Best 8 Zesty Meatballs Recipes

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Are you craving a flavorful and tantalizing culinary experience that will leave your taste buds dancing with delight? Look no further than our comprehensive guide to crafting the ultimate "Zesty Meatballs." Embark on a culinary journey as we explore the secrets behind creating succulent, juicy, and bursting-with-flavor meatballs that will be the star of any occasion. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a passionate home cook, this guide will provide you with the knowledge and techniques needed to elevate your meatballs to a whole new level of deliciousness. So, gather your ingredients, prepare your kitchen, and get ready to embark on a taste sensation that will leave you craving more.

Here are our top 8 tried and tested recipes!

ZESTY CHICKEN MEATBALLS



Zesty Chicken Meatballs image

Provided by Sunny Anderson

Time 35m

Yield 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 23

1 pound ground chicken
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 egg, whisked
3 tablespoons unseasoned whole-wheat bread crumbs
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon Hungarian or hot paprika
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon chopped fresh oregano leaves, about 1 small sprig
1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme leaves, about 5 sprigs
1 teaspoon brown sugar
1 lemon, zested
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
Serving suggestion: Collard Green Pesto Linguine, recipe follows
1 pound bunch collards, ribs discarded, leaves roughly chopped
One 13-ounce box whole-wheat linguine
1/4 cup pecans
1 1/4 cups grated Parmesan, plus extra for garnish
1/2 cup pitted kalamata olives
2 cloves garlic
1 cup extra-virgin olive oil
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

Steps:

  • In a large bowl, gently mix the chicken, garlic, egg, bread crumbs, Worcestershire, paprika, onion powder, oregano, thyme, brown sugar, lemon zest, 2 healthy pinches of salt and a few grinds of pepper in a bowl. Form into mini meatballs, slightly smaller than a golf ball; it should make 28 to 30 meatballs. Warm the butter and oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Transfer the meatballs to the pan and do not disturb for 3 minutes to brown well. Turn, cooking another 3 minutes without disturbing. Keep cooking until browned and cooked on all sides, but still juicy and plump with a spring to the touch. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Serve atop Collard Green Pesto Linguine, if desired.
  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over medium heat. Blanch collards until bright green, about 1 minute. Transfer immediately to an ice bath to shock, saving the boiling water for cooking the pasta. Remove the collards from the ice water and pat dry with paper towels before transferring them to a food processor.
  • Add the linguine to the pot of salted boiling water and cook according to package instructions.
  • Meanwhile, in a dry skillet, over low heat, toast the pecans until fragrant. Transfer to the food processor with Parmesan, olives and garlic. With food processor running, slowly drizzle in olive oil until pesto comes together. Taste for seasoning, and add salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste.
  • To serve, put enough pesto to coat the pasta into a large serving bowl. Drain the pasta and quickly add it to the bowl. The water still clinging to the pasta will loosen up the pesto. Toss to coat. Add more pesto, if needed. Transfer the pasta to a serving bowl and garnish with Parmesan sprinkled over the top.

STEPH'S ZESTY SWEET AND SOUR MEATBALLS



Steph's Zesty Sweet and Sour Meatballs image

These meatballs are great! I came up with them on a whim one night while searching through my pantry trying to answer the age old question, 'What's for dinner?' My family LOVES these! I have also taken them to several BBQ's and they are ALWAYS a big hit! For dinner, I like to serve them with a side of steamed minute rice to go along with the meatballs. I hope you enjoy!

Provided by zoeandelvis

Categories     Main Dish Recipes     Meatball Recipes

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 14

1 (15 ounce) can pineapple chunks, drained with juice reserved
1 tablespoon soy sauce
⅓ cup apple cider vinegar
½ cup dark brown sugar
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 pound lean ground beef
1 egg
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
¼ cup milk
½ cup Italian dry bread crumbs
2 tablespoons dried minced onion
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
1 green bell pepper, chopped

Steps:

  • Heat a slow cooker to Medium-High; stir the reserved liquid from the pineapple chunks, soy sauce, vinegar, and brown sugar together in the slow cooker. Whisk the cornstarch into the mixture until dissolved.
  • Mix the ground beef, egg, Worcestershire sauce, milk, bread crumbs, onion, salt, and pepper together in a bowl; form into 1-inch balls.
  • Heat a large skillet over medium heat; cook the meatballs in the hot skillet until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes. Place the meatballs into the slow cooker. Add the reserved pineapple chunks and green bell pepper.
  • Cover and cook until the meatballs are no longer pink in the center, about 1 hour.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 479.2 calories, Carbohydrate 59.6 g, Cholesterol 118.7 mg, Fat 16.1 g, Fiber 2.2 g, Protein 24.2 g, SaturatedFat 6.1 g, Sodium 729.3 mg, Sugar 45.2 g

ZESTY VEGETARIAN SWEET AND SOUR MEATBALLS



Zesty Vegetarian Sweet and Sour Meatballs image

These meatballs use pecan meal as a meat replacement. They are so good, you don't even miss the meat! This recipe does have eggs and cheese in it, so it is not quite vegan. But those items can be substituted to make it so. The ingredients may sound funny, but the result is amazing! The sauce is very zesty so if you don't want it to be too strong cut down on the vinegar some.

