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Spicy Mediterranean Meatballs
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Spicy Mediterranean Meatballs

These Spicy Mediterranean Meatballs are the perfect appetizer or snack! Greek style meatballs cooked in a spicy tomato sauce, served with grilled bread!
Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time25 minutes
Total Time45 minutes
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Keyword: Appetizer, Meatballs, Starter
Servings: 8
Author: Jonathan Melendez

Equipment

  • Baking sheet
  • Skillet

Ingredients

Meatballs:

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 pound ground pork
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup plain bread crumbs
  • 1 small red onion diced (about 1/2 cup)
  • 3 garlic cloves minced
  • 1/3 cup diced sundried tomatoes
  • 1 9- ounce box frozen chopped spinach thawed and squeezed dry
  • 1/2 cup crumbled feta
  • 1 teaspoon Kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon granulated garlic
  • 1 teaspoon granulated onion
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh oregano
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil

Sauce:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small yellow onion diced
  • 2 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 small jalapeño seeded and diced
  • 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 (14 oz) can fired roasted diced tomatoes
  • 2 teaspoons Kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 to 1 teaspoon crushed dried chili flakes
  • 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/4 cup crumbled feta
  • fresh basil leaves for garnish
  • french baguette sliced and grilled or toasted

Instructions

  • In a large bowl, combine all of the meatball ingredients and mix with your hands until evenly combined and well incorporated. Shape into balls, about the size of a golf ball and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil.
  • Set a large skillet over medium-high heat with 3 tablespoons olive oil. Once hot, brown the meatballs in batches, for about 3 to 4 minutes per side. We’re not looking to cook them through all the way, just brown them and get a good sear. Transfer to a plate or platter and continue browning the rest, set aside.
  • Either in the same skillet or a clean cast iron skillet (depending on how big or dirty the skillet gets) heat another tablespoon of olive oil. Once hot, add the onions, garlic, and jalapeño and cook until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the crushed and diced tomatoes and season with salt, pepper, oregano, and crushed chili flakes. Lower flame, cover and simmer for about 10 to 15 minutes or until slightly reduced by half. Nestle the meatballs into the sauce, making sure to fit them into the pan in a single layer. Top with shredded cheese and bake for about 15 to 20 minutes.
  • Remove from oven, sprinkle with feta and garnish with basil. Serve warm with the grilled bread slices. Enjoy!