These chimichurri meatballs are a fun twist on a classic dish! They are juicy and packed with flavor thanks to a zesty chimichurri sauce made from fresh herbs, garlic, and vinegar.
I love serving these with pasta or on a sub roll. It’s hard to resist sneaking one right off the plate before dinner! 🙈 They’re super easy to make and perfect for any gathering.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: While you can use plain ground beef, a mix with pork adds extra flavor and juiciness. For a healthier option, consider ground turkey or chicken, noting they may require different seasonings to enhance flavor.
Breadcrumbs: Standard breadcrumbs work well, but you could use panko for a lighter texture. If you’re gluten-free, try crushed gluten-free crackers or almond flour instead.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds a nice cheese flavor. If you’re avoiding dairy, nutritional yeast can provide a cheese-like taste without the calories.
Fresh Herbs: Fresh parsley is essential for flavor. If you run out, fresh basil or mint can work as alternatives, but they will change the taste profile a bit. Adjust according to your taste!
Chili/Red Pepper Flakes: Use fresh diced chilies for more heat or less red pepper flakes if you prefer milder meatballs. You can also switch to smoked paprika for a different kind of warmth.
How Do I Ensure Perfectly Cooked Meatballs?
Getting meatballs just right can be tricky. Here’s how to do it! First, mix your ingredients gently to avoid tough meatballs. Second, form them evenly in size – typically about 1-1.5 inches. This ensures they cook uniformly.
- When cooking, do it in batches to not overcrowd your pan. Each meatball should have enough space and heat to brown nicely.
- Cook until golden on the outside, then lower the heat to finish cooking through. Use a meat thermometer; they should reach 160°F (70°C) for beef or pork.
These steps will help you achieve perfectly tender meatballs every time!
Chimichurri Meatballs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for frying)
For the Chimichurri Sauce:
- 1 cup fresh parsley leaves, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves, finely chopped (optional)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small red chili or 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Juice of 1/2 lemon (optional, adds brightness)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes of prep time and approximately 20 minutes of cooking time. So, you can whip up these delicious meatballs in just under an hour!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Meatballs:
In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, egg, minced garlic, parsley, oregano, salt, and pepper. Use your hands or a spoon to mix everything gently until just combined. Be careful not to overwork the mixture; you want them to stay tender!
2. Form Meatballs:
Shape the mixture into small, even meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. This recipe should yield around 18-20 meatballs. Keep them nice and uniform for even cooking!
3. Cook Meatballs:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the meatballs in batches, giving them space to brown well on all sides, which should take about 6-8 minutes. Then, reduce the heat to medium to ensure they cook through, about another 5 minutes. Use a meat thermometer if you’d like; they should be cooked to an internal temperature of 160°F (70°C). Remove them from the skillet and keep warm.
4. Make Chimichurri Sauce:
While the meatballs are cooking, mix together parsley, cilantro (if using), minced garlic, red chili or red pepper flakes, red wine vinegar, olive oil, salt, black pepper, and lemon juice in a mixing bowl. Stir well to ensure all flavors blend together nicely. The chimichurri sauce will bring a fresh, zesty kick to your meatballs!
5. Toss Meatballs in Sauce:
Once the meatballs are cooked, place them in a serving dish and pour the chimichurri sauce over them. Toss gently to coat all the meatballs evenly in that vibrant, herby sauce. Make sure each meatball gets a good share of flavor!
6. Serve:
Serve the chimichurri meatballs warm as a scrumptious appetizer or main dish. They pair beautifully with crusty bread, over rice, or tossed with pasta. Enjoy every delicious bite!
Enjoy your zesty and fresh Chimichurri Meatballs!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great, lean alternative. Just be sure to add extra seasonings, as turkey can be milder in flavor than beef. You might also consider adding a splash of chicken broth to keep the meatballs moist.
How Can I Store Leftover Meatballs?
Store any leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can reheat them in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through. To maintain the flavor, you might want to add a little extra chimichurri sauce when reheating!
Can I Make the Chimichurri Sauce Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can! The chimichurri sauce can be made 1-2 days in advance. Just store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container. This will help the flavors meld together even more, making it even tastier when you toss it with the meatballs.
What Can I Serve with Chimichurri Meatballs?
These flavorful meatballs pair well with a variety of sides! You can serve them over pasta or rice for a hearty meal, or have them as an appetizer with crusty bread. A light salad or roasted vegetables also complement the dish beautifully!
