Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 30 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
460 | 32g | 14g | 9g |
sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
2g | 0.5g | 28g | 0.66g |
Why I Love British Beef and Cheddar Meatballs
Rediscovering Culinary Heritage with the Beef and Cheddar Meatballs Recipe
Embarking on the exploration of the delightful British dish, the Beef and Cheddar Meatballs, one notices that it pays homage to an age-old tradition that carries a wealth of savory comforts. Much like how mother nature has embraced my native land of Montana with her unique and diverse wonders, this familiar yet enchanting dish invites me to dive into a new flavor expedition.
The charm of this dish lies not only in the power of its simplicity but also in the fusion of wholesome, quality ingredients that can transport any food enthusiast to a state of culinary serendipity. Inspired by my own love for dishes that echo rustic traditions, such as hearty bison burgers and venison steaks, this beautiful concoction summons the same comfort and flavors. It appears deceptively simple, yet it harbors a depth of flavors that promises a memorable dining experience. Indeed, dishes like these serve as gentle reminders why I fell in love with cooking in the first place!
The Journey to Perfecting the Recipe
I owe my knack of blending various flavors and my passion for cooking to numerous sources of inspiration. The Beef and Cheddar Meatballs recipe is no exception. Taking cues from Jamie Oliver, who has been a tireless advocate of simple and homey recipes, I’ve embarked on a journey to perfect this traditional British dish. The concoction of ground beef, cheddar, garlic, and Worcestershire sauce marries comfort and flavor perfectly.
This dish draws parallels with the renowned Swedish meatballs due to the shared base of ground meat and breadcrumbs. Yet, its distinctive burst of sharp cheddar flavor and the savory beef broth gravy makes it uniquely tantalizing. Complementing this hearty dish with a side of mashed potatoes or a serving of steamed vegetables would turn an ordinary meal into a festive, wholesome feast.
Personalizing this recipe and immersing myself in its flavors allowed me to truly appreciate its value. The process is not so much a task, but an adventure that leads to a delicious reward that is the Beef and Cheddar Meatballs. Savour the journey and let your taste buds explore!
What You’ll Need
- 1.5 pounds of ground beef
- 1 cup of cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup of milk
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup of finely chopped onion
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil
- 1 cup of beef broth
- 1 tablespoon of flour
Method
Step One
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, cheddar cheese, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, chopped onion, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper. Mix all of these together until they’re just combined – overmixing might make your meatballs tough.
Step Three
Time to shape your meatballs. Using your hands or a scoop, divide the mixture into about 12-16 balls. They should each be roughly the size of a golf ball.
Step Four
Heat the vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the meatballs, leaving enough space to avoid overcrowding. You might have to do this in batches depending upon the size of your skillet. Brown the meatballs on all sides, which usually takes 2-3 minutes per side.
Step Five
Transfer the browned meatballs to a greased baking dish and place them in the preheated oven. Bake for about 15-20 minutes or until they’re fully cooked through.
Step Six
While the meatballs are baking, it’s time to make the sauce. In the same skillet you used before, add the beef broth and bring it to a simmer over medium heat. Whisk in the flour, and keep whisking until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
Step Seven
Once the meatballs are cooked through, remove them from the oven and pour the sauce over the meatballs.
Your Beef and Cheddar Meatballs are now ready to be served! Enjoy these with pasta, rice or on their own for a hearty meal.