There’s something timeless about gathering around the table for a comforting family meal, and meatballs are often at the heart of it. These recipes are easy to make and packed with flavor, perfect for busy weeknights or a leisurely Sunday dinner. From classic spaghetti and meatballs to inventive twists, these dishes promise to bring smiles and satisfaction to everyone at the table. Get ready to roll up your sleeves and enjoy some delicious meatball magic!
Steps
- Preheat your oven to 450°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil. In a bowl, combine ground beef, green onions, ginger, and garlic, then season with salt and pepper. Mix well and form the mixture into tablespoon-sized meatballs, placing them on one half of the prepared baking sheet.
- On the other half of the baking sheet, distribute broccoli florets and coat them with oil, salt, and pepper. Bake in the oven for approximately 15 minutes, or until the meatballs are thoroughly cooked and the broccoli is tender.
- While the meatballs and broccoli bake, prepare the sauce by adding oil, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, water, rice wine vinegar, and red pepper flakes to a large skillet. Cook over medium-high heat for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Mix cornstarch with 1/2 cup of water and add this mixture to the skillet. Continue to cook until the sauce thickens. Remove the sauce from the heat once it reaches the desired consistency.
- Once the meatballs are cooked, transfer them to the skillet and coat them evenly with the thickened sauce. Ensure each meatball is thoroughly covered.
- Serve the meatballs and sauce over a base of rice, garnished with extra green onions and sesame seeds. Present the broccoli on the side for a complete dish.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 3 green onions, chopped
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Broccoli florets (enough to fill half the baking sheet)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for broccoli)
- 1/2 cup soy sauce (low-sodium recommended)
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for sauce)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (for sauce)
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced (for sauce)
- 1/2 cup water (plus additional for cornstarch mixture)
- 2 tablespoons rice wine vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- Cooked rice, for serving
- Green onions, chopped, for garnish
- Sesame seeds, for garnish
FAQ
- What ingredients are used to make the Mongolian meatball sauce?
- The sauce includes soy sauce (preferably low-sodium), brown sugar, vegetable oil, garlic, ginger, rice wine vinegar, red pepper flakes, and cornstarch.
- Can I use a different type of meat for the meatballs?
- Yes, while the recipe uses ground beef, you can substitute it with ground turkey, chicken, or pork.
- How do you prepare the meatballs and broccoli for baking?
- Form the meat mixture into balls and place them on one side of a lined baking sheet. Arrange broccoli florets on the other side, toss with oil, salt, and pepper, and bake at 450 degrees F for about 15 minutes.
- What are some recommended side dishes to serve with Mongolian meatballs?
- You can serve the meatballs with Instant Pot rice, cauliflower fried rice, bacon fried rice with shallots, Asian cucumber salad, or ginger veggie stir fry.
- What wine pairs well with Mongolian meatballs?
- A fruity red wine like Zinfandel or Grenache complements the dish well, while a white Riesling is a good choice for those who prefer white wine.
Tips
- To streamline cleanup, line your baking sheet with parchment paper or foil before arranging the meatballs and broccoli. This simple step saves time and effort when washing up.
- When forming your meatballs, you can use a cookie scoop to ensure they are uniform in size, which helps them cook evenly.
- While the meatballs are baking, prepare the sauce by allowing it to simmer until it thickens. This timing ensures that both elements of the dish are ready at the same time.
- For a low-carb alternative, serve the meatballs over cauliflower rice instead of traditional rice or noodles.
Equipment
- Baking Sheet – If you don’t already have one, you’ll need a baking sheet to bake the meatballs and broccoli.
- Parchment Paper or Aluminum Foil – These are used to line the baking sheet for easy cleanup.
- Large Skillet – Necessary for cooking the sauce.
- Cookie Scoop – Useful for forming evenly sized meatballs, though optional if you prefer to shape them by hand.