Provided by thechulita

Categories     100+ Everyday Cooking Recipes     Vegetarian

Time 1h10m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 14

cooking spray
1 cup ground pecans
5 eggs, or more if needed
2 cups shredded Colby-Monterey Jack cheese
1 tablespoon minced onion, or to taste
Italian seasoning, or to taste
1 cup crushed cornflakes cereal
1 teaspoon salt
¼ cup vegetable oil
¼ cup distilled white vinegar
1 cup ketchup
¼ cup grated onion
1 (12 ounce) jar apricot jam
1 teaspoon dried oregano

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Spray a 9x13-inch rectangular baking dish with cooking spray.
  • Mix the ground pecans, eggs, Colby-Jack cheese, minced onion, Italian seasoning, cornflake crumbs, and salt in a bowl until thoroughly combined. Add another egg if mixture isn't holding together. Shape the mixture into balls, and place into the prepared baking dish.
  • Bake in the preheated oven until browned and set, about 45 minutes.
  • Mix together the vegetable oil, vinegar, ketchup, grated onion, apricot jam, and oregano together in a bowl until smooth; pour the sauce over the baked pecan balls, and return to oven until the sauce is bubbling, 5 to 10 more minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 646.5 calories, Carbohydrate 64.6 g, Cholesterol 198.5 mg, Fat 38.1 g, Fiber 2.1 g, Protein 18.9 g, SaturatedFat 13.8 g, Sodium 1376 mg, Sugar 36.1 g

ZESTY MEATBALLS



Zesty Meatballs image

Molasses adds a touch of sweetness to the tangy sauce that covers these moist meatballs. Serve them over egg noodles for a flavorful, family-pleasing meal. -Debbie Segate of Grander Prairie, Alberta

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 30m

Yield 6 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 19

1/3 cup finely chopped onion
2 egg whites, lightly beaten
1/4 cup fat-free milk
2 teaspoons prepared mustard
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup graham cracker crumbs
3/4 pound lean ground beef (90% lean)
3/4 pound lean ground turkey
BARBECUE SAUCE:
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
3 tablespoons cornstarch
1/2 cup cider vinegar
1/2 cup ketchup
1/2 cup molasses
1/4 cup orange juice concentrate
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons reduced-sodium soy sauce
1/4 teaspoon hot pepper sauce
6 cups hot cooked yolk-free noodles

Steps:

  • Place onion in a small microwave-safe bowl; cover and microwave on high for 1-1/2 minutes or until tender. In a large bowl, combine the egg whites, milk, mustard, salt, cracker crumbs and onion. Crumble beef and turkey over mixture and mix well., Shape into 1-1/4-in. balls. Place meatballs on a rack coated with cooking spray in a shallow baking pan. Bake at 375° for 15 -18 minutes or until meat is no longer pink; drain. , Meanwhile, in a large saucepan, combine brown sugar and cornstarch. Stir in vinegar until smooth. Add the ketchup, molasses, orange juice concentrate, mustard, soy sauce and hot pepper sauce. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Add meatballs; heat through. Serve with noodles.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 672 calories, Fat 13g fat (4g saturated fat), Cholesterol 66mg cholesterol, Sodium 1050mg sodium, Carbohydrate 105g carbohydrate (0 sugars, Fiber 4g fiber), Protein 34g protein. Diabetic Exchanges

ZESTY FRIED MEATBALLS WITH RED PEPPER SAUCE



Zesty Fried Meatballs With Red Pepper Sauce image

Fried meatballs! I'd never heard of them until I saw this recipe! Recipe is from "Sandra Lee Semi-Homemade Cooking 3."

Provided by mailbelle

Categories     Sauces

Time 40m

Yield 40 meatballs

Number Of Ingredients 10

1 lb lean ground beef
4 eggs, divided
1/4 cup milk
3/4 cup shredded parmesan cheese
1 cup Italian seasoned breadcrumbs, divided
1 teaspoon italian seasoning
2 cups vegetable oil (or other frying oil)
1 (7 1/4 ounce) jar roasted red peppers, drained
1/2 cup Catalina dressing
1 teaspoon italian seasoning

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
  • Lightly spray heavy duty baking sheet with cooking spray.
  • In a large bowl, combine beef, 3 eggs, milk, Parmesan cheese, 3/4 cup bread crumbs and Italian seasoning. Mix thoroughly and shape mixture into 1-inch meatballs.
  • In a small bowl, lightly beat 1 egg with 1 tablespoon water to make egg wash; in another small bowl, add remaining bread crumbs.
  • Dip meatballs in egg mixture, then roll in bread crumbs and place them on prepared baking sheet.
  • Heat oil in a heavy-bottom saucepan over high heat. Using a sloted spoon, carefully add meatballs to oil. Fry until golden brown, working in batches.
  • Remove meatballs from oil and arrange in a single layer on prepared baking sheet. Bake for 15-20 minutes.
  • For red pepper sauce, combine all ingredients in a blender and puree until smooth.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 159.4, Fat 14.7, SaturatedFat 2.6, Cholesterol 30.4, Sodium 193.2, Carbohydrate 2.9, Fiber 0.2, Sugar 0.7, Protein 4.2

