Zesty Creole Meatballs with Spicy Tomato Sauce

Spicy Creole Meatballs: A Flavorful Delight

Prepare yourself for a culinary journey with these Spicy Creole Meatballs, a savory and satisfying dish that will add a kick to your dinner table. This recipe, inspired by the classic 365 Ways to Cook Hamburger by Doyne Nickerson, brings together a medley of spices and ingredients to create a dish that’s both hearty and full of flavor. Ideal for those who enjoy a bit of spice, these meatballs are perfect for a family meal or a gathering with friends. Let’s dive into this delicious recipe, designed to be both simple and flavorful, with detailed steps to ensure success every time.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds ground hamburger beef
• 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup tomato juice
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust based on spice preference)
• 1/3 teaspoon MSG (optional, for enhanced flavor)
• 1/2 cup flour (for rolling the meatballs)
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 stalk celery, chopped
• 1 cup canned tomatoes (diced)
• 1 bay leaf
• 1/2 teaspoon additional salt
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1/3 cup sweet wine (optional, for added richness)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Meatballs:

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   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground hamburger, 1/4 cup finely chopped onion, eggs, tomato juice, chili powder, salt, dried thyme, cayenne pepper, and MSG if using. Mix these ingredients thoroughly until well combined.
   • Shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs, ensuring they are uniformly sized for even cooking.

2. Coat the Meatballs:

   • Roll each meatball in flour to coat lightly. This helps to form a nice crust when cooking and also thickens the sauce slightly.

3. Sauté the Vegetables:

   • In a large skillet, heat a small amount of cooking fat or oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion, green bell pepper, celery, and any mushrooms if desired. Sauté until the vegetables are tender and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes.
   • Remove the sautéed vegetables and set aside in a large kettle or pot.

4. Brown the Meatballs:

   • In the same skillet used for the vegetables, add a bit more oil if needed. Brown the meatballs in batches, ensuring they are nicely seared on all sides. This step adds flavor and helps to lock in the juices.

5. Simmer the Meatballs:

   • Transfer the browned meatballs to the large kettle with the sautéed vegetables. Add the diced canned tomatoes, bay leaf, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper.
   • Pour in the sweet wine if using, which will add a depth of flavor to the sauce.
   • Stir everything together, cover the kettle, and let it simmer over low heat for 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully and the meatballs to cook through.

6. Thicken the Sauce:

   • To thicken the sauce, mix 2 tablespoons of flour with 1/4 cup of water to create a slurry. Stir this mixture into the simmering sauce and cook for an additional 5 minutes, or until the sauce has reached your desired thickness.

7. Adjust the Seasoning:

   • Taste the sauce and meatballs, and adjust the seasoning if needed. If you find the dish to be on the salty side, you can reduce the amount of salt in future preparations.

8. Serve:

   • Serve these delectable Creole Meatballs hot, with your favorite side dishes. They pair wonderfully with rice, pasta, or a crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce.

Tips

• Make Ahead: These meatballs can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days or frozen for longer storage. Reheat gently on the stove before serving.
• Spice Level: Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper according to your preference for spice. You can always start with less and add more if desired.
• Vegetable Variations: Feel free to add other vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini to the mix for added nutrition and flavor.

Enjoy this Creole-inspired dish, which brings a burst of flavor and a touch of spice to your table. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, these Spicy Creole Meatballs are sure to become a family favorite!

Cook Time: 30 minutes
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 8
Calories per Serving: 434.3
Fat Content: 24.5g
Saturated Fat Content: 6.7g
Cholesterol Content: 129mg
Sodium Content: 2517.8mg
Carbohydrate Content: 22.8g
Fiber Content: 3.4g
Sugar Content: 8.5g
Protein Content: 29.6g

Enjoy your meal with a hint of Creole flair! 🌶️🍽️