Tag: meatball

4-Cheese Meatball Pizza

It was meatball week here. I made a monster batch of my homemade meatballs with plans of using them in all sorts of dishes, from spaghetti and meatballs to meatball sandwiches and meatball soup to, of course, 4-cheese meatball pizza. I love the texture of meatballs on a pizza. They add a nice meatiness to each and every bite, plus they add even more wonderful Italian flavor.

4-Cheese Meatball Pizza

The combination of four different cheeses made for a delightful pizza feast. There weren’t any leftovers. That happens with pizza around here. Roasted cauliflower? Probably gonna have some leftover. Leftover 4-cheese meatball pizza? Nope.

I highly recommend that you shred or grate your own cheese at home. Don’t buy the pre-shredded or pre-grated stuff. It has stuff added to it to keep it from sticking together. That ‘stuff’ affects how the cheese melts. Shred it yourself and use the good stuff.

As much as I love my meatball sandwiches, meatballs on a pizza are my favorite. Also try my cafeteria-style pizza.

4-Cheese Meatball Pizza
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5 from 1 vote

4-Cheese Meatball Pizza

I love the texture of meatballs on a pizza. They add a nice meatiness to each and every bite, plus they add even more wonderful Italian flavor.
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword meatballs, pizza
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 1 pizza
Calories 2626kcal
Author Mike

Ingredients

  • 1 large pizza dough I used my bread machine pizza dough
  • ½ cup pizza sauce I used my homemade sauce
  • 8 meatballs cooked, cut in half (I used my homemade meatballs. See the note below). If using frozen, thaw first.
  • Any other desired toppings I added mushrooms and black olives… plus a few pinches of dried red pepper flake
  • 1 cup provolone cheese shredded
  • 1 cup cheddar cheese shredded
  • 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese shredded
  • ⅓ cup fresh Parmesan cheese shredded

Instructions

  • Note: I used my homemade meatballs. Normally I make them at least 2 ounces each. For the pizza I made 1 ounce meatballs instead. You can still use large meatballs, but instead of halving them you will probably want to quarter them.
  • Preheat oven to 420 F
  • If using store-bought pizza dough or crust, prepare per the package instructions.
  • Ladle sauce onto the pizza and spread out edge-to-edge.
  • Distribute the meatballs around the pizza.
  • Add any other toppings that you desire.
  • Sprinkle with the cheeses.
  • Transfer to a pizza stone or pan and bake 10-12 minutes or until the dough is crispy and the cheeses are melted.

Nutrition

Calories: 2626kcal | Carbohydrates: 198g | Protein: 140g | Fat: 143g | Saturated Fat: 80g | Cholesterol: 391mg | Sodium: 5995mg | Potassium: 1111mg | Fiber: 8g | Sugar: 31g | Vitamin A: 3701IU | Vitamin C: 9mg | Calcium: 2687mg | Iron: 15mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Giardiniera Meatball Sandwich

Maybe it’s because I don’t get out enough, but I’d never heard of putting Giardiniera on a meatball sandwich before. Whomever came up with the idea should be knighted (if we knighted folks in the US). Add a bit of roasted red bell pepper and you have a super-easy-to-make incredibly yummy sandwich. Perfect any time, but also great because I almost always have the ingredients to make Giardiniera meatball sandwiches on hand.

Giardiniera Meatball Sandwich

I used mild Giardiniera when making these meatball sandwiches, but hot would be fantastic too. Just chop it up a bit before spooning it on top.

I did ‘cheat’ and use frozen meatballs. If I’d had more time to throw dinner together, I would’ve made a batch of my Italian meatballs. I try to keep some on hand at all times, but truth is, they are just so good that there’s just never any leftovers.

For a different twist, substitute my okra giardiniera for the ‘normal’ stuff.

Giardiniera Meatball Sandwich
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4 from 1 vote

Giardiniera Meatball Sandwich

Maybe it’s because I don’t get out enough, but I’d never heard of putting Giardiniera on a meatball sandwich before. Whomever came up with the idea should be knighted.
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword meatballs, sandwich
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings 2 servings
Calories 936kcal
Author Mike

Ingredients

  • 1 loaf French bread sliced horizontally
  • 12 cooked meatballs warmed (if using frozen store-bought, bake per package instructions first)
  • 4 slices Provolone cheese
  • Giardiniera chopped
  • 1 roasted red bell pepper sliced thin

Instructions

  • Hollow out as much of the bread as you can to make room for the meatballs and toppings.
  • Place on a sheet pan under the broiler for a minute or two until the bread starts to get crunchy.
  • Add cheese and meatballs. Place under the broiler for another minute or two until the cheese melts.
  • Add Giardiniera and bell pepper strips.
  • Slice into two 6″ sandwiches and serve.

