Lemon Meatballs Recipe
from Love With Recipes
Get ready to delight your taste buds with a zesty twist on a classic dish. These Lemon Meatballs are an easy-to-make, flavorful meal perfect for a quick lunch or dinner. The tanginess from the fresh lemon juice brings a vibrant freshness to these tender, juicy meatballs. Serve them over a bed of spaghetti, and youβve got a delicious meal thatβs ready in just 30 minutes!
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Olive oil | 5 tbsp |
| Onion (chopped) | 1 |
| Garlic (minced) | 2 cloves |
| Lean ground beef | 1 Β½ lbs |
| Eggs | 2 |
| Fresh parsley (chopped) | Β½ cup |
| Salt | β tsp |
| Black pepper (ground) | 1 Β½ tsp |
| Spaghetti | ΒΌ lb |
| Fresh lemon juice | 1 tbsp |
| Parsley (for garnish) | 3 tbsp |
| Lemon rind (optional) | From 1 lemon |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 984.4 kcal |
| Fat Content | 39 g |
| Saturated Fat Content | 10.6 g |
| Cholesterol Content | 216.5 mg |
| Sodium Content | 1293.2 mg |
| Carbohydrate Content | 100.2 g |
| Fiber Content | 5 g |
| Sugar Content | 4.6 g |
| Protein Content | 54.7 g |
Instructions
-
SautΓ© the aromatics:
In a large 12-inch skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, stirring occasionally. Cook for about 3-4 minutes, or until the onion becomes soft and translucent. Remove from the heat and set aside to cool. -
Prepare the meatball mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the lean ground beef, eggs, fresh parsley, salt, black pepper, and the sautΓ©ed onion-garlic mixture. Using clean hands or a spatula, mix everything together until well incorporated, being careful not to overmix. -
Form the meatballs:
Shape the mixture into 18 evenly-sized meatballs. Try to make them uniform in size to ensure even cooking. -
Cook the meatballs:
Using the same skillet you used earlier, heat the remaining 3 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the meatballs to the skillet in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd them. Cook for 15-20 minutes, turning occasionally, until the meatballs are browned on all sides and no longer pink in the center. -
Prepare the spaghetti:
While the meatballs are cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the spaghetti and arrange it on a serving platter. Cover the spaghetti with aluminum foil to keep warm. -
Finish the dish:
Once the meatballs are fully cooked, remove them from the skillet and arrange them on top of the spaghetti. Keep the skillet on the heat and add the fresh lemon juice. Stir, making sure to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. This step is important as it adds extra flavor to the sauce. Pour the lemon sauce over the meatballs and spaghetti. -
Garnish and serve:
Sprinkle the meatballs and spaghetti with additional fresh parsley and, if desired, some grated lemon rind for an extra burst of citrus flavor. Serve immediately and enjoy your Lemon Meatballs with a bright, tangy twist!
Serving Suggestions
- Serve alongside a crisp green salad for a balanced meal.
- For an added touch, pair this dish with some crusty garlic bread to soak up the flavorful lemony sauce.
- This dish also pairs wonderfully with a side of steamed or roasted vegetables, such as asparagus or broccoli.
Tips for Success
- Donβt overmix the meatball mixture: When combining the ground beef with the other ingredients, be careful not to overmix. This can make the meatballs dense and tough. Gently mix until just combined.
- Use fresh lemon juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice brings a much brighter and more intense flavor to this dish compared to bottled lemon juice. The zest from the lemon peel also adds a punch of citrusy goodness.
- Avoid overcrowding the pan: When cooking the meatballs, ensure there’s enough space between each one so they brown properly. If necessary, cook the meatballs in batches.
- Try different types of pasta: While this recipe calls for spaghetti, feel free to use other types of pasta like fettuccine, linguine, or even zucchini noodles for a low-carb version.
Variations
- Turkey Meatballs: Substitute ground turkey for the ground beef for a lighter version of this dish.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and spaghetti to make this dish suitable for gluten-free diets.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the meatball mixture for a hint of heat.
- Cheesy Meatballs: Stir some grated Parmesan cheese into the meatball mixture for an extra savory boost of flavor.
This Lemon Meatball recipe is not only packed with flavor but is also a quick and easy meal perfect for busy weeknights. The bright lemon juice adds a light, tangy note to the dish that complements the savory meatballs and hearty spaghetti. Plus, with the ease of preparing everything in just one skillet, cleanup is a breeze! Perfect for feeding a family or impressing guests, these meatballs are sure to become a regular on your dinner table.
Keywords
< 30 Mins, Lemon Meatballs, Quick Dinner, Easy Meatball Recipe, Beef Meatballs, Lemon Sauce Meatballs, Meatballs with Spaghetti, Fresh Lemon Recipe
