Tag: meatballs

Hawaiian BBQ Meatball Fried Rice

This is what happens when you’re sitting around, dreaming about food. You start by dreaming about appetizers, like maybe some awesome Hawaiian BBQ meatballs. You know, the old party standby. Yummy. Then, your thoughts (I’m blaming the pineapple in the meatball sauce) turn to Hawaiian fried rice. Next thing you know, you’ve got Hawaiian BBQ meatball fried rice, and let me tell you, it’s good. Asian meets… uh… Well, meatballs, I guess! It’s different in a very good way.

Hawaiian BBQ Meatball Fried Rice

A Great Taste Sensation

I loved the sweetness of the pineapple, the tangy bite from the BBQ sauce, and the bite from the vegetables. This Hawaiian BBQ meatball fried rice came out really good. Not bad for just sitting around, dreaming! Who knows what I might dream up next. Sometimes the ideas are really good, like this one. Others, well, they aren’t so good. Those are the ones that don’t end up on this blog so you actually never get to see them. Consider yourself lucky!

I used frozen, pre-cooked meatballs for this dish. You can use homemade instead. Just cook them first, of course.

If I’m reaching for a bottled BBQ sauce, I often go for Sweet Baby Ray’s.

Sweet Baby Ray's Varierty Pack, 1 Original Barbecue Sauce, 18 OZ, Hickory and Brown Sugar Barbecue Sauce, 18 OZ, Sweet N Spicy Barbecue Sauce, 18 OZ, Honey Barbecue Sauce, 18 OZ, 1CT
Sweet Baby Ray’s Varierty Pack, 1 Original Barbecue Sauce, 18 OZ, Hickory and Brown Sugar Barbecue Sauce, 18 OZ, Sweet N Spicy Barbecue Sauce, 18 OZ, Honey Barbecue Sauce, 18 OZ, 1CT

My vegetable and meatball soup is a bit different, too.

Hawaiian BBQ Meatball Fried Rice
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4 from 1 vote

Hawaiian BBQ Meatball Fried Rice

This is what happens when you’re sitting around, dreaming about food. 
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword fried rice, meatballs
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings 8
Calories 357kcal
Author Mike

Equipment

Ingredients

For the Hawaiian meatballs

For the Hawaiian fried rice

Instructions

For the Hawaiian meatballs

  • Place all ingredients into a medium pot over medium heat.
  • Stir and heat thoroughly.

For the Hawaiian fried rice

  • Heat a teaspoon of the oil in a large skillet over medium high heat.
  • Add the bell pepper and white parts of the green onions and cook until the peppers start to soften, about 5 minutes.
  • Add garlic and cook another minute.
  • Remove mixture to a plate.
  • Add another teaspoon of oil to the pan.
  • Add rice and warm through, stirring often.
  • Push rice to the side of the skillet and add the 3 eggs.
  • Cook, scrambling, until done.
  • Stir in to the rice.
  • Add green parts of the green onions and pineapple chunks and stir.
  • Add in the red pepper mixture and stir.
  • Serve rice with meatballs and sauce.

Notes

I like a lightly smoky BBQ sauce, but not one that is overly sweet since the pineapple is sweet.

Nutrition

Calories: 357kcal | Carbohydrates: 37g | Protein: 15g | Fat: 16g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 111mg | Sodium: 245mg | Potassium: 326mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 701IU | Vitamin C: 22mg | Calcium: 44mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Fullstar Mandoline Slicer for Kitchen, Cheese Grater Vegetable Spiralizer and Veggie Slicer for Cooking & Meal Prep, Kitchen Gadgets Organizer & Safety Glove Included (11 in 1, White)
Fullstar Mandoline Slicer for Kitchen, Cheese Grater Vegetable Spiralizer and Veggie Slicer for Cooking & Meal Prep, Kitchen Gadgets Organizer & Safety Glove Included (11 in 1, White)

Italian Meatballs

This is our go-to recipe for Italian meatballs. We usually double the ingredients and make a big batch (24 2-ounce meatballs), freezing some for later. They are perfect on sandwiches, over pasta, wrapped in bacon, on pizza, you name it. They’re great fresh but also great to have on-hand frozen for that quick-and-easier lunch or dinner.

