Saucy Mini Meatballs

Active Time: 50 MinsTotal Time50 Mins
Yield: Serves 12 (serving size: 3 meatballs)

Adding cinnamon gives these meatballs a slight Moroccan feel. You can make this a day ahead and reheat on the stovetop before the party. Using different types of beef adds moisture to the meatballs while keeping sat fat in check.

Ingredients

  • 1medium-size yellow onion
  • 1/2 pound 90% lean ground sirloin
  • 1/2 pound 85% lean ground beef
  • 1/3 cup whole-wheat panko (Japanese breadcrumbs)
  • 1/2 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley, divided
  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 1/2 teaspoons minced garlic, divided
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt, divided
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, divided
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted tomato paste
  • 1(15-oz.) can unsalted crushed tomatoes
  • 1/2 teaspoon granulated sugar

Nutritional Information

  • Calories 133
  • Fat 8g
  • Satfat 3g
  • Unsatfat 5g
  • Protein 9g
  • Carbohydrate 5g
  • Fiber 1g
  • Sugars 2g
  • Added sugars 0g
  • Sodium 151mg
  • Calcium 3% DV
  • Potassium 6% DV
  • Calories 133
  • Fat 8g
  • Satfat 3g
  • Unsatfat 5g
  • Protein 9g
  • Carbohydrate 5g
  • Fiber 1g
  • Sugars 2g
  • Added sugars 0g
  • Sodium 151mg
  • Calcium 3% DV
  • Potassium 6% DV

How to Make It

Step 1

Halve onion lengthwise. Finely grate 1 onion half to equal 1/4 cup. Finely chop remaining onion half to equal 1/2 cup; set aside. (Reserve any remaining onion for another use.)

Step 2

Combine sirloin, ground beef, panko, 1/4 cup grated onion, 1/4 cup parsley, oil, 1 1/4 teaspoons garlic, cumin, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper in a large bowl; use hands to gently combine. Shape beef mixture into 36 small meatballs (about 1 tablespoon each).

Step 3

Heat butter in a large skillet over high. Add meatballs, and cook, turning occasionally, until lightly browned, 6 to 7 minutes. Transfer to a plate lined with a paper towels.

Step 4

Reduce heat to low; add crushed red pepper, cinnamon, 1/2 cup chopped onion, remaining 1 1/4 teaspoons garlic, remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt, and remaining 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; cook, stirring often, until onion mixture is softened, about 5 minutes. Add tomato paste; cook, stirring constantly, until onion mixture is well coated, 1 minute. Add crushed tomatoes and sugar. Bring to a boil over medium-high; add meatballs to sauce, and cook until just cooked through, 4 to 5 minutes. Top with remaining 1/4 cup parsley.

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