Sun-Dried Tomato and Basil Meatballs

Sun-Dried Tomato and Basil Meatballs – Juicy Italian Meatballs with Bold Mediterranean Flavor

Step into the vibrant world of Italian cooking with our Sun-Dried Tomato and Basil Meatballs. This dish blends traditional flavors with a gourmet twist, offering a delicious answer to your craving for something uniquely satisfying and profoundly tasty. Whether you’re aiming to impress at a dinner party or simply spice up your family meals, this recipe promises to deliver on both taste and simplicity.

Italian Inspiration:

The inspiration for this recipe comes from a desire to infuse classic Italian meatballs with the intense flavors of the Mediterranean. Sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil provide a perfect balance of umami and freshness, transforming ordinary meatballs into an extraordinary culinary experience.

Why You’ll Love It

• Rich and Flavorful: Sun-dried tomatoes add a deep, tangy taste that pairs wonderfully with the aromatic basil.
• Versatile Serving Options: Perfect with pasta, as a splendid sub filling, or even as a standalone dish with a side of crusty bread.
• Quick and Easy: From start to finish in 35 minutes, making it ideal for a busy weeknight meal.
• Crowd Pleaser: Guaranteed to satisfy both meat lovers and those who appreciate a creative twist on traditional recipes.

Quick Grocery List

• Ground beef or ground turkey
• Sun-dried tomatoes
• Fresh basil
• Garlic
• Parmesan cheese
• Breadcrumbs or panko
• Egg
• Italian seasoning

Things to Consider Before Preparing Your Meal

• Prep & Cook Time: Total time from prep to plate is only 35 minutes.
• Equipment Checklist: Large mixing bowl, skillet or baking sheet, measuring cups, and spoons.
• Dietary Adjustments: Easily adaptable for gluten-free and dairy-free diets.
• Serving Size: Serves 4, making 16-18 meatballs.

Sun-Dried Tomato and Basil Meatballs – Juicy Italian Meatballs with Bold Mediterranean Flavor

DifficultyEasy

Servings4 (makes 16–18 meatballs)

Prep time15 minutes

Cook time20 minutes

Total time35 minutes

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Ingredients:

For the Meatballs:

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef or ground turkey
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, (packed in oil), finely chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs, (or panko)
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

For Cooking:

• 1 tbsp olive oil, (if pan-searing)
• 2 cups Optional: marinara sauce, (for simmering)

Instructions:

• 1

  1. Make the Meatball Mixture

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground meat, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, basil, garlic, Parmesan, breadcrumbs, egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
  2. Mix gently with your hands or a spoon until just combined (do not overmix).
  3. Shape into 1 1/2-inch meatballs and place on a plate or tray.
• 2

  2. Cook the Meatballs

  Option A – Pan-Sear & Simmer:

  1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
  2. Sear meatballs for 5–6 minutes, turning occasionally until browned on all sides.
  3. Add marinara sauce, cover, and simmer for 10–12 minutes until cooked through.

  Option B – Bake:

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Place meatballs on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  3. Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until golden and cooked through.

Equipment

• Large mixing bowl
• Knife & cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Baking sheet or skillet
• Spatula or tongs
• Optional: food processor (for sun-dried tomatoes)

Nutrition

Calories	290
Carbohydrates	7g
Cholesterol	95mg
Fat	20g
Fiber	1g
Protein	21g
Saturated Fat	7g
Sodium	430mg
Sugar	2g
Trans Fat	0g
Unsaturated Fat	10g

General Notes

These meatballs are an excellent make-ahead option that can be frozen either raw or cooked, ensuring you have a quick and delicious option on hand whenever needed.

Substitutions

• Meat: Try ground chicken or pork for a different flavor profile.
• Herbs: No basil? Swap in spinach or parsley for a fresh twist.
• Breadcrumbs: For a gluten-free version, opt for gluten-free breadcrumbs.

Variations

• Cheese Variants: Experiment with different cheeses such as mozzarella or vegan cheese for a different taste and texture.
• Add Heat: Introduce a pinch of red pepper flakes to the mix if you like a bit of spice in your meatballs.

Let’s Get Cooking: Pro Tips

• Tip 1: For the juiciest meatballs, mix the ingredients until just combined. Overmixing can make them tough.
• Tip 2: If you’re baking the meatballs, lining your tray with parchment paper makes cleanup a breeze.
• Tip 3: Adding a bit of water or broth to the pan when pan-searing helps to keep the meatballs moist and tender.

Art Of Meatball Making

Achieving the perfect meatball is an art—balance your spices, choose the right meat, and cook them just right to maintain moisture and flavor.

Nutrition Breakdown (Per Serving)

• Calories: 290 — Ideal for a hearty meal.
• Carbohydrates: 7g — Low carb, making it suitable for many diets.
• Cholesterol: 95mg — Keep an eye on this if you’re watching cholesterol.
• Fat: 20g — Primarily from the meat; opt for leaner meats for less fat.
• Fiber: 1g — Add more veggies to the mix to increase this.
• Protein: 21g — Excellent source of protein.
• Saturated Fat: 7g — Use lean meats to reduce this number.
• Sodium: 430mg — Moderate sodium, adjust to taste.
• Sugar: 2g — Low sugar content naturally from the ingredients.
• Trans Fat: 0g — Healthy choice with no trans fats.
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g — Healthy fats that are good for heart health.

Storing and Reheating

• Storage: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Reheating: Best reheated gently on the stove or in the oven to maintain moisture.
• Freezing: Perfect for freezing either before or after cooking for easy meals later.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What’s the best way to serve these meatballs?
A: They’re versatile! Serve over spaghetti, tucked into a sub roll, or as an appetizer with dip.

Q: Can I use dried basil instead of fresh?
A: Yes, but fresh basil will give a more vibrant flavor.

Q: How can I ensure my meatballs don’t fall apart while cooking?
A: Make sure the mixture isn’t too wet, and don’t flip them too early in the cooking process.

Engage and Share

We love seeing your culinary creations! Share your version of these sun-dried tomato and basil meatballs on your favorite social platform. Happy cooking!

Wanna see more recipes like this?  Check em out:

• Mini Meatball Sliders Recipe
• Savory Turkey Meatballs with Tomato Orzo
• Cranberry Orange Turkey Meatballs