Italian Meatballs

These Italian meatballs really need to set up overnight in the fridge to be the right consistency and flavor. We always make 2 ounce balls, but you can make smaller ones if you like. I wouldn’t make them any bigger, though. As much as I do love meatballs, I think there’s a limit. I want them cooked perfectly all the way through. I’ve found that really big meatballs tend to get done on the outside long before the inside.

Meatball Master
Meatball Master

The meatballs can be cooked in the oven, on the grill, on a smoker such as the Weber Smokey Mountain Smoker, or in a Char-Broil The Big Easy Oil-less Fryer.

Italian Meatballs
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5 from 1 vote

Italian Meatballs

This is our go-to Italian meatball recipe. We usually double the ingredients and make a big batch (24 2-ounce meatballs), freezing some for later. They are perfect on sandwiches, over pasta, wrapped in bacon, on pizza, you name it.
Course Main
Cuisine Italian
Keyword Italian, meatballs
Prep Time 12 hours
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 12 hours 30 minutes
Servings 16 balls
Calories 172kcal
Author Mike

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Note: If you use a high-fat ground beef, such as 80/20, you can use 1 pound of beef and 1 pound pork. The less fat in your beef, the more pork you’ll want to use.
  • Place all ingredients in a large bowl and mix well, using your hands.
  • Shape into meatballs (we usually make 2-ounce balls) and place on a wax paper-lined pan.
  • Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 12 hours.

Cooking on the stovetop

Cooking in a smoker

  • Smoke at 225 F for 2-3 hours over a light wood such as apple.

Cooking in an oven

  • Bake at 325 F for 25 minutes.

Cooking on the Char-Broil Big Easy

  • Cook for 25-30 minutes.

Notes

Note: Meatballs are done when the internal temperature reaches 165 F.

Nutrition

Calories: 172kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 12g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 55mg | Sodium: 176mg | Potassium: 184mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 132IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 62mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Fullstar Mandoline Slicer for Kitchen, Cheese Grater Vegetable Spiralizer and Veggie Slicer for Cooking & Meal Prep, Kitchen Gadgets Organizer & Safety Glove Included (11 in 1, White)
Fullstar Mandoline Slicer for Kitchen, Cheese Grater Vegetable Spiralizer and Veggie Slicer for Cooking & Meal Prep, Kitchen Gadgets Organizer & Safety Glove Included (11 in 1, White)

Sweet-and-Sour Meatball Skewers

Perfect as appetizers or even a main dish, these sweet-and-sour meatball skewers pack a lot of flavor into every bite. They grill up quick and disappear even quicker. I used Captain Jim’s Molten Orange Ambrosia (sadly, no longer in business. You’ll want to use a tropical-flavored hot sauce with orange, pineapple or coconut for example) hot sauce to give these meatballs an extra kick, but no so much as to completely hide the sweetness of the peppers and the jam. You’ll love the contrast between the tender juicy meatballs and the roasted slightly-crunchy peppers. That’s what really sets these apart from the classic boring meatballs.

Sweet-and-Sour Meatball Skewers

You can leave out the hot sauce if you are using a spicy BBQ sauce. But, if your BBQ sauce is on the sweet side, you’ll need some heat or this dish will be a bit on the sweet side. Or you can make these sweet-and-sour meatball skewers both ways. That way you’ll satisfy the sweet crowd. And the spicy crowd. Now that’s a win for sure!

Weber Deluxe Grilling Basket
Weber Deluxe Grilling Basket

These meatball skewers are also great slathered with my peach BBQ sauce.

