Best 8 Classic Pesto Meatballs Recipes

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Indulge in a culinary symphony of flavors with these classic pesto meatballs, a delightful appetizer or main course that will tantalize your taste buds. These tender and succulent meatballs are lovingly crafted with a harmonious blend of ground meat, aromatic herbs, and a vibrant pesto sauce, creating a symphony of flavors that dance on your palate. Accompanying this delectable dish are three tantalizing dipping sauces: a classic tomato sauce, a creamy Alfredo sauce, and a zesty marinara sauce, each offering a unique dimension to the meatballs. Whether you prefer the tangy kick of the marinara, the velvety richness of the Alfredo, or the timeless appeal of the tomato sauce, these sauces elevate the meatballs to new heights of culinary bliss.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

PESTO MEATBALLS



Pesto Meatballs image

Pesto does double duty in these yummy meatballs. Add some to the ground meat mixture, then simmer the meatballs in chicken broth and pesto for an extra herby kick.

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Categories     main-dish

Time 25m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 8

1 pound ground turkey
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
3/4 cup prepared pesto
1/4 cup milk
1/4 cup grated Parmesan
Olive oil
1 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup heavy cream

Steps:

  • In a bowl, mix the turkey with the breadcrumbs, 1/2 cup pesto, the milk and grated Parmesan; form into small balls.
  • Heat a thin layer of olive oil in a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Cook the meatballs until just browned, then add the chicken broth and remaining 1/4 cup pesto and simmer until cooked through. Stir in the heavy cream and simmer until the sauce is slightly thickened.

CHICKEN PESTO MEATBALLS



Chicken Pesto Meatballs image

These tender, pesto-stuffed meatballs get gobbled up in our house. They're short on ingredients, but packed with flavor. I always make a double batch, freezing the other half for a busy night. -Ally Billhorn, Wilton, Iowa

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 30m

Yield 4 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 9

6 ounces uncooked whole grain spaghetti
1/4 cup dry bread crumbs
2 tablespoons prepared pesto
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 pound lean ground chicken
1-1/2 cups marinara sauce
1/4 cup water
Optional: Torn fresh basil and additional Parmesan cheese

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.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 422 calories, Fat 12g fat (3g saturated fat), Cholesterol 85mg cholesterol, Sodium 706mg sodium, Carbohydrate 45g carbohydrate (7g sugars, Fiber 7g fiber), Protein 32g protein. Diabetic Exchanges

PESTO MEATBALLS



Pesto Meatballs image

Oven baked easy no mess meatballs. Enjoy with pasta and sauce. Or on a roll topped with pesto, sauce and cheese.

Provided by Rita1652

Categories     Meat

Time 30m

Yield 24 meatballs, 12 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 5

3 lbs 80% lean ground beef (20% fat)
1/2 cup seasoned bread crumbs
2 eggs, lightly whisked
1/2 cup finely minced onion
1/2 cup pesto sauce (prepared or store bought or Pesto)

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.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 322, Fat 23.8, SaturatedFat 9, Cholesterol 111.6, Sodium 176.1, Carbohydrate 4.1, Fiber 0.4, Sugar 0.6, Protein 21.3

CLASSIC MEATBALLS



Classic Meatballs image

This homemade meatball recipe is a Betty classic, and for great reason! For generations, home cooks have relied on this hearty meatball recipe to show some skills the kitchen. All it takes to achieve this meaty main dish is eight basic ingredients. Got them? Great! Now, if you have 15 minutes to spare and a foil-lined 13x9 pan, perfectly browned and tender meatballs could be the answer to tonight's dinner jam. Yes, delicious doesn't take long! In the meantime, prepare spaghetti or rice, veggies or salad, because this recipe goes with anything!

Provided by Betty Crocker Kitchens

Categories     Entree

Time 40m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 8

1 lb lean (at least 80%) ground beef
1/2 cup Progresso™ Italian-style bread crumbs
1/4 cup milk
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 small onion, finely chopped (1/4 cup)
1 egg

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.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 280, Carbohydrate 13 g, Cholesterol 125 mg, Fiber 1 g, Protein 24 g, SaturatedFat 6 g, ServingSize 1 Serving, Sodium 480 mg, Sugar 3 g, TransFat 1 g

PESTO TURKEY MEATBALLS



Pesto Turkey Meatballs image

Ridiculously easy turkey meatballs ready in 30 minutes and full of flavor thanks to lots of pesto. My kids love these turkey meatballs and they're endlessly versatile, and I love how quick and easy they are to make.

