Bobby Flay Meatball Recipe

Name: Bobby Flay Meatball Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 60 min
Total time: 75 min
Ingredients: ½ pound ground pork; ½ pound ground veal; ½ pound ground beef; 2 large eggs (gently whisked); ¼ cup finely grated Parmesan cheese; 4 cloves garlic (minced); ¼ cup fresh parsley (finely chopped); ¼ cup homemade Italian breadcrumbs; Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper; 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil; 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce; Homemade Sauce; 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil; 4 cloves garlic (minced and sautéed); 1 Spanish onion (diced); 56 oz. crushed tomatoes; 1 bay leaf; 1 bunch parsley; 1 pinch red pepper flakes; Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper (to taste); 6 basil leaves (chiffonade); 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

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Before diving into the details of Bobby Flay’s meatball recipe, it’s worth exploring some delightful side dishes that perfectly complement this savory dish. Spaghetti is the classic choice, allowing you to twirl those noodles around your fork with a generous scoop of Bobby’s flavorful meatballs. Garlic bread is another favorite; who doesn’t love a slice of crunchy bread that serves as the perfect vessel for any leftover sauce?

For a refreshing contrast, consider an Italian salad featuring tomatoes, cucumbers, and olives, which beautifully balances the richness of the meatballs. Roasted vegetables add a healthy crunch and vibrant color to your plate, while creamy polenta topped with meatballs offers a comforting variation that warms the soul. Together, these pairings elevate the meal and make it an excellent centerpiece on your dining table.

Ah, meatballs! Those little orbs of joy that evoke memories of family gatherings, Sunday dinners, and a hearty kitchen filled with flavors. When I first tried Bobby Flay’s meatball recipe, it didn’t just transform my perception of this classic dish; it became a staple in my household. The skill in crafting meatballs isn’t just about mixing ground meats; it’s an art form combining texture, flavor, and a touch of love. This recipe flavors the meatballs and creates an incredible sauce that even the toughest critics can’t resist.

Whether you need a crowd-pleaser for a gathering or a comforting meal for a chilly evening, Bobby’s meatball recipe is a score. Let’s take a closer look at what makes this dish so special.

Table of Contents

What is Bobby Flay’s Meatball?

Bobby Flay’s meatball recipe is a combination of three types of meat—ground pork, beef, and veal. The mix delivers a juicy and unique texture. What sets this recipe apart is the complementing ingredients, such as fresh herbs, garlic, and a simple yet delicious homemade tomato sauce that brings everything together. It’s no wonder this recipe has become a favorite among many food enthusiasts.

What is the Flavor Profile of This Dish?

When you take a bite of these meatballs, you experience a depth of flavor that hits all the right spots. The savory notes from the pork and beef mingle beautifully with the subtle sweetness of the veal. Fresh parsley and garlic provide a bright burst that cuts through the richness. The sauce? Just wait! It adds a tangy kick with crushed tomatoes and balsamic vinegar, while red pepper flakes can give that extra sultry warmth, and the basil’s aromatic quality rounds everything out. Each ingredient plays a role, crafting a symphony of flavors on your palate.

Why You’ll Love This?

You’ll love this meatball recipe for several reasons:

Versatility: Serve them in various dishes. From classic spaghetti and meatballs to meatball subs or even atop a salad, these tiny morsels can adapt to any culinary context.

Flavor Explosion: Each bite offers a mouthful of herbaceous and robust flavor that delights the taste buds.
Comfort Food: There’s nothing quite like a homemade meatball with sauce. It feels like a big hug from your kitchen.
Easy to Make: The instructions are clear, and even if you’re not a master chef, you can whip these up with minimal fuss.

Family Favorite: Kids and adults alike will come back for seconds (or thirds)!

Ingredients

Before you start cooking, gather the following ingredients:

For the Meatballs:

½ pound ground pork
½ pound ground veal
½ pound ground beef

2 large eggs, gently whisked
¼ cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
4 cloves garlic, minced

¼ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
¼ cup homemade Italian breadcrumbs
Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

For the Homemade Sauce:

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced and sautéed
1 Spanish onion, diced

56 oz. crushed tomatoes
1 bay leaf
1 bunch parsley

1 pinch red pepper flakes
Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
6 basil leaves, chiffonade

1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature ensures an even cook on your meatballs.

