Mouth-watering Cherry Tomato Meatball Recipe
You know how sometimes you just want to get dinner on the table fast, without having to compromise on flavor or quality? Well, my recipe for Cherry Tomato Meatballs is the answer to all your prayers! This delicious and savory dish is sure to make your mouth water and your tummy happy.
With a perfectly seasoned blend of lean ground beef and dried oregano, these meatballs got an added boost from the sweet and juicy roasted cherry tomatoes. The subtle sweetness of the cherry tomatoes compliments the beef so well that you’ll be wanting more even after you’ve scraped the plate clean!
This dish embodies the perfect balance of richness, acidity and freshness from the flavors of fresh herbs & spices, ripe cherry tomatoes, and lean beef meatballs. It’s easy to prepare, takes only half an hour to make (Yes! Half an hour!), and serves well along with spaghetti or any other pasta.
So let’s say goodbye to boring dinners and hello to a quick and tasty meal that everyone will love. This Cherry Tomato Meatballs recipe will not disappoint!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Do you love the taste of sweet and tangy cherry tomatoes? Do you need a go-to recipe for quick, flavorful meatballs? If so, you’ll love this Cherry Tomato Meatballs Recipe!
The meatballs are made with lean ground beef and flavored with dried oregano, salt, and pepper. But what sets these meatballs apart is the addition of juicy, roasted cherry tomatoes. Each bite bursts with flavor, making this dish a favorite among both kids and adults.
This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or for entertaining guests. It’s easy to make and takes less than an hour to get on the table. And the best part? You can make it ahead of time and reheat it when you’re ready to serve.
But don’t just take my word for it. Try this recipe out for yourself and see why it’s become a staple in my kitchen. With its delicious flavor and ease of preparation, I know it will become a favorite in yours too.
Ingredient List
Let’s start with the star ingredients of this meatball recipe: cherry tomatoes and lean ground beef. You will need 1 pound of lean ground beef, preferably at 90% lean, and 1 pint (2 cups) of cherry tomatoes. Other essentials are salt, pepper, and dried oregano. The rest of the ingredients for the meatballs include one small diced onion, one egg, 1/4 cup of milk, 1/4 cup of breadcrumbs, and a pinch of salt. For the sauce, you need 2 cups or a can of tomato sauce, three garlic cloves minced, one tablespoon of olive oil, and fresh parsley for garnish. Make sure to have these ingredients on handy before starting the cooking process.
The Recipe How-To
Now that you have all the ingredients ready, it’s time to dive into the how-to of this Cherry Tomato Meatballs Recipe. Before you start mixing everything together, remember to preheat your oven to 375°F.
Step 1: Preparing the Meatball Mixture
Grab a big bowl and mix together the lean ground beef, egg, onion, bread crumbs, milk, salt, pepper, and dried oregano. Make sure to combine all the ingredients well until they’re evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
Step 2: Forming the Meatballs
Once the mixture is ready, take around 1/4 cup of it at a time, rolling them between your palms to create small meatballs that are evenly formed. Place each meatball on a sheet pan that’s been lightly coated with olive oil.
Step 3: Adding Cherry Tomatoes
Take several pieces of cherry tomatoes and add them on top of each meatball. You can use as many or as little cherry tomatoes as you’d like, depending on how much you love them!
Step 4: Roasting the Meatballs
Place the sheet pan in the preheated oven and let it cook for approximately 20-25 minutes. Make sure to check periodically and flip each meatball over for even cooking.
Step 5: Making Tomato Sauce
While waiting for the meatballs to roast, pour a jar of your favorite tomato sauce in a separate saucepan and heat it up. I personally recommend using either tomato arrabbiata sauce or any other spicy variety that will complement the taste of the meatballs.
Step 6: Serving
Once everything is cooked and heated through, arrange the meatballs on a plate and pour hot tomato sauce over them. Garnish with some freshly chopped parsley or basil and serve hot! These juicy and flavorful meatballs can be paired with spaghetti, green beans, or any other side of your choice.
Now that you have completed all these steps, sit back and enjoy your very own homemade Cherry Tomato Meatballs!
Substitutions and Variations
Are you looking for ways to customize this recipe to your liking? Here are some substitutions and variations to help you do just that:
– Ground turkey: If you prefer a leaner option, substitute the ground beef for ground turkey. The flavor will be slightly different, but it still goes well with the cherry tomato sauce.
– Chicken meatballs: For a lighter take on this dish, try making chicken meatballs instead of beef. They’re just as tasty and pair well with the cherry tomatoes.
– Tomato pasta sauce: If you don’t have time to make the cherry tomato sauce from scratch, use your favorite tomato pasta sauce instead. It will still taste great!
– Roasted tomatoes: For an extra burst of flavor, try roasting the cherry tomatoes before adding them to the meatball mixture. This will give them a slightly sweet and smoky taste that works well with the savory flavors of the meatballs.
– Italian or Spanish meatballs: Want to mix things up? Try adding different spices and seasonings to make Italian or Spanish-style meatballs. Italian meatballs typically include basil and parsley, while Spanish meatballs may include smoked paprika and cumin.
These substitutions and variations will allow you to get creative with this recipe and put your own twist on it. Don’t be afraid to experiment and find what works best for you!