Provided by Diana Moutsopoulos

Categories     World Cuisine Recipes     European     Italian

Time 30m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 7

1 ½ pounds ground turkey
1 cup panko bread crumbs
½ cup basil pesto
2 tablespoons grated Pecorino Romano cheese
1 egg
½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
ground black pepper to taste

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.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 337.8 calories, Carbohydrate 14.1 g, Cholesterol 124.1 mg, Fat 20.1 g, Fiber 0.6 g, Protein 30 g, SaturatedFat 5.6 g, Sodium 546 mg, Sugar 0.1 g

TURKEY-PESTO MEATBALLS



Turkey-Pesto Meatballs image

Ready in 45 minutes, this savory meatball dish is made with ground turkey and creamy basil pesto sauce. They're great over pasta or in a meatball sub.

Provided by By Bree Hester

Categories     Appetizer

Time 45m

Yield 36

Number Of Ingredients 7

2 lb ground turkey breast
1 1/2 cups Progresso™ plain bread crumbs
1/2 cup basil pesto
1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
2 eggs whites

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.

Nutrition Facts : ServingSize 1 Serving

CLASSIC PESTO MEATBALLS



Classic Pesto Meatballs image

Try them in a hero sandwich, wrapped and baked in a calzone, buried in macaroni and cheese, layered in lasagna, served over orzo pasta with vegetables or used as a pizza topping. This came from Ladies' Home Journal. I have not tried this, just posting for future use.

Provided by internetnut

Categories     Lunch/Snacks

Time 33m

Yield 4 dozen, 48 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 8

2 lbs ground beef
1 small finely chopped onion
1/2 cup roasted red pepper, finely diced
1/3 cup prepared pesto sauce
1/4 cup plain breadcrumbs
1/4 cup part-skim ricotta cheese
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

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.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 43.9, Fat 3, SaturatedFat 1.2, Cholesterol 13.2, Sodium 71.5, Carbohydrate 0.4, Fiber 0.1, Sugar 0.1, Protein 3.7

CLASSIC PESTO



Classic Pesto image

This versatile pesto boasts a perfect basil flavor. Pair it with pasta and you've got a classic Italian dinner. -Iola Egle, Bella Vista, Arkansas

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 10m

Yield 1 cup.

Number Of Ingredients 6

4 cups loosely packed basil leaves
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 garlic cloves, halved
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup pine nuts, toasted
1/2 cup olive oil

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.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 196 calories, Fat 19g fat (3g saturated fat), Cholesterol 4mg cholesterol, Sodium 152mg sodium, Carbohydrate 3g carbohydrate (0 sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 5g protein.

Tips:

  • Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh herbs, garlic, and lemon zest for the best flavor. Fresh basil is essential for a classic pesto sauce.
  • Quality Ground Beef: Choose ground beef with a higher fat content (80/20 or 85/15) for juicier meatballs. You can also use a combination of ground beef and ground pork.
  • Seasoning: Don't be afraid to season the meatballs generously. The combination of Parmesan cheese, garlic, and Italian seasoning creates a delicious and flavorful meatball.
  • Chilling the Meatballs: Chilling the meatballs before cooking helps them hold their shape better and prevents them from falling apart.
  • Baking vs. Frying: Baking the meatballs in the oven is a healthier option than frying them. However, you can also pan-fry the meatballs if you prefer a crispy exterior.
  • Sauce: Serve the meatballs with a flavorful sauce, such as a classic tomato sauce, pesto sauce, or a creamy mushroom sauce.

Conclusion:

These classic pesto meatballs are a versatile and delicious dish that can be enjoyed as an appetizer, main course, or party food. With their juicy interiors, flavorful pesto sauce, and crispy exteriors, these meatballs are sure to be a hit. Whether you bake them in the oven or pan-fry them, these meatballs are a delicious and easy-to-make meal that the whole family will love. So next time you're looking for a tasty and satisfying meal, give these classic pesto meatballs a try!

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