Oh wow, let me tell you about my *giant lazy meatballs*! These beauties are not just a delicious dinner option; they’re a total lifesaver for busy nights when you want something hearty without spending all day in the kitchen. I mean, who doesn’t love a giant meatball, right? They’re so easy to whip up, and with just a handful of ingredients, you can have a comforting meal on the table in no time. I often make a big batch on Sundays, and they’re perfect for those hectic weekdays when you need a quick, satisfying dinner. Just bake them up, toss them in some marinara, and you’re ready to go! Trust me, your family will be begging for seconds!
Ingredients List
Here’s what you’ll need to create these mouthwatering giant lazy meatballs. I love how simple and straightforward these ingredients are, making it a breeze to throw everything together. Let’s get cooking!
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (packed, for better texture)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley (fresh is best!)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 cups marinara sauce (for serving)
How to Prepare Giant Lazy Meatballs
Now let’s dive into making these giant lazy meatballs! It’s super simple, and I promise you’ll feel like a pro in no time. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a delicious dinner ready to go!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First off, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). You want it nice and hot for the perfect bake!
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, minced garlic, egg, salt, and black pepper. I like to get in there with my hands to really mix everything up well—trust me, it’s the best way!
- Once everything is combined, form the mixture into large meatballs, about the size of a golf ball. Seriously, don’t be shy; these are giant lazy meatballs, after all!
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place your meatballs on it, giving them a bit of space in between. This helps them cook evenly!
- Now, pop them into the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until they’re cooked through and golden brown on the outside. You’ll know they’re ready when they smell heavenly!
- While they’re baking, heat up your marinara sauce in a saucepan on low heat. Once the meatballs are done, spoon the marinara over them for that delicious finish!
And voila! You’ve got yourself a plate of giant lazy meatballs that are ready to impress. Serve them up with some pasta or crusty bread, and enjoy every bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are so many reasons to adore these giant lazy meatballs! They’re not just a meal; they’re a delightful experience. Here’s why this recipe will become a staple in your kitchen:
- Quick Preparation: With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, you can have dinner ready in under an hour!
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of juicy beef, savory garlic, and rich Parmesan creates a flavor explosion that’ll leave everyone asking for more.
- Versatile Serving Options: Whether you pair them with pasta, crusty bread, or even a fresh salad, these meatballs fit right in and elevate any meal.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a big batch ahead of time, and you’ve got meals ready to go for busy days—just reheat and serve!
- Kid-Friendly: Kids love meatballs, and these giant ones are sure to be a hit with the whole family, making dinner time a breeze.
- Freezer-Friendly: Feeling like you’ve got too many? Freeze them! They hold up wonderfully and are perfect for last-minute dinners.
Trust me, once you try these giant lazy meatballs, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without them!
Tips for Success
Now that you’re all set to make your giant lazy meatballs, here are some pro tips to take them from great to absolutely phenomenal! Trust me; these little nuggets of wisdom will help you nail it every time.
- Herb Variations: Feel free to experiment with herbs! Oregano, basil, or even a pinch of red pepper flakes can add a lovely kick and elevate the flavor profile.
- Meat Choices: While I love using ground beef, you can switch it up with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version. Just be mindful of the cooking time, as leaner meats may require a shorter bake.
- Texture Tips: If you prefer a chunkier texture, try adding finely chopped veggies like bell peppers or onions into the mix. They’ll add moisture and flavor!
- Cooking Time: Keep an eye on your meatballs while they bake. Ovens can vary, so check them around the 25-minute mark. You want them golden and cooked through, but not overdone.
- Storage: Leftovers? No problem! Store any extras in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze them for up to 3 months. Just make sure they’re fully cooled before freezing!
- Reheating: When you’re ready to enjoy those leftovers, just pop them in the microwave or reheat them in the oven with a splash of marinara sauce to keep them moist and tasty!
With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to mastering the art of giant lazy meatballs. Happy cooking!
Nutritional Information
Let’s talk about the nutritional goodness packed into these giant lazy meatballs! While I always say that comfort food should be enjoyed, it’s nice to know what you’re getting in each delicious bite. Here are the estimated nutritional values for one giant lazy meatball:
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 400mg
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 20g
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. But hey, knowing that you’re getting a hearty dose of protein and flavor makes these meatballs even more satisfying, right? Enjoy your cooking adventures!
FAQ Section
Can I freeze giant lazy meatballs?
Absolutely! Freezing giant lazy meatballs is a fantastic way to have delicious dinners ready for those busy nights. Just let them cool completely after baking, then place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months! When you’re ready to enjoy them, just reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or pop them in the microwave for a quick meal. So convenient and oh-so-delicious!