PORCUPINE MEATBALLS ZESTY RECIPE



Porcupine Meatballs Zesty Recipe image

Provided by sassy47

Number Of Ingredients 9

1 egg
2 (10.75 ounce) cans condensed tomato soup
1/4 cup instant rice
1/4 cup chopped onion
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
1 teaspoon onion salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 pound lean ground beef
1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce

Steps:

  • 1.Lightly beat egg with a fork, then add a heaping tablespoon of the soup and mix lightly. Mix in rice, onion, parsley, onion salt and pepper. Stir in the ground beef and mix well with hands. From mixture into 1 1/2 inch round meatballs. 2.Coat a large skillet over medium heat with cooking spray. Cook meatballs and brown on all sides. 3.Combine remaining soup with Worcestershire (you can increase or decrease Worcestershire to your liking), stir until smooth, then spoon over meatballs. Cover with lid and simmer for 20 to 30 minutes, stirring every few minutes. Amount Per Serving Calories: 408 | Total Fat: 21.6g | Cholesterol: 110mg

ZESTY PORCUPINE MEATBALLS



Zesty Porcupine Meatballs image

These meatballs are easy to make and a favorite around our house. Serve over hot rice.

Provided by Michelle R.

Categories     Appetizers and Snacks     Meat and Poultry     Meatball Appetizer Recipes

Time 40m

Yield 5

Number Of Ingredients 9

1 egg
2 (10.75 ounce) cans condensed tomato soup
¼ cup instant rice
¼ cup chopped onion
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
1 teaspoon onion salt
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
1 pound lean ground beef
¼ cup Worcestershire sauce

Steps:

  • Lightly beat egg with a fork, then add a heaping tablespoon of the soup and mix lightly. Mix in rice, onion, parsley, onion salt and pepper. Stir in the ground beef and mix well with hands. From mixture into 1 1/2 inch round meatballs.
  • Coat a large skillet over medium heat with cooking spray. Cook meatballs and brown on all sides.
  • Combine remaining soup with Worcestershire (you can increase or decrease Worcestershire to your liking), stir until smooth, then spoon over meatballs. Cover with lid and simmer for 20 to 30 minutes, stirring every few minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 407.9 calories, Carbohydrate 32.4 g, Cholesterol 105.3 mg, Fat 21.6 g, Fiber 0.9 g, Protein 20.6 g, SaturatedFat 8.2 g, Sodium 1250.5 mg, Sugar 10.3 g

FRIED ZESTY MEATBALLS W/RED PEPPER DIPPING SAUCE



Fried Zesty Meatballs w/Red Pepper dipping sauce image

Found this recipe in a 2006 recipe book, the flavors are delish and a surprise zesty flavor for a different app.

Provided by Lisa G. Sweet Pantry Gal

Categories     Other Sauces

Time 40m

Number Of Ingredients 10

1 lb ground beef
1 c italian bread crumbs
1/4 c milk
4 eggs
3/4 c parmesan cheese
vegetable oil
DIPPING SAUCE
1 jar(s) roasted red pepper 7oz
1/2 c catalina dressing
italian seasonings

Steps:

  • 1. Preheat oven to 400. Mix ground beef with 3/4c breadcrumbs, parm,3 eggs, and milk. Shape into 1inch balls.
  • 2. Set up 3 bowls one w/cup flour s&p, 1 w/1 egg and 2tsp water and wisk, one w/1/4 cup bread crumbs. Drench meatballs thru drenching station, set on baking sheet. Prepare frying pan with veg oil. Fry a few meatballs at a time til golden.
  • 3. Place on baking sheet in oven for 15min.
  • 4. Red dippping sauce 1 7oz jar roasted red pepper 1/2 cup catalina dressing 1tsp italian seasonings Combine ingredients and puree. Serve on side for diping meatballs.

Tips:

  • Use a combination of ground meats: This will help to create more flavorful meatballs. A good ratio is 50% beef, 25% pork, and 25% veal.
  • Soak the bread crumbs in milk: This will help to keep the meatballs moist and tender. You can also use beef broth or water instead of milk.
  • Add plenty of seasonings: Don't be afraid to experiment with different herbs and spices. Some popular choices include garlic, onion, parsley, oregano, basil, and thyme.
  • Don't overmix the meatball mixture: Overmixing can make the meatballs tough. Just mix the ingredients until they are combined.
  • Brown the meatballs before simmering them: This will help to seal in the flavor and prevent the meatballs from falling apart.
  • Use a variety of sauces: Meatballs can be served with a variety of sauces, such as tomato sauce, marinara sauce, or Alfredo sauce.

Conclusion:

Meatballs are a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. They can be served as an appetizer, main course, or side dish. With so many different recipes to choose from, there's sure to be a meatball recipe that everyone will love.

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