Best 3 Belgian Meatballs Recipes

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Belgian meatballs, also known as "boulets à la liégeoise" are a traditional Belgian dish that combines succulent minced beef with a flavorful and tangy sweet-and-sour sauce. These meatballs are a staple of Belgian cuisine, often served with a side of fries or mashed potatoes. This article will delve into the world of Belgian meatballs, exploring the unique ingredients and preparation techniques that make this dish a beloved comfort food in Belgium and beyond.

Here are our top 3 tried and tested recipes!

BELGIAN MEATBALLS BRAISED IN BEER



Belgian Meatballs Braised in Beer image

Make and share this Belgian Meatballs Braised in Beer recipe from Food.com.

Provided by LikeItLoveIt

Categories     Lunch/Snacks

Time 1h15m

Yield 7 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 20

1 cup fresh white breadcrumbs
1/4 cup milk
1 lb ground beef, lean
1/2 lb ground pork or 1/2 lb veal
1 large egg
1 tablespoon shallot, minced
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, fine minced
salt and pepper
1 pinch nutmeg, grated
2 tablespoons flour
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 medium onion, thinly sliced
3 Belgian endive, cored and cut in 1/4-inch rounds
1 teaspoon sugar
salt & pepper
1 1/2-2 tablespoons flour
1 cup pilsner beer
1/2 cup beef broth or 1/2 cup chicken broth
2 tablespoons fresh parsley (for garnish)

Steps:

  • To prepare meatballs, soak bread crumbs in milk until thoroughly moistened; squeeze dry with hands.
  • Combine bread crumbs, ground meats, eggs, shallots, parsley, salt, pepper and nutmeg in medium bowl.
  • Form mixture into 6 to 8 balls or patties (2 inches in diameter and 1/2-inch thick); dust with 2 tablespoons flour.
  • Heat butter and oil in deep, heavy Dutch oven, until hot but not smoking, over high heat.
  • Add meatballs; cook until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes, making sure butter does not burn.
  • Remove meat balls to platter; keep warm.
  • To prepare sauce, discard all but 2 tablespoons of fat in pan.
  • Add onion and endives.
  • Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, for about 10 minutes.
  • Add sugar, salt, pepper and 2 tablespoons flour to vegetables; cook, stirring, for 1 to 2 minutes longer.
  • Add beer and broth; heat to quick boil, scraping up all brown bits from bottom of pan.
  • Reduce heat to simmer; return meatballs to pan, placing them on top of vegetables.
  • Simmer, partly covered, until meat is cooked through, 45 minutes.
  • Sprinkle with parsley and serve.

BOULETS LIEGEOIS (BELGIAN MEATBALLS)



Boulets Liegeois (Belgian Meatballs) image

Belgian meatballs swimming in an apple and onion gravy. In Belgium they are served with French fries! If this is wrong, I don't want to be right! From Cooking With Curls website

Provided by Chef PotPie

Categories     Belgian

Time 1h40m

Yield 6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 19

1 lb ground beef
1 lb ground pork
4 slices white bread, crusts removed, crumbed (turned into breadcrumbs)
1 yellow onion, diced
1 bunch Italian parsley, finely chopped
2 large eggs
salt and pepper, to taste
flour (for dredging)
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 cups diced onions
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 teaspoon dried thyme
2 tablespoons flour
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
2/3 cup apple butter
3 cups beef stock
2 bay leaves
salt and pepper, to taste

Steps:

  • Mix beef and pork together in a large bowl to thoroughly combine.
  • Add the breadcrumbs, eggs, parsley, and onions. Mix thoroughly.
  • Roll into meatballs, about 1/2 cup each, and dredge in flour.
  • Heat butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
  • Add the meatballs and brown on all sides, about 8 to 10 minutes on each side.
  • Remove meatballs to a plate. Melt 2 Tablespoons of butter to the skillet.
  • Add the chopped onions and reduce heat to medium-low. Cook until onions are caramelized.
  • Add the brown sugar and thyme, stir and cook for 1 minute.
  • Add the flour, stir to combine.
  • Add apple butter and vinegar, stir.
  • Pour in the beef stock, and add the bay leaves. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for 25 minutes.
  • Add the meatballs back to the sauce and cook for 15 minutes to heat through.
  • Serve immediately with pomme frites {French fries} and Belgian beer or wine.

BELGIAN MEATBALLS



Belgian Meatballs image

Make and share this Belgian Meatballs recipe from Food.com.

Provided by Lori 13

Categories     Pork

Time 1h

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 20

1 cup fresh breadcrumb
1/4 cup evaporated milk
1 lb ground turkey
1/2 lb ground pork
1 egg (beaten)
1 tablespoon shallot (minced)
1 tablespoon parsley (minced)
salt
fresh cracked pepper
fresh grated nutmeg (to taste)
flour (for dredging)
2 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon canola oil
1 onion (sliced thin)
3 Belgian endive (cored, sliced)
1 teaspoon sugar
2 tablespoons flour
1 cup belgian beer
1/2 cup pork broth
2 tablespoons parsley (minced)

Steps:

  • Soak breadcrumbs in milk for 5 minutes. Squeeze dry.
  • Mix with the turkey, pork, egg, shallot, parsley, salt and pepper. Shape into 8 (2 inch) balls. Dust with flour.
  • Heat the butter and oil in a large skillet.
  • Add meatballs. Brown evenly. Remove. Cover to keep warm.
  • To skillet add the onion and endive. Saute 10 minutes.
  • Add the sugar and flour. Cook 1 minute.
  • Add beer and broth. Let thicken.
  • Return meatballs to heat through.
  • Top with parsley.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 689.2, Fat 35.1, SaturatedFat 12.5, Cholesterol 215.7, Sodium 510.7, Carbohydrate 43.5, Fiber 13.7, Sugar 5, Protein 46.6

Tips:

  • Use high-quality ground beef. The better the beef, the better the meatballs will be. Look for ground beef that is at least 80% lean.
  • Don't overwork the meat. Overworking the meat will make the meatballs tough. Mix the ingredients together just until they are combined.
  • Use bread crumbs or flour as a binder. This will help to hold the meatballs together.
  • Season the meatballs well. Use a variety of herbs and spices to flavor the meatballs.
  • Brown the meatballs before cooking them through. This will help to keep them moist and flavorful.
  • Serve the meatballs with your favorite sauce. Belgian meatballs are traditionally served with a tomato sauce, but you can also serve them with a cream sauce, a gravy, or even a barbecue sauce.

Conclusion:

Belgian meatballs are a delicious and versatile dish that can be served as an appetizer, main course, or even a snack. They are easy to make and can be tailored to your own taste. So next time you're looking for a new recipe to try, give Belgian meatballs a try. You won't be disappointed.

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