What can I serve with giant lazy meatballs?
There are so many tasty options to pair with your giant lazy meatballs! I love serving them over a bed of spaghetti or fettuccine tossed in a little olive oil or marinara sauce. Crusty garlic bread on the side is a must for sopping up all that yummy sauce! You could also whip up a fresh salad with crisp greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette. For a comforting twist, serve them alongside creamy mashed potatoes or even on a sub roll for a hearty meatball sandwich. The possibilities are endless!
How do I know when the meatballs are cooked?
Great question! The best way to know if your giant lazy meatballs are cooked to perfection is to check their internal temperature. Using a meat thermometer, you’re looking for a reading of 160°F (70°C) for ground beef. If you don’t have a thermometer, just cut one open and make sure there’s no pink inside and the juices run clear. They should also be nicely browned on the outside. Trust me, you’ll know they’re ready when your kitchen is filled with that irresistible aroma!
Serving Suggestions
Now that you’ve got your giant lazy meatballs ready to go, let’s talk about the fun part—serving them up! There are so many delicious ways to enjoy these meaty marvels, and I’m here to share my favorites with you!
- Pasta Delight: Serve your meatballs over a generous helping of spaghetti or your favorite pasta. Drizzle with extra marinara sauce and sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan for a classic Italian feast!
- Crusty Bread: There’s nothing quite like a hearty piece of crusty garlic bread or a soft baguette to mop up all that delicious sauce. Trust me, you won’t want to leave a drop behind!
- Sub Sandwich: For a fun twist, pile those giant meatballs onto a sub roll with some melted mozzarella and a splash of marinara sauce. It’s like a meatball sandwich that’s simply irresistible!
- Salad Bowl: Want a lighter option? Toss the meatballs on top of a fresh garden salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a zesty vinaigrette. It’s a great way to balance the meal!
- Meatball Skewers: For gatherings, skewer the meatballs with cherry tomatoes and basil leaves for a fun appetizer. Drizzle with balsamic glaze for an elegant touch!
These serving suggestions are just the tip of the iceberg. Feel free to get creative and mix it up with what you have on hand. One thing’s for sure: no matter how you serve them, your giant lazy meatballs will shine at the dinner table!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Let’s talk about how to keep those delicious giant lazy meatballs fresh for later! After devouring your meal, if you have any leftovers (which I highly doubt, but just in case!), here’s how to store and reheat them for maximum flavor.
First off, let your meatballs cool completely before storing. This helps prevent condensation in the container, which can make them soggy. Place them in an airtight container and pop them in the fridge, where they’ll stay good for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, freezing is the way to go!
To freeze, lay the cooled meatballs on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They should be good for up to 3 months! Just make sure to label the bags with the date so you know when they were made.
When you’re ready to enjoy those frozen beauties, there are a couple of reheating methods. For the best results, I recommend thawing them overnight in the fridge. Then, reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes until warmed through. If you’re in a hurry, you can microwave them straight from the freezer, but keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t dry out. Add a splash of marinara sauce while reheating to keep them nice and moist!
With these storage and reheating tips, you can savor your giant lazy meatballs again and again. Enjoy every bite, because they’re just too good to waste!
Z nadrukami
Giant Lazy Meatballs: 5 Reasons They’re Dinner Perfection
- Całkowity Czas: 45 minutes
- Ustępować: 4 servings 1x
- Dieta: Bez Glutenu
Opis
Giant lazy meatballs are a delicious dinner option that is easy to prepare.
Składniki
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 cups marinara sauce
Instrukcje
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, garlic, egg, salt, and pepper.
- Mix until well combined.
- Form mixture into large meatballs, about the size of a golf ball.
- Place meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until cooked through.
- Heat marinara sauce in a saucepan.
- Serve meatballs with marinara sauce on top.
Uwagi
- Feel free to add your favorite herbs to the meatball mixture.
- Serve with pasta or crusty bread.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Czas Przygotowania: 15 minutes
- Czas gotowania: 30 minutes
- Kategoria: Dinner
- Sposób: Baking
- Kuchnia: Italian
Zasilanie
- Wielkość porcji: 1 meatball
- Kalorie: 250
- Cukier: 2g
- Sód: 400mg
- Kwasy: 15g
- Nasycony tłuszcz: 6g
- Tłuszcze Nienasycone: 8g
- Tłuszcze trans: 0g
- Węglowodany: 10g
- Włókno: 1g
- Białko: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Słowa kluczowe: giant lazy meatballs, easy dinner, Italian meatballs
