| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 30 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 428 | 28g | 12g | 18g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 8g | 2g | 22g | 0.7g |
I absolutely adore this innovative blend of flavours that we see in our Spicy Oregano Meatballs recipe. Drawing inspiration from nature’s own sweet bounty, this meatball dish dances delicately on the edge of sweet and savory, creating an intriguing dance for your palate.
Where the Unlikely Meets the Traditional
These aren’t your nonna’s meatballs. This recipe calls for a delicate mixture of ground beef and a host of aromatic herbs; however, the crowning jewel would be the fruits added into the mix. Pineapple and mango impart a dash of unexpected sweetness that perfectly complements the spicy heat resulting from crushed red pepper flakes.
The lightness of the fruit combined with the robust flavors of the meat and spices draws a perfect balance. It’s like a bright and sunny Californian day meeting the rich complexity of a laid-back, wine-sipping evening in the heart of wine country. Reminiscent of my own roots, Spicy Oregano Meatballs evoke a sense of familiarity with a pleasing dash of novelty.
Pairs Well with What You Love
This versatile dish pairs well with a plethora of sides. Perhaps a fresh mixed green salad, dressed simply with lemon vinaigrette for a refreshing crunch, or a side of garlic-roasted asparagus spears would fit nicely. For a heartier meal, you might try a dish similar to this Rosemary Roasted Potatoes, their earthy tones making a tasteful match to our meatballs.
Of course, the beauty of food and shared recipes is that they’re made to be experimented with, to be manipulated until they suit your own personal preferences, much like an artist with their paint palette.
Health Conscious Never Tasted So Good
Though rich in flavor, you can enjoy this dish without an ounce of guilt. The meatballs are packed with healthy components; garlic is known for its immune boosting characteristics, bell peppers supply a substantial amount of Vitamin C, and the fruits, besides being naturally sweet, offer a dose of essential nutrients. Adding a glass of red wine, with its abundant antioxidants, highlights the hearty taste and contributes health benefits as well, making this Spicy Oregano Meatballs recipe a guilt-free indulgence for everyone around the table.
Bring a twist to your family dinners or wow your guests at your next dinner party with this special recipe. Drawing from the wholesome abundance of nature and the comforting embrace of a traditional meal, this dish is where health-conscious eating meets classic comfort delight.
What You’ll Need
- 1 1/2 lb ground beef
- 1/2 cup bread crumbs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup chopped onions
- 1 1/2 cups chopped bell peppers
- 2 cups tomato sauce
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup red wine
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
- 1 cup diced pineapple
- 1/2 cup diced mango
Method
Step One
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, bread crumbs, milk, minced garlic, oregano, salt, black pepper, crushed red pepper flakes, egg, and chopped fresh parsley. Mix them thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
Step Two
Form the mixture into meatballs about one inch in diameter. This should make about 15-20 meatballs depending on the size.
Step Three
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook them until they are browned on all sides. This should take about 10 minutes. Once browned, remove the meatballs from the skillet and set them aside.
Step Four
Using the same skillet, add the chopped onions and bell peppers. Sauté them for about 5 minutes or until they are softened.
Step Five
Add the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, red wine, honey, grated lemon zest, diced pineapple, and diced mango to the skillet. Stir them all together until well combined.
Step Six
Return the meatballs to the skillet and stir them into the sauce, ensuring they are fully covered. Let the sauce simmer for about 20 minutes or until the meatballs are cooked through and the flavors have melded together.
Step Seven
Serve the meatballs hot, ideally over pasta or rice for a complete meal. Enjoy this delicious and flavorful spicy oregano meatballs dish!
