Crazy Meatballs

Nutriscore Rating: 57/100

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.

Recipe Information

• Prep Time: 20 min
• Cook Time: 25 min
• Total Time: 45 min
• Servings: 4 servings
• Difficulty: Medium

🥘 Ingredients

15 items

• 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

📝 Instructions

9 steps

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

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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).

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

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

Nutrition Facts

1 serving (248.2g)

Calories		631
% Daily Value*
Total Fat		45.2 g	58%
	Saturated Fat	15.6 g	78%
	Polyunsaturated Fat	0.0 g
Cholesterol		168 mg	56%
Sodium		941 mg	41%
Total Carbohydrate		21.1 g	8%
	Dietary Fiber	1.5 g	5%
	Total Sugars	8.2 g
Protein		35.2 g	70%
Vitamin D		0.5 mcg	2%
Calcium		125 mg	10%
Iron		3.7 mg	21%
Potassium		562 mg	12%

*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: 1621 cal (64.3%%)

Protein: 563 cal (22.3%%)

Carbs: 336 cal (13.4%%)