Oven-Baked Herb-Infused Meatballs
These Oven-Baked Herb-Infused Meatballs offer a delicious and healthier spin on the classic meatball recipe. By baking instead of frying, you reduce the amount of added fats without sacrificing flavor. These meatballs are rich in aromatic herbs like dill and parsley, and inspired by a vibrant mix of spices, including cayenne pepper and curry powder. Ideal for a hearty lunch, a savory snack, or an addition to your meal prep lineup. Customize the recipe to suit your taste palate by tweaking the amount of meat or level of spice, making it both versatile and family-friendly.
5
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
minced meat
800g (mixed beef, pork, or lamb)
onion
1 large (diced)
garlic cloves
3 (smashed)
egg
1 (none)
tomato puree
70g (none)
dill
to taste (chopped)
parsley
to taste (chopped)
cayenne pepper
to taste (ground)
curry powder
to taste (ground)
salt
to taste (none)
black pepper
to taste (ground)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine minced meat, diced onion, smashed garlic, egg, and tomato puree.
3
Season the mixture liberally with dill, parsley, cayenne pepper, curry powder, salt, and pepper to your personal taste preference.
4
With wet hands, shape the mixture into small ovals, about the size of a golf ball.
5
Place the formed meatballs on a baking tray lined with non-stick baking paper, ensuring they are evenly spaced.
6
Bake in the preheated oven for about 40 minutes or until golden brown and crispy on the outside.
7
Once cooked, remove from the oven and allow to rest for a few minutes.
8
Serve the meatballs warm with a side of leafy salad, flatbread, pita bread, or a touch of mustard.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Oven-Baked Herb-Infused Meatballs?
They are a delicious and healthier version of classic meatballs, flavored with aromatic herbs and baked to reduce added fats.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes approximately 5 servings.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
The oven should be preheated to 180°C or 350°F.
How long do the meatballs need to bake?
They should bake for about 40 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
What type of minced meat can I use?
You can use a mix of beef, pork, or lamb, or choose one based on your preference.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is a healthy option as it is oven-baked without added oil and is high in protein.
Do I need any oil for this recipe?
No, this recipe is designed to be made without any added oil.
What herbs are used in the mixture?
The recipe features chopped dill and parsley for a fresh, aromatic flavor.
What spices give the meatballs their kick?
Cayenne pepper and curry powder are used to provide a vibrant and spicy profile.
What ingredients are used as binders?
One egg and 70g of tomato puree are used to help bind the minced meat and spices together.
How should I shape the meatballs?
The recipe recommends using wet hands to shape the mixture into small ovals.
What size should each meatball be?
You should aim for each meatball to be roughly the size of a golf ball.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, these meatballs are an ideal addition to a weekly meal prep lineup.
What are some serving suggestions?
Serve them warm with a side of leafy salad, flatbread, pita bread, or a touch of mustard.
How much minced meat is required?
You will need 800g of minced meat for this recipe.
How should the garlic be prepared?
The recipe calls for 3 garlic cloves to be smashed before being added to the mix.
Can I adjust the spice level?
Yes, you can tweak the amounts of cayenne pepper and curry powder to match your taste palate.
How do I prevent the meatballs from sticking to the tray?
Line your baking tray with non-stick baking paper to ensure they don't stick.
Should the meatballs rest after cooking?
Yes, it is recommended to allow them to rest for a few minutes after removing them from the oven.
What vegetable is added to the meat mixture?
One large diced onion is mixed into the meat for texture and flavor.
Can these meatballs be eaten as a snack?
Yes, they are versatile enough to be served as a savory, high-protein snack.
What gives the meatballs their golden-brown color?
The 40-minute baking process at 180°C ensures they become golden brown and crispy.
Is this recipe family-friendly?
Yes, it is easy to customize and suitable for both adults and children.
What type of tomato product is needed?
The recipe specifies 70g of tomato puree.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 11 ingredients in total, including meat, vegetables, and various spices.
Are there any breadcrumbs in this recipe?
No, this specific recipe uses egg and tomato puree for texture without using breadcrumbs.
What kind of black pepper should I use?
The recipe calls for ground black pepper, added to your personal taste preference.
Can I use dry herbs instead of fresh?
While fresh are implied, you can use dry herbs; just remember to adjust the quantity as dry herbs are more potent.
Is there salt in the recipe?
Yes, salt is added to the mixture according to your personal taste.
What is the primary benefit of baking these instead of frying?
Baking reduces the amount of added fats while maintaining a delicious flavor profile.