Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 1/4 cup finely chopped red bell pepper
- 1/4 cup finely chopped green bell pepper
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon sofrito sauce
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 egg, beaten
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Special equipment needed:
- Large mixing bowl
- Baking sheet
- Non-stick cooking spray
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spray with non-stick cooking spray.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, onion, red and green bell peppers, garlic, cilantro, tomato paste, sofrito sauce, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and beaten egg. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
3. Using your hands, form the mixture into 1 1/2-inch meatballs and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Drizzle the meatballs with olive oil and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until they are browned and cooked through.
5. Remove the meatballs from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 20-25 minutes
Temperature:
- Oven temperature: 375°F (190°C)
Serving size:
- This recipe makes about 20 meatballs, serving size is 4 meatballs per person.
Nutritional information:
- Calories per serving: 280
- Total fat: 19g
- Saturated fat: 6g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
- Sodium: 430mg
- Total carbohydrates: 9g
- Dietary fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 2g
- Protein: 18g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Ground beef can be substituted with ground turkey or ground pork.
- Breadcrumbs can be substituted with panko breadcrumbs or crushed crackers.
- Red and green bell peppers can be substituted with any color bell pepper or jalapeño peppers.
- Sofrito sauce can be substituted with salsa or tomato sauce.
Variations:
- Add 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese to the meatball mixture for added flavor.
- Serve the meatballs with a side of marinara sauce for dipping.
- Make mini meatballs and serve them as appetizers.
- Add chopped olives or capers to the meatball mixture for a Mediterranean twist.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to mix the meatball mixture well to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Use a cookie scoop or ice cream scoop to make uniform-sized meatballs.
- To prevent sticking, spray your hands with non-stick cooking spray before forming the meatballs.
- For a crispy exterior, broil the meatballs for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking.
Storage instructions:
- Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
- To reheat, place the meatballs in a microwave-safe dish and microwave for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
- Serve the meatballs on a platter with toothpicks for easy serving.
- Garnish with chopped cilantro or parsley for added color.
Garnishes:
- Chopped cilantro or parsley
- Grated Parmesan cheese
Pairings:
- Serve the meatballs with a side of rice or quinoa.
- Pair with a salad or roasted vegetables.
Suggested side dishes:
- Rice pilaf
- Roasted vegetables
- Garlic bread
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the meatballs are too dry, add a splash of milk or water to the mixture.
- If the meatballs are falling apart, add more breadcrumbs to the mixture.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to cook the meatballs to an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) to ensure they are fully cooked and safe to eat.
Food history:
- Sofrito is a sauce used in Spanish, Latin American, and Caribbean cuisine. It typically consists of onion, garlic, bell peppers, tomatoes, and cilantro.
Flavor profiles:
- The sofrito sauce adds a savory and slightly sweet flavor to the meatballs, while the cumin and smoked paprika add a smoky and earthy flavor.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve the meatballs as a main dish or as an appetizer.
Related Categories
Cooking Method: N/A
Course Type: N/A
Dietary: N/A
Ingredient: N/A
Meal type: N/A
Occassion: N/A
Region: Spanish