Baked meatballs

Oven-baked meatballs with cheese and carrot – a delicious, healthy, and easy-to-make recipe

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Welcome to your kitchen! Today we aim to prepare oven-baked meatballs, a dish that perfectly combines the savory taste of meat with the sweetness of carrots and the creaminess of cheese. This dish is not only quick and simple but also a healthy option due to baking instead of frying. Our meatballs can be served as an appetizer or as a main course, alongside a fresh salad or mashed potatoes.

Let’s get started!

Ingredients

- 500 g ground meat (beef, pork, or a mix)
- 1 head of garlic
- 2 carrots
- 4 slices of bread
- 1 bunch of fresh parsley
- Spices (salt, pepper, paprika, to taste)
- 2 eggs
- 100 g cheese (feta, mozzarella, or cottage cheese)
- 2-3 tablespoons of sesame seeds for decoration

Ingredient details

Ground meat is the base of the recipe. You can choose beef, pork, or a mix, depending on your preferences. Garlic adds an intense and aromatic flavor, perfect for enhancing the taste. Carrots, besides bringing a touch of sweetness, enrich the recipe with essential vitamins. Bread is used to bind the mixture and make the meatballs fluffier. The cheese added inside the meatballs will melt and create a delicious surprise with every bite.

Step by step

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by grating the carrots, then peel the garlic head and crush the cloves. All ingredients should be prepared before starting the mixing.

2. Mixing the composition: In a large bowl, add the ground meat, grated carrot, crushed garlic, beaten eggs, and bread soaked in water and well squeezed. Add the finely chopped parsley and your preferred spices. Mix all the ingredients with your hands or a spatula until you obtain a homogeneous composition.

3. Forming the meatballs: Take a spoonful of the meat mixture and form a slightly flattened ball. Add a piece of cheese in the center, then seal the meatball well so that the cheese doesn’t escape during baking. Place the meatballs on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.

4. Decoration: Sprinkle sesame seeds on top of the meatballs to give them a crispy appearance and a special aroma.

5. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius and bake the meatballs for 25-30 minutes, until they turn golden and browned. Check them occasionally to ensure they bake evenly.

Serving and variations

Oven-baked meatballs are delicious served hot, alongside a salad of raw vegetables or a yogurt garlic sauce. You can experiment by adding herbs like dill or oregano to the mixture, or you can replace the cheese with other types, such as goat cheese or cheddar for a more intense flavor.

Useful tips

- Thickening the mixture: If the mixture is too wet, you can add a little breadcrumbs to achieve the desired consistency.
- Freezing the meatballs: You can freeze the uncooked meatballs. Place them in an airtight container, and when you want to cook them, you can bake them directly from the freezer, just that it will require a few extra minutes of baking.
- Parsley: For a more intense flavor, you can use dried parsley instead of fresh, but the taste will be less vibrant.

Nutritional benefits

Our meatballs are an excellent source of protein due to the meat and eggs, while the carrots provide an important supply of fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants. Cheese contributes to the calcium needed by the body, and parsley is rich in vitamins A, C, and K.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use poultry meat?
Yes, chicken or turkey meat is a healthy and tasty alternative.

2. How can I make the meatballs spicier?
Add chili flakes to the mixture for an extra kick!

3. What is the best way to store meatballs?
Keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days or freeze them for later use.

We hope this recipe inspires you to prepare delicious and healthy oven-baked meatballs for yourself and your loved ones. Enjoy your meal!