Nutrition

Calories: 936kcal | Carbohydrates: 114g | Protein: 48g | Fat: 32g | Saturated Fat: 14g | Cholesterol: 87mg | Sodium: 1659mg | Potassium: 577mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 436IU | Vitamin C: 10mg | Calcium: 395mg | Iron: 8mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Easy Grilled Spicy Meatball Sandwiches

Nothing beats a tasty meatball sandwich. You can throw these easy grilled spicy meatball sandwiches together in just minutes. Although you could make this indoors, grilling the meatballs adds a nice charred flavor. Substitute mozzarella cheese and leave out the hot sauce for a less spicy version.

Easy Grilled Spicy Meatball Sandwiches

I used our homemade pizza and pasta sauce on these easy grilled spicy meatball sandwiches. I had a batch on hand after making some awesome pizzas the day before. And although homemade meatballs would be preferred, I needed a quick dish, so I used Johnsonville’s Italian-Style meatballs.

I recommend that you use a grill basket when making this dish, although I used skewers. It makes cooking easier and you don’t have to worry about anything falling through the grates. And cleanup is easier too!

Also try my quick fix super-messy meatball sandwiches.

Easy Grilled Spicy Meatball Sandwiches
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5 from 1 vote

Easy Grilled Meatball Sandwiches

Nothing beats a tasty meatball sandwich. You can throw these easy grilled spicy meatball sandwiches together in just minutes. 
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword grilled, meatballs, sandwich
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings 2
Calories 374kcal
Author Mike

Ingredients

  • 2 wooden skewers soaked for 30 minutes
  • 10 meatballs cooked, frozen, thawed
  • 2 sub rolls halved
  • ½ cup pizza sauce warmed
  • hot sauce to taste
  • pepper jack cheese shredded
  • 1 green onion sliced, for garnish (substitute pickled jalapenos for more kick!)

Instructions

  • Fire up your grill for direct cooking.
  • Carefully poke the meatballs onto the skewers and place on the grill.
  • Grill 2-3 minutes per side until lightly charred. Remove.
  • Toast buns as desired.
  • Warm the sauce, adding a bit of hot sauce, to taste. Stir.
  • To serve, place meatballs on buns. I kept the meatballs on the skewers.
  • Top with sauce and cheese.
  • Return sandwiches to grill to melt the cheese (or put them under the broiler for 1 minute).
  • Serve garnished with green onion.
  • Eat by gently squeezing the buns together while pulling out the skewers.

Nutrition

Calories: 374kcal | Carbohydrates: 36g | Protein: 18g | Fat: 17g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Cholesterol: 50mg | Sodium: 654mg | Potassium: 420mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 330IU | Vitamin C: 6mg | Calcium: 28mg | Iron: 12mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Meatball Sliders

I make some great homemade meatballs if I do say so myself. Creole meatballs and Greek meatballs are some of our favorites, among others! But when I’m in a rush, and I don’t have a bunch of homemade meatballs in the freezer, I reach for a bag of the new Johnsonville meatballs. They’re mighty tasty, that’s for sure. And they make great meatball sliders. They’re kind of like pigs-in-a-blanket and kind of like sliders. So they’re both!

Meatball Sliders

These meatball sliders disappeared in no time while we were watching football last weekend. They’re the perfect party food. For something a little more substantial, make my spicy grilled meatball sandwiches.

Meatball Sliders
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4 from 1 vote

Meatball Sliders

These meatball sliders disappeared in no time while we were watching sports last weekend. They’re the perfect party food.
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Keyword meatballs, sliders
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 22 minutes
Total Time 37 minutes
Servings 8
Calories 515kcal
Author Based on a recipe from Plain Chicken

Ingredients

  • 1 28 ounce pasta sauce or about 4 cups homemade
  • 32 meatballs frozen, cooked
  • 2 cans crescent rolls
  • 1 pound Mozzarella cheese fresh, sliced thin

Instructions

  • Preheat your oven to 375 F.
  • Add pasta sauce to a large skillet over medium heat.
  • Add in the meatballs and simmer until warmed.
  • Open rolls and separate into triangles. Cut each triangle in half to form two smaller triangles.
  • Pinch off a piece (about a 1/3rd of a slice) of mozzarella and place it onto the dough. Gently push it down to give the meatball a place to sit.
  • Remove a meatball from the sauce. Shake off the excess sauce and add the meatball on top of the cheese. Roll up the dough and place on an un-greased baking pan.
  • Continue the process until all of the meatballs are used. Reserve the sauce.
  • Place in the oven and bake for 18-22 minutes or until the dough is golden brown.
  • Serve with the reserved warmed sauce, for dipping.

Nutrition

Calories: 515kcal | Carbohydrates: 24g | Protein: 24g | Fat: 37g | Saturated Fat: 17g | Cholesterol: 85mg | Sodium: 831mg | Potassium: 204mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 388IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 294mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Vegetable and Meatball Soup

I had pretty low expectations when I set out to make this vegetable and meatball soup. I was very pleasantly surprised in the end. It came out very tasty despite being incredibly easy to make. This isn’t some fru-fru dish here. You’re not going to spend hours in the kitchen prepping for it. It’s not that kind of a thing.

