.
• Transfer the meatballs and sauce to a slow cooker and keep on warm.

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.

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.

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 PESTO

Steps:

• Place the basil, cheese, garlic and salt in a food processor; cover and pulse until chopped. Add nuts; cover and process until blended. While processing, gradually add oil in a steady stream. Store in an airtight container in the freezer up to 1 year.

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.

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.