Alton Brown Baked Meatballs Recipe

Alton Brown Baked Meatballs Recipe is made with ground pork, lamb, beef, spinach, Parmesan cheese, egg, herbs, and breadcrumbs. This recipe creates tender, flavorful meatballs with a crisp outer layer. It takes about 40 minutes to prepare and yields 20 meatballs.

Alton Brown Baked Meatballs Recipe Ingredients

• 8 ounces ground pork butt
• 8 ounces ground lamb shoulder
• 8 ounces ground beef round
• 5 ounces frozen spinach, thawed and drained
• 1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 large egg
• 1 1/2 teaspoons dried basil
• 1 1/2 teaspoons dried parsley
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1/2 cup bread crumbs

How To Make Alton Brown Baked Meatballs Recipe

1. Preheat the Oven: Heat your oven to 400ºF.
2. Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine pork, lamb, beef, spinach, cheese, egg, basil, parsley, garlic powder, salt, red pepper flakes, and 1/4 cup breadcrumbs. Mix by hand until well combined.
3. Weigh and Portion: Cover a kitchen scale with plastic wrap and portion out 1 1/2-ounce (43-gram) meatballs.
4. Shape and Coat: Shape each portion into a ball, roll in remaining 1/4 cup breadcrumbs, and place in miniature muffin tin cups.
5. Bake the Meatballs: Bake for about 20 minutes until golden and cooked through.

Recipe Tips

• Use Equal Parts Meat: A blend of pork, lamb, and beef gives balanced flavor and texture.
• Drain Spinach Well: Squeeze out as much moisture as possible to avoid soggy meatballs.
• Use a Muffin Tin: This helps the meatballs cook evenly and retain shape.
• Chill If Needed: You can refrigerate the mix up to 24 hours before baking.
• Serve with Sauce: Pair with marinara, tzatziki, or gravy for extra flavor.

What To Serve With Baked Meatballs

These meatballs pair wonderfully with spaghetti, roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or in a sub roll with marinara and mozzarella. They’re also great with tzatziki and pita for a Mediterranean twist.

How To Store Baked Meatballs

Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Freeze on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Reheat directly from frozen in the oven or microwave.

Baked Meatballs Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 130 (per meatball)
• Total Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Carbohydrates: 2g
• Sugar: 0g
• Protein: 10g
• Sodium: 180mg

FAQs

Can I use all beef instead of the meat mix?
Yes, but the flavor and texture may be slightly different.

Do I need to use a muffin tin?
It’s helpful, but a lined baking sheet also works fine.

Can I prep the mixture ahead of time?
Yes, you can refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking.

What dipping sauces go well?
Marinara, tzatziki, garlic aioli, or barbecue sauce all pair nicely.

Can I make them smaller or larger?
Yes, just adjust baking time accordingly.

Try More Recipes:

• Alton Brown Baked Ham Recipe
• Alton Brown Baked Rice Recipe
• Alton Brown Baked French Toast Recipe