I’ll definitely make this vegetable and meatball soup again! It’s perfect on a night when I just don’t have a lot of time to throw dinner together, but still want a filling meal.

For another a-little-different meatball recipe, try my Hawaiian BBQ meatballs with fried rice.

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4 from 1 vote

Vegetable and Meatball Soup

This isn’t some fru-fru dish here. You’re not going to spend hours in the kitchen prepping for it. It’s not that kind of a thing.
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword meatballs, soup, vegetable
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings 6
Calories 286kcal
Author Based on a recipe from Better Homes and Gardens

Ingredients

  • 3 14 ounce beef broth
  • 1 pound meatballs frozen cooked
  • 1 15 ounce Great Northern beans rinsed, drained
  • 1 15 ounce diced tomatoes
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil granulated garlic, and dried oregano OR 3 teaspoons Creole seasoning
  • 1 10 ounce mixed vegetables frozen
  • 1 cup dried pasta rotini

Instructions

  • Combine beef broth, meatballs, beans, tomatoes, spices, and vegetables in a large pot or Dutch oven.
  • Bring to a boil.
  • Stir in the pasta and return to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer and continue simmering for 10 minutes or until the pasta is done.

Nutrition

Calories: 286kcal | Carbohydrates: 18g | Protein: 16g | Fat: 16g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Cholesterol: 54mg | Sodium: 46mg | Potassium: 275mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 15IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 19mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Creole Meatballs and Spaghetti

We’ve really been enjoying the big batch of Creole meatballs we made. As appetizers, on subs and over pasta, they are tasty and my favorite part, they have kick! This Creole meatballs and spaghetti came out quite tasty, and it definitely has some great spicy kick to it.

Our Creole meatballs are so tender and tasty. Definitely not bland like plain old meatballs. Topped with a great spicy tomato sauce, this is a great dinner dish. Just add some of our Gotta-Have-It garlic bread and a little salad on the side, and you’ll be in heaven!

Creole Meatballs and Spaghetti

I keep these meatballs and sauce on hand for a quick meal. Just heat them up and serve over pasta with some Parmesan and you’ve got dinner.

I highly recommend that you shred or grate your own cheese at home. Don’t buy the pre-shredded or pre-grated stuff. It has stuff added to it to keep it from sticking together. That ‘stuff’ affects how the cheese melts. Shred it yourself and use the good stuff.

Also try my chicken and smoked sausage etouffee.

Creole Meatballs and Spaghetti
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4 from 1 vote

Creole Meatballs and Spaghetti

These Creole meatballs and spaghetti came out quite tasty, and it definitely has some great spicy kick to it. Our Creole meatballs are so tender and tasty. Definitely not bland like plain old meatballs. 
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword meatballs, spaghetti
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings 2
Calories 377kcal
Author Mike

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Cook the pasta per package instructions and drain well. Divide between two plates.
  • Top pasta with meatballs and sauce.
  • Sprinkle with freshly grated cheese.
  • Serve with warmed French bread.

Nutrition

Calories: 377kcal | Carbohydrates: 74g | Protein: 15g | Fat: 2g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 805mg | Potassium: 258mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 123IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 60mg | Iron: 5mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Creole Meatball Sub Sandwich

My wife proclaimed this to be the ‘best sandwich I’ve ever made’.  It’s messy, has some kick and it very yummy. I wouldn’t change a thing about this Creole meatball sub sandwich next time I make it, which will be very soon!

Creole Meatball Sub Sandwich

My Creole meatballs pack a bit of a punch. I like that. A lot. They’re tender and just perfect on a Creole meatball sub sandwich, loaded with lots of my Creole meatball sauce and topped with cheese. Don’t skimp on the sauce. The sign of a good sandwich is one that drips when you pick it up and take a bite.

I make a big batch of the Creole meatballs and freeze a good number of them. They defrost in minutes and make for the perfect quick dinner.

I highly recommend that you shred or grate your own cheese at home. Don’t buy the pre-shredded or pre-grated stuff. It has stuff added to it to keep it from sticking together. That ‘stuff’ affects how the cheese melts. Shred it yourself and use the good stuff.

Creole Meatball Sub Sandwich
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4 from 1 vote

Creole Meatball Sub Sandwich

This is one of the best sandwiches I’ve ever made.  It’s messy, has some kick and it very yummy. I wouldn’t change a thing about this Creole meatball sub sandwich next time I make it, which will be very soon!
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword meatballs, sandwich
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 289kcal
Author Mike

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Lightly toast the bread in your oven.
  • Add meatballs, top with sauce and cheese.
  • Place under over broiler until the cheese is melted and starting to brown.
  • Cut into 4-6″ slices and serve

Nutrition

Calories: 289kcal | Carbohydrates: 56g | Protein: 12g | Fat: 2g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 513mg | Potassium: 128mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 44mg | Iron: 4mg

Nutritional values are approximate.