Sweet-and-Sour Meatball Skewers
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5 from 1 vote

Sweet-and-Sour Meatball Skewers

Perfect as appetizers or even a main dish, these sweet-and-sour meatball skewers pack a lot of flavor into every bite. They grill up quick and disappear even quicker.
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword meatballs, sour, sweet
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings 6
Calories 298kcal
Author Based on a recipe from Kraft

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 1 pound meatballs frozen fully cooked, thawed
  • 1 red bell pepper seeded, cut into 1″ squares
  • 1 green bell pepper seeded, cut into 1″ squares
  • ½ cup apricot jam or peach
  • ½ cup your favorite BBQ sauce
  • hot sauce to taste (use a nice tropical-flavored sauce)

Instructions

  • Fire up your grill for indirect cooking.
  • Thread meatballs and peppers onto skewers.
  • In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the jam, barbecue sauce and hot sauce to taste. Bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally.
  • Brush glaze onto the meatballs and peppers, put onto the grill, and let cook for 5 minutes.
  • Flip the skewers over, glaze, and cook another 5 minutes.
  • Glaze the skewers one last time and serve.

Notes

The meatballs are also great on subs.

Nutrition

Calories: 298kcal | Carbohydrates: 25g | Protein: 13g | Fat: 16g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Cholesterol: 54mg | Sodium: 296mg | Potassium: 364mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 18g | Vitamin A: 793IU | Vitamin C: 44mg | Calcium: 26mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Weber 6493 21-Inch 3-Sided Grill Brush
Weber 6493 21-Inch 3-Sided Grill Brush

Sweet-and-Sassy Appetizer Meatballs

Everyone’s seen them. Everyone’s had them. The key to really good appetizer meatballs? The BBQ sauce. And good meatballs too of course. I had some leftover pre-made meatballs, so that’s what I ended up using. The sauce has to be a little sweet. And I want some bite behind that kiss. Know what I mean? These sweet-and-sassy appetizer meatballs are the perfect combination of both.

Sweet-and-Sassy Appetizer Meatballs

Get Sauced

We’re big fans of Grandma Foster’s sauces. The smooth & spicy has just the right amount of kick, and is perfect on ribs, pulled pork… and in these sweet-and-sassy appetizer meatballs! If you don’t have Grandma Foster’s where you’re at, our second-best (and it’s a very close second) is the BBQ sauce from Weber. You can find it at your local grocery store. Of substitute whatever your favorite is. Just make sure it has a little kick to it.

Crock-Pot 7 Quart Oval Manual Slow Cooker, Stainless Steel (SCV700-S-BR)
Crock-Pot 7 Quart Oval Manual Slow Cooker, Stainless Steel (SCV700-S-BR)

Also try my slow cooker bourbon cocktail sausages and my peach and chili sauce meatballs.

Sweet-and-Sassy Appetizer Meatballs
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5 from 1 vote

Sweet-and-Sassy Appetizer Meatballs

Everyone’s seen them. Everyone’s had them. The key to really good appetizer meatballs? The BBQ sauce. And good meatballs too of course.
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Keyword meatballs, spicy, sweet
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings 12
Calories 324kcal
Author Mike

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Add cranberry sauce and BBQ sauce to a large saucepan over medium heat. Cook until the cranberry sauce is melted, stirring often.
  • Add the meatballs and cook until heated through, about 10 minutes.

Notes

I served these in a fondue pot to keep them warm, but a crockpot also works well.

Nutrition

Calories: 324kcal | Carbohydrates: 31g | Protein: 13g | Fat: 16g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Cholesterol: 54mg | Sodium: 433mg | Potassium: 315mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 25g | Vitamin A: 106IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 24mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Reynolds Kitchens Slow Cooker Liners, Regular (Fits 3-8 Quarts), 6 Count
Reynolds Kitchens Slow Cooker Liners, Regular (Fits 3-8 Quarts), 6 Count

Grilled Gyro Meatballs

These grilled gyro meatballs taste just like a traditional gyro. In fact, I ended up eating them in pitas with tzatziki sauce. But, you could also serve them over pasta with sauce. Or on a bun as a meatball sub. Why, it’s entirely possible I even ate a few of them by themselves. I had to do ‘quality control’ you know. Grilled adds that special flavor that you won’t get any other way. A little char on the outside. Still soft and moist and delicious inside.

