CLASSIC PESTO MEATBALLS

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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

Muneeb Mehar
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These meatballs are a great way to use up leftover pesto. I always have a jar of pesto in my fridge, so this recipe is perfect for me.


SHAKA KING
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I'm not a big fan of pesto, but I thought I'd give this recipe a try. I'm glad I did! The meatballs were really good.


Dola Rani
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These meatballs were just okay. I've had better.


Tapiwa Junior Chimombe
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I'm not sure what I did wrong, but my meatballs turned out really tough.


magaji shehu
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These meatballs took a lot longer to cook than the recipe said. I had to keep them in the oven for an extra 15 minutes.


Syed Ammu
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I had a hard time finding fresh basil. I ended up using dried basil, and the meatballs just didn't have the same flavor.


Jani Mirxa
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I found the pesto sauce to be a bit overpowering. I think I'll try using less next time.


Shannon ray Martin
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These meatballs were a bit too dry for my taste.


Adeel Kiyani
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I'm always looking for new meatball recipes, and this one definitely didn't disappoint.


Zamreku Adem
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These meatballs are so versatile. I've served them with spaghetti, mashed potatoes, and even rice.


Sb Conten
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I love that this recipe uses ground turkey instead of beef. It makes the meatballs much healthier.


TTV_J_YT
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These meatballs are perfect for a party or a weeknight meal. They're always a crowd-pleaser.


Sasquatch Mike
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I've never been a big fan of meatballs, but these ones changed my mind. They're so moist and flavorful.


Grace khakoni
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I made these meatballs for my family, and they were a huge success. Even my picky kids loved them!


Mateo Rocha
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These meatballs are so easy to make. I love that I can just throw all the ingredients in a bowl and mix them together.


Feroz Feroz
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I love that this recipe uses fresh basil. It gives the meatballs such a bright, summery flavor.


Andrei Mocanu
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I've made these meatballs several times now, and they always turn out great. They're so flavorful and juicy.


Simon Salloum
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These meatballs were a hit at my last party! Everyone loved them.