Baked meatballs

Oven-baked meatballs with potatoes and onions – a simple and delicious dish, perfect for a family dinner or a meal with friends. This recipe combines the juicy texture of the meatballs with the savory flavor of the vegetables, all baked for a healthy and tasty result.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Servings: 4

Ingredients:
- 500 g minced meat (beef, pork, or a combination)
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, crushed
- 1 egg
- 100 g breadcrumbs
- 50 g grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for an intense flavor)
- 1 bunch of fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 600 g potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 large onion, sliced (to add flavor)
- 500 ml chicken or vegetable broth
- Olive oil for drizzling

Instructions:

1. Preparing the meatballs: In a large bowl, combine the minced meat with the chopped onion, crushed garlic, egg, breadcrumbs, and Parmesan if using. Add the chopped parsley, salt, and pepper to taste. Mix all the ingredients well by hand to achieve a homogeneous mixture. It’s important not to overmix to avoid tough meatballs.

2. Shaping the meatballs: Rub your hands with a little olive oil to prevent sticking. Form meatballs the size of a ping-pong ball and place them on a plate.

3. Preparing the vegetables: Preheat the oven to 200°C. In a large baking dish, arrange the diced potatoes and onion slices. You can also add other vegetables like carrots or zucchini to diversify the dish. Drizzle with a little olive oil, salt, and pepper, then mix well.

4. Assembling the dish: Pour the chicken or vegetable broth over the potatoes and onions, ensuring they are well covered. Then, place the meatballs on top of the vegetables. This way, the juices from the meat will flavor the potatoes during baking.

5. Baking: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, until the meatballs are browned and the potatoes are tender. Check occasionally to ensure they do not dry out.

6. Serving: Serve the meatballs hot, directly from the dish, alongside a fresh salad or a garlic yogurt sauce for extra flavor. You can sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a more attractive appearance.

Practical tips:
- If you prefer leaner meatballs, you can opt for ground turkey or chicken.
- Add spices like paprika or oregano to the meatball mixture for an even more interesting flavor.
- This recipe is versatile; you can replace the potatoes with rice or quinoa for a lighter option.

Enjoy this simple oven-baked meatball recipe, which promises to quickly become a favorite in your home. It’s a meal that combines comfort and health, perfect for any occasion!

 Ingredients: Meatballs: 500 g minced meat, 1 fried onion, 1 egg, 2 tablespoons breadcrumbs, 2 cloves of garlic, 2 tablespoons chopped parsley, 1 grated zucchini (or 1 carrot and 1 cucumber). Potato bed: 6 potatoes sliced, 3 onions sliced and fried, 1 cube of broth dissolved in a glass of water, 50 g butter or margarine. I added butter.