Pesto Meatballs

Savor the bold and herbaceous flavors of these irresistible Pesto Meatballs, a fusion of tender beef and pork perfectly seasoned with creamy pesto, grated Parmesan, and a hint of garlic. These juicy baked meatballs are not only quick to prepare—requiring just 15 minutes of prep—but also deliver a beautifully golden exterior thanks to a brush of olive oil before roasting. Whether served over pasta, paired with zesty zucchini noodles, or enjoyed on their own as a delightful appetizer, these pesto-packed meatballs are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Garnished with fresh basil, they bring a touch of elegance and vibrant flavor to your meal. Perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining, this recipe is a must-try for pesto lovers craving something a little different.

Nutriscore Rating: 52/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 lb Ground beef
• 0.5 lb Ground pork
• 0.5 cup Pesto sauce
• 0.5 cup Breadcrumbs
• 0.25 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 large Egg
• 2 cloves Garlic, minced
• 1 tsp Salt
• 0.5 tsp Black pepper
• 2 tbsp Olive oil
• 2 tbsp Fresh basil (optional for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with olive oil.

Step 2

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, pesto sauce, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper.

Step 3

Mix the ingredients thoroughly using your hands or a wooden spoon until fully incorporated. Avoid overmixing as that can make the meatballs tough.

Step 4

Scoop about 1.5 tablespoons of the meat mixture and roll it between your palms to form a ball. Place the meatball onto the prepared baking sheet.

Step 5

Repeat the process until all the meat mixture is used, ensuring the meatballs are spaced evenly on the baking sheet.

Step 6

Brush the tops of the meatballs with a little olive oil to promote browning during cooking.

Step 7

Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 18–20 minutes or until the meatballs are browned and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C).

Step 8

Once cooked, remove the meatballs from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes.

Step 9

Optional: Garnish the meatballs with fresh basil and serve warm with pasta, zucchini noodles, or as an appetizer.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(981.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3069.1

Total Fat 247.9g	0%
Saturated Fat 73.7g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 17.5g
Cholesterol 785.2mg	0%
Sodium 5363.4mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 52.0g	0%
Dietary Fiber 3.7g	0%
Total Sugars 4.8g
Protein 168.4g	0%

Vitamin D 58.9IU	0%
Calcium 657.4mg	0%
Iron 15.7mg	0%
Potassium 1455.3mg	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: 71.7%

Protein: 21.6%

Carbs: 6.7%