Chimichurri Meatballs
Chimichurri Meatballs are a zesty twist on classic meatballs, featuring a bold chimichurri sauce that brings the flavors of Argentina to your plate. These juicy meatballs are infused with garlic, fresh herbs, and spices, and served with a vibrant chimichurri sauce made from parsley, garlic, olive oil, and vinegar. Perfect as a unique appetizer, a main dish, or even a tasty addition to sandwiches and pasta, Chimichurri Meatballs are sure to become a favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These meatballs are flavorful, easy to make, and versatile, making them a hit for weeknight dinners, game day snacks, or party appetizers. The herby chimichurri sauce gives a refreshing balance to the richness of the meat, making each bite incredibly satisfying and full of zesty flavor. They’re also great for meal prep and reheat beautifully.
Key Ingredients
- Ground Meat: A mix of beef and pork creates tender, flavorful meatballs, but you can use all beef or even turkey.
- Garlic: Adds aromatic depth to both the meatballs and chimichurri sauce.
- Fresh Herbs: Parsley and cilantro give the sauce a fresh, herbaceous punch.
- Olive Oil: A quality olive oil brings richness to the chimichurri.
- Red Wine Vinegar: Adds the tangy acidity that balances the sauce.
How to Make Chimichurri Meatballs
- Prepare the Meatballs: In a large bowl, mix ground meat with garlic, breadcrumbs, and seasonings. Form into small, even-sized meatballs.
- Cook the Meatballs: Sear the meatballs in a skillet over medium heat, browning on all sides. Alternatively, bake them in the oven at 400°F for 15–20 minutes.
- Make the Chimichurri Sauce: In a food processor or bowl, combine parsley, cilantro, garlic, red wine vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth or leave it a bit chunky for texture.
- Serve: Drizzle the chimichurri sauce over the meatballs or serve it on the side for dipping.
Tips & Tricks
- Use Fresh Herbs: For the best chimichurri flavor, use fresh parsley and cilantro.
- Make Ahead: Prepare the meatballs and sauce ahead of time and reheat when ready to serve.
- Adjust Spice Levels: Add chili flakes or a bit of hot sauce to the chimichurri for a spicier kick.
Serving Suggestions
Chimichurri meatballs pair wonderfully with rice, roasted vegetables, or crusty bread. You can also serve them with pasta, stuffed in a baguette, or as a topping for a salad.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I freeze the meatballs? Yes, you can freeze the cooked meatballs. Reheat and add fresh chimichurri sauce when ready to serve.
- What can I substitute for cilantro? If you’re not a fan of cilantro, you can use more parsley or add fresh basil.
Chimichurri Meatballs are a flavorful, exciting way to enjoy a classic dish with an Argentine twist. The bold chimichurri sauce paired with juicy meatballs makes for an irresistible dish that’s sure to impress. Give them a try and enjoy this easy, delicious recipe.
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Chimichurri Meatballs Recipe
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Chimichurri Sauce:
- 1 cup fresh parsley chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
Instructions
Preheat oven:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Make the meatballs:
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix until combined.
- Shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake:
- Bake the meatballs for 15-20 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through.
- Make the chimichurri sauce:
- In a small bowl, mix together parsley, cilantro, minced garlic, red wine vinegar, salt, black pepper, olive oil, and red pepper flakes (if using) until well combined.
Serve:
- Drizzle chimichurri sauce over the meatballs or serve it as a dipping sauce.