In a large bowl, combine the ground pork, veal, and beef. Don’t be afraid of getting your hands dirty! It’s the best way to mix and ensure an even texture.

Add the whisked eggs to the mix. Then sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, fresh parsley, and breadcrumbs. Season generously with kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Add the Worcestershire sauce for an additional layer of flavor.

Step 2: Form the Meatballs

Using your hands, gently mix all the ingredients until they’re just combined. Overworking can lead to dense meatballs, and nobody wants that.

Now, roll the mixture into meatballs. Aim for about 1½ inches in diameter — not too big, not too small. Arrange them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. You can also lightly oil the sheet to prevent sticking.

Step 3: Bake the Meatballs

Transfer your baking sheet to the oven once it’s preheated. Allow the meatballs to bake for 20-25 minutes. You’re looking for a beautiful golden-brown color on the outside. To check if they’re done, the internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C).

Step 4: Start the Sauce

While your meatballs are baking, let’s whip up that fantastic sauce. Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Sauté the minced garlic and diced Spanish onion until fragrant. This usually takes about 3-4 minutes.

Next, pour in the crushed tomatoes. Add bay leaves, parsley, red pepper flakes, and season with salt and pepper. Allow it to simmer for at least 15 minutes. Simmering releases the flavors and thickens the sauce.

Step 5: Combine the Meatballs and Sauce

Once the meatballs have baked to perfection, gently transfer them into the sauce. Let them simmer together for about 10 minutes, ensuring they soak in that delicious sauce.

Step 6: Finish with Fresh Herbs

Turn off the heat. Stir in the chiffonade basil and balsamic vinegar to finish things off. The heat from the sauce will wilt the basil just enough to release its essential oils, giving it a vibrant aroma that’s simply irresistible.

Tips & Tricks

To ensure you nail this recipe the first time, keep these tips in mind:

Chill the Meat Mixture: If you have a bit of time, chilling the combined meat mixture for 30 minutes helps to firm it up for better handling.
Taste Test: Before cooking all the meatballs, cook a small spoonful of the mixture in a pan to adjust seasoning if needed.
Sauce Variations: Add a splash of red wine to the sauce for deeper complexity. It’s a game changer!

Cheese Options: If you’re out of Parmesan, try Pecorino Romano cheese for a sharper taste.
Freezing: These meatballs freeze well. Prepare a big batch, freeze them on a baking sheet, and transfer to a bag once solid. They can be reheated directly from frozen.

Nutrition Information

bobby flay meatball recipe nutrition facts

How Can You Store This Bobby Flay Meatball?

If you happen to have any leftovers (a rare occurrence), store them in an airtight container. They’re great the next day! You can refrigerate them for up to 3 days or freeze them for 3 months. Just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Ingredient Alternatives

Sometimes you may find yourself short on ingredients. No worries! Here are a few alternatives:

Ground Meat: Try chicken or turkey if you want a lighter option. The flavor will be different, but the preparation remains the same.

Breadcrumbs: If you lack breadcrumbs, crushed cracker crumbs work in a pinch. Just add a little extra seasoning to make up for the flavor.
Fresh Herbs: If fresh parsley is missing, dried Italian herbs can be substituted. Use about 1 teaspoon for every tablespoon of fresh herbs.

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Prep Time: 15

Cook Time: 1

Total Time: 1 15

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Italian

Keyword: bobby Flay Meatball Recipe

Servings: Servings

Calories: 97kcal

Author: Rebecca Novak

Equipment

Oven

Large bowl

Ingredients

½ pound ground pork
½ pound ground veal

½ pound ground beef
2 large eggs gently whisked
¼ cup finely grated Parmesan cheese

4 cloves garlic minced
¼ cup fresh parsley finely chopped
¼ cup homemade Italian breadcrumbs

Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

Homemade Sauce
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
4 cloves garlic minced and sautéed

1 Spanish onion diced
56 oz. crushed tomatoes
1 bay leaf

1 bunch parsley
1 pinch red pepper flakes
Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste

6 basil leaves chiffonade
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar