Crazy Meatballs

Get ready to elevate your meatball game with these irresistibly bold and flavor-packed Crazy Meatballs! This easy yet satisfying recipe combines ground beef and pork with Parmesan, smoked paprika, and a touch of jalapeño for a subtle kick. Each bite is enhanced with a tangy barbecue glaze that caramelizes beautifully in the oven, creating a perfect balance of savory and sweet. Searing the meatballs before baking locks in their juiciness while adding a golden, crispy crust. Whether served as a crowd-pleasing appetizer, paired with pasta, or tucked into a hearty sub sandwich, these Crazy Meatballs are a must-try for meat lovers. They're quick to prepare and perfect for weeknight dinners or party platters alike.

Nutriscore Rating: 56/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef (80% lean)
• 0.5 lb ground pork
• 0.5 cup bread crumbs
• 0.25 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 large egg
• 0.5 medium onion, finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 whole jalapeño, finely diced (optional for spice)
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.25 cup barbecue sauce (for glazing)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup.

Step 2

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, onion, garlic, jalapeño (if using), parsley, smoked paprika, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper.

Step 3

Using clean hands, mix the ingredients until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatballs tough.

Step 4

Form the mixture into 1- to 1.5-inch meatballs and place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each meatball.

Step 5

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. In batches, sear the meatballs on all sides until browned, about 2-3 minutes per side. This step locks in flavor and gives the meatballs a nice crust.

Step 6

Transfer the seared meatballs back to the baking sheet. Brush each meatball with a thin layer of barbecue sauce for a sweet and tangy glaze.

Step 7

Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until fully cooked with an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).

Step 8

Remove the meatballs from the oven and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Step 9

Serve the Crazy Meatballs as an appetizer, over spaghetti, or in a sub sandwich. Garnish with additional parsley, if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(994.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2632.3

Total Fat 184.9g	0%
Saturated Fat 64.7g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.6g
Cholesterol 756.7mg	0%
Sodium 4207.9mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 79.8g	0%
Dietary Fiber 5.6g	0%
Total Sugars 33.8g
Protein 158.6g	0%

Vitamin D 81.9IU	0%
Calcium 556.3mg	0%
Iron 17.0mg	0%
Potassium 1682.6mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 63.6%

Protein: 24.2%

Carbs: 12.2%