Zesty Fried Meatballs With Red Pepper Sauce Recipe

Crispy, golden-fried meatballs tossed in a vibrant red pepper sauce! This recipe, inspired by Sandra Lee's Semi-Homemade Cooking, elevates a classic comfort food. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a fun appetizer, these meatballs are bursting with flavor and incredibly easy to make. Get ready for a taste explosion!

Prep Time 20 mins
Cook Time 40 mins
Calories 159.4 kcal
Protein 8g
Rating 5.0 (1 Reviews)
Zesty Fried Meatballs With Red Pepper Sauce 24

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Recipe Author

Chef Forktionary, author of this recipe

Recipe adapted from Food.com. Standardized by Forktionary.

Ingredients for Zesty Fried Meatballs With Red Pepper Sauce

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How to Make Zesty Fried Meatballs With Red Pepper Sauce

  1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
  2. Lightly spray a heavy-duty baking sheet with cooking spray.
  3. In a large bowl, gently combine ground beef, 3 large eggs, 1/4 cup milk, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 3/4 cup breadcrumbs, and 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning.
  4. Mix thoroughly but avoid overmixing. Shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs.
  5. In a small bowl, lightly beat 1 large egg with 1 tablespoon of water to create an egg wash.
  6. In another small bowl, place 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs.
  7. Dip each meatball in the egg wash, then roll in the breadcrumbs, ensuring they're evenly coated.
  8. Place the breaded meatballs on the prepared baking sheet.
  9. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil (or other high-smoke-point oil) in a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium-high heat. Do not overheat.
  10. Carefully add meatballs to the hot oil in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry until golden brown, turning occasionally, about 3-4 minutes per batch.
  11. Remove the meatballs from the oil using a slotted spoon and place them in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
  12. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  13. While meatballs are baking, prepare the red pepper sauce according to your preferred recipe (the original instructions lack specifics).
  14. Once the meatballs are cooked and the sauce is ready, gently toss the meatballs in the red pepper sauce to coat.
  15. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

8 g

Sugar

2g

Fat

13g

Carbs

0g