Serving and Pairing
Once your cherry tomato meatballs are plated and ready to serve, it’s time to think about pairing them with the perfect sides. These meatballs make a delicious main course all on their own, but if you’re looking for complementary flavors and textures, there are several options to consider.
For a classic Italian-style meal, serve your cherry tomato meatballs over a bed of spaghetti with your favorite tomato pasta sauce. The acidity of the tomatoes in the sauce plays off the sweetness of the roasted cherry tomatoes in the meatballs, creating a perfectly balanced dish. Add some grated Parmesan cheese and garlic bread on the side, and you’ll have a classic meal that everyone will love.
If you want to keep things light, consider serving your cherry tomato meatballs with some steamed green beans or a simple salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette. This will add some freshness and crunch to your meal while allowing the meatballs to be the star of the show.
For something a little more exotic, try pairing your cherry tomato meatballs with a Spanish-inspired side dish like patatas bravas or a simple garlic and herb rice pilaf. The bold flavors in these dishes contrast nicely with the sweeter flavors in the meatballs, making for an interesting culinary experience.
Finally, if you’re looking for something different, try adding your cherry tomato meatballs to sandwiches or wraps. They make an excellent addition to a classic meatball sub or can be paired with fresh veggies and hummus in a pita wrap.
No matter how you choose to serve them, these cherry tomato meatballs are sure to please. So get creative and start experimenting with different sides today!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
As someone who loves to entertain, I know the importance of having dishes that can be made ahead of time. That’s why I love this cherry tomato meatballs recipe – it’s a great make-ahead dish that is perfect for serving at a party or for a quick weeknight dinner.
To make these meatballs ahead of time, simply follow the recipe instructions through Step 6. Once you have formed your meatballs on the sheet pan, cover tightly with plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator for up to two days until ready to bake.
If you end up with leftovers, these meatballs can also be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, simply place the meatballs and any sauce in a skillet over medium heat until heated through.
Another great option for storing these meatballs is to freeze them. Once they are fully cooked and cooled, place them into freezer-safe bags or containers and freeze for up to three months. When you’re ready to use them, allow the meatballs to thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating them.
These meatballs are also incredibly versatile – you can use them as a topping for spaghetti or as a standalone appetizer. However you choose to serve them, this cherry tomato meatball recipe is sure to impress your guests and provide a satisfying meal that is both convenient and delicious.
Tips for Perfect Results
Cooking meatballs can be a tricky task. But don’t worry, I’ve got you covered with these tips that will surely make your Cherry Tomato Meatballs a hit.
First and foremost, make sure to mix the ground beef well before shaping them into balls. This ensures that all the ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
Another important tip is to use lean ground beef or ground turkey for healthier and less greasy meatballs. Combine this with egg, bread crumbs, milk, onion, salt, and pepper for the perfect texture and flavor.
When shaping the meatballs, it’s best to keep them bite-sized or around 1 1/4 inches in diameter to ensure they cook evenly. If they’re too big or too small, they may not cook well through the center.
To avoid overcrowding in the cooking process, cook the meatballs in batches or on a sheet pan with appropriate space between each meatball. This will help them brown evenly and ensure that they don’t stick together.
One key secret to achieving juicy and flavorful meatballs is to add roasted tomato pasta sauce or arrabbiata sauce during cooking. You can also add extra cherry tomatoes if you love their sweetness and acidity.
Finally, make sure to fully cook the meatballs either by baking them at 375°F for 15-20 minutes or by sautéing them over medium heat for 10-15 minutes until cooked through. Use a thermometer or cut them open to check for doneness, which should be an internal temperature of 165°F.
By following these tips, you’ll definitely attain perfect Cherry Tomato Meatballs that your family and guests will adore!
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this cherry tomato meatballs recipe is a great option for anyone looking to impress their friends and family with a delicious and quick dinner. It’s easy to prepare, versatile, and can be customized to suit individual preferences by adding different spices or sauces. The use of juicy cherry tomatoes adds a burst of sweetness to the meatballs, making it a unique twist on traditional meatball recipes.
Furthermore, this recipe makes it possible to get dinner on the table in half an hour or less, making it perfect for busy weeknights when time is limited. Whether using ground beef or turkey, this recipe is sure to satisfy everyone at the table.
Lastly, with the tips outlined in this article for perfect results and make-ahead options for convenience, there’s no reason not to try this cherry tomato meatballs recipe today. So what are you waiting for? Get cooking and enjoy a delicious home-cooked meal tonight!
Cherry Tomato Meatballs Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 beaten egg
- 3/4 cup soft breadcrumbs (1 slice bread)
- 1/2 cup milk (skim or low fat is ok)
- 1/4 cup onion (minced)
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano, crushed
- pepper
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 12 cherry tomatoes
Instructions
- Combine beaten egg, bread crumbs, milk, onion, salt, oregeno and pepper; add the ground beef and mix well.
- Shape about 1/4 cup of meat mixture evenly around each cherry tomato to form round meatballs.
- Place meatballs in a 13X9X2 baking pan; bake at 375 for 25 to 30 minutes.
Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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Anna is a culinary expert who specializes in grilling delicious BBQ dishes. She also enjoys sharing her recipes and experiences with her foodie community on her blog. She’s the total package for any backyard barbecue!