Grilled Gyro Meatballs

Perfect Meatballs

There’s only one way to really mix meatball meat and that’s with your hands. So dive in and get it done! Then toss the Grilled Gyro Meatballs onto the grill. Sure, you can fry them in a pan. Or you can toss them into the oven. But the grill adds so much flavor to the meatballs. I always make a really big batch of these and freeze any leftovers. They’re easy to warm up for a super-quick delicious dinner.

Weber 3 Piece Stainless Steel Premium Tool Set, Black
Weber 3 Piece Stainless Steel Premium Tool Set, Black

I cooked the meatballs on my Weber Charcoal Grill.

Grilled Gyro Meatballs
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5 from 1 vote

Grilled Lamb Meatballs

These grilled gyro meatballs taste just like a traditional gyro. In fact, I ended up eating them in pitas with tzatziki sauce.
Course Main
Cuisine Greek
Keyword grilled, lamb, meatballs
Prep Time 2 hours
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 20 minutes
Servings 6
Calories 411kcal
Author Based on a recipe from Patio Daddio

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Place all ingredients into large bowl.
  • Using your hands, mix the ingredients completely. This may take a few minutes. Make sure you have everything distributed evenly throughout.
  • Shape mixture into 2 ounce balls and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
  • Fire up your grill for direct and indirect cooking.
  • Sear the meatballs on all sides then move to indirect heat and continue cooking until the internal temperature reaches 160 F.
  • Cover meatballs with foil until ready to use.

Notes

Great on pitas with tzatziki sauce.

Nutrition

Calories: 411kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 26g | Fat: 33g | Saturated Fat: 14g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 109mg | Sodium: 484mg | Potassium: 396mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 21IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 43mg | Iron: 3mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Weber 6493 21-Inch 3-Sided Grill Brush
Weber 6493 21-Inch 3-Sided Grill Brush

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.

Easiest Soup Ever.

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. I get my vegetables in every bite. Along with a little protein. And some carbohydrates. It’s truly dinner in a bowl!

NutriChef Food Vacuum Sealer Machine - Automatic Air Sealing System for Dry & Moist Foods, LED Touch Controls, Includes Vacuum Bags, Hose & Wine Stopper, High Suction Power, 14"x6"x3", Black
NutriChef Food Vacuum Sealer Machine – Automatic Air Sealing System for Dry & Moist Foods, LED Touch Controls, Includes Vacuum Bags, Hose & Wine Stopper, High Suction Power, 14″x6″x3″, Black

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

Equipment

Ingredients

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.

Notes

Serve with a slice of warmed, crusty French bread.

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.

Lodge ASAHH41 Silicone Assist Handle Holder, Red
Lodge ASAHH41 Silicone Assist Handle Holder, Red

Creole Meatball Appetizers

These lil Creole meatball appetizers have kick and zing and yum! They are definitely not ho-hum like some of your typical meatball appetizers. Thanks to jalapeno pepper jelly and hot sauce, you won’t be jonesin’ for something spicier. You’ll get the heat and then some.

Creole Meatball Appetizers

More Sauce For Everyone!

I make a big batch of these Creole meatball appetizers, so I usually end up doubling the amount of sauce I make. Oh, and if you can’t find Creole mustard, use a good grainy mustard and add just a tad more vinegar. I’m a big fan of Creole mustard so I always keep some around.

If you aren’t a fan of liquid smoke you can leave it out. If you still want a bit of smokiness add a few good-sized pinches of chipotle powder.

Also try my spicy meatballs.

Zatarain's Creole Mustard, 12 oz
Zatarain’s Creole Mustard, 12 oz

This recipe is based on a recipe from Cajun Delights.

