Get ready to elevate your dinner game with my Trader Joe’s Meatballs recipe! Crafted with ingredients straight from Trader Joe’s, these meatballs are a breeze to whip up and offer a burst of flavor in every bite. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe is a must-try for anyone looking for a hassle-free yet delicious meal!
Table of Contents
Why I Love This Recipe
If you’re like me and enjoy simple yet delicious homemade meals, you’re going to love my Trader Joe’s Meatballs! Crafted exclusively with ingredients sourced from Trader Joe’s, just like in my Trader Joe’s Egg Roll in a Bowl recipe, I made sure these meatballs are a breeze to make and boast a luscious melted feta cheese center that adds a burst of creaminess to every bite! I’ve taken my trusted ground meat mix from my proven Asian Meatballs with Demi-Glace Sauce and Loco Moco recipes and elevated it with the addition of feta cheese, creating a mouthwatering sensation that’s perfect for any main course!
Imagine sinking your teeth into creamy, juicy meatballs baked to perfection in a flavorful marinara sauce—it’s an irresistible combination that’s sure to delight anyone craving a comforting and satisfying meal made with all-natural, simple ingredients. So why wait? Let’s head to Trader Joe’s and whip up these delectable meatballs now!
Ingredients
Ingredients
- Ground Pork – fat 20% preferred.
- Ground Beef – fat 20% preferred.
- Butter – use salted or unsalted butter.
- Onions – chopped yellow or brown.
- Garlic – grated using a hand grater.
- Salt – sea salt preferred.
- Black Pepper – ground.
- Egg – beaten.
- Half & Half – can also use milk.
- Nutmeg – ground spice.
- Traditional Marinara Sauce – in a glass jar found at Trader Joe’s.
- Crumble Feta – crumbled feta cheese found in a tub at Trader Joe’s.
- Parsley – fresh or dried parsley used for garnish.
🍖 Ground Meat Note
Use a 50/50 Blend of Ground Pork and Ground Beef with a minimum fat of 10%. This results in juicy meatballs that avoid drying out during the baking process.
Essential Kitchen Equipment
Directions
Step 1 Start by combining butter and chopped onions in a frying pan and cook for 2-3 minutes until browned.
🍳 Cooking Pro Tip
For optimal results, use a Large Frying Pan with a Flat Bottom when browning onions. This allows the onions plenty of room to evenly distribute and caramelize.
Step 2 Combine browned onions, grated garlic, ground pork, ground beef, salt, black pepper, eggs, and a hint of nutmeg. Form the mixture into golf ball-sized meatballs and place them in a baking dish. Bake at 400°F for 15-20 minutes.
💡 Meatball Pro Tip
For uniform meatballs, use a 1/4 Cup Measuring Cup to portion out the meat mixture, ensuring even sizes. Avoiding Overcrowding the baking dish for even baking.
🌡 Internal Temperature Check
For safe and juicy consumption, ensure that the internal temperature of the meatballs reaches 165°F.
Step 3 After this initial bake, drench the meatballs in marinara sauce, ensuring each is evenly coated, then sprinkle feta cheese atop. Bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until the cheese is melted.
🌿 Garnishing Pro Tip
For an appealing finishing touch, consider sprinkling freshly chopped Parsley or extra Grated Parmesan Cheese over your meatballs.
💡 Leftover Recipe Notes
For efficient meal prepping, it’s wise to make Extra Meatballs, Bake them, and Freeze for later use.
Pairing Recommendations
Enhance your meal by pairing these meatballs with a green salad dressed in Caesar Dressing or Broccoli Caesar Salad for a fresh contrast and with a Creamy Chicken Soup for added comfort.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I ensure my meatballs stay juicy while baking?
To ensure your meatballs stay juicy while baking, it's crucial not to overbake them. Once they reach an internal temperature of 165°F, they're perfectly cooked and ready to enjoy. Overbaking can lead to dry meatballs, so keep an eye on the temperature and remove them from the oven as soon as they hit the recommended temperature.
Can I freeze the meatballs for later use?
Yes, you can freeze the meatballs for later use. After baking them, allow them to cool completely, then place them in ziplock bags or airtight containers. They will hold well in the freezer for 3-4 months.
What can I substitute for feta cheese if I don't have it?
If you don't have feta cheese on hand, you can easily substitute it with mozzarella or any other melting cheese of your choice. These alternatives will still provide a creamy and delicious filling for your meatballs, ensuring a tasty outcome for your dish.
Storage Tips
To store leftover meatballs, simply transfer them into an airtight container. When stored this way, they’ll maintain their freshness for 5-7 days.
Other Recipes You Might Like
- Feta Ground Beef Stuffed Bell Peppers
- Tsukune Chicken Meatball
- Cream Cheese Dumplings
- Ground Beef Stuffed Bell Peppers
Watch How To Make It
Trader Joe’s Meatball
Ingredients
- 1/2 lb Ground Pork fat>20% preferred
- 1/2 lb Ground Beef fat>20% preferred
- 1/2 tbsp Butter
- 2 tbsp Onions chopped
- 1 Clove Garlic
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 1/8 tsp Black Pepper
- 1 Egg
- 1 1/2 tbsp Half & Half
- 1/4 tsp Nutmeg
- 6 oz Traditional Marinara Sauce Trader Joe's
- 6 oz Crumble Feta Trader Joe's
- 1/2 tsp Dried Parsley optional garnish
Instructions
- Gather all the ingredients.
- Preheat oven to 400F.
- Dice onions and place them in a medium-sized frying pan. Add 1/2 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, add the onions and cook until browned, around 2-3 minutes. Set aside.
- Grate garlic with a grinder or a garlic press and transfer into a mixing bowl.
- Combine ground pork, ground beef, salt, black pepper, egg, half & half, nutmeg, cooked onions into the mixing bowl and mix well.
- Take a small amount of the meatball mix and gently shape it into meatballs using your hands. Aim for bite-size meatballs, no bigger than a golf ball. You should end up with around 12 meatballs. Place the meatballs into an 8 x 8 baking dish and bake in the center of the oven for 15-20 minutes or until internal meatball temp reaches 165F.
- Remove baking dish from the oven, dump in marinara sauce and mix until all the meatballs are evenly coated. Top with crumbled feta and place back into the center of the oven for 5-10 more minutes until the cheese melts.
- Remove dish from oven, garnish with optional dried parsley flakes and enjoy hot! Note - if desired, mix the dish before serving.
Nutrition
*Values Based Per Serving