Creole Meatball Appetizers
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4 from 1 vote

Creole Meatballs Appetizers

These lil Creole meatball appetizers have kick and zing and yum! They are definitely not ho-hum like some of your typical meatball appetizers. Thanks to jalapeno pepper jelly and hot sauce, you won’t be jonesin’ for something spicier.
Course Appetizer
Cuisine Creole
Keyword Creole, meatballs
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings 8
Calories 83kcal
Author Based on a recipe from Cajun Delights

Equipment

Ingredients

For the appetizers

  • 20-30 Cooked Cajun meatballs use our favorite recipe from here
  • Sauce see below

For the sauce

Instructions

  • Combine all of the sauce ingredients in a saucepan.
  • Bring to a boil and reduce to a simmer for 10 minutes.
  • Add the cooked meatballs and continue simmering until warmed through.
  • Serve with picks.

Notes

Make extra sauce and serve it on the side for dipping.

Nutrition

Calories: 83kcal | Carbohydrates: 18g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 313mg | Potassium: 104mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 16g | Vitamin A: 146IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 18mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Fullstar Mandoline Slicer for Kitchen, Cheese Grater Vegetable Spiralizer and Veggie Slicer for Cooking & Meal Prep, Kitchen Gadgets Organizer & Safety Glove Included (11 in 1, White)
Fullstar Mandoline Slicer for Kitchen, Cheese Grater Vegetable Spiralizer and Veggie Slicer for Cooking & Meal Prep, Kitchen Gadgets Organizer & Safety Glove Included (11 in 1, White)

Creole Meatballs

Any time I need some kicked-up meatballs, these Creole meatballs are the ones I make. Sure, I have a more traditional recipe for meatballs too. But these are my go-to meatballs. They have a tremendous spicy flavor. They are not plain old meatballs by any stretch. Tender and tasty, just as you love.

Creole Meatball Sub Sandwich

I make a big batch of meatballs and freeze them for using later.

I love them on a Creole meatball sandwich….. and over pasta with extra sauce …

Creole Meatballs and Spaghetti

.. or as great appetizers.

Creole Meatball Appetizers

Don’t be shy with the jalapenos, Creole seasoning or the hot sauce. You want your meatballs to have some kick! Creole food does not have a reputation for being bland or boring. These Creole meatballs may not be authentic cuisine, but they keep that dedication to tasty alive for sure!

Make tons of extra. They freeze great and are always ready to make for a quick lunch or dinner.

Meatball Master
Meatball Master

You know these are good over spaghetti!

Creole Meatballs and Spaghetti
Print Pin
4 from 1 vote

Creole Meatballs

Put some oomph into your meatballs! I usually double this recipe and freeze a few for later.
Course Main
Cuisine Cajun
Keyword Creole, meatballs
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings 8
Calories 354kcal
Author Based on a recipe from Cajun Delights

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350 F.
  • Combine the egg, milk, breadcrumbs and Worcestershire sauce in a medium bowl. The mixture will be thick.
  • In a large bowl, combine the meats with the remaining ingredients.
  • Gently mix in the egg mixture, combining well.
  • Form into 2″ balls and place onto baking sheets.
  • Bake for 20-25 minutes, rotating once.

Notes

These meatballs freeze well for devouring later.

Nutrition

Calories: 354kcal | Carbohydrates: 9g | Protein: 22g | Fat: 25g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 104mg | Sodium: 212mg | Potassium: 452mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 969IU | Vitamin C: 9mg | Calcium: 68mg | Iron: 3mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Fullstar Mandoline Slicer for Kitchen, Cheese Grater Vegetable Spiralizer and Veggie Slicer for Cooking & Meal Prep, Kitchen Gadgets Organizer & Safety Glove Included (11 in 1, White)
Fullstar Mandoline Slicer for Kitchen, Cheese Grater Vegetable Spiralizer and Veggie Slicer for Cooking & Meal Prep, Kitchen Gadgets Organizer & Safety Glove Included (11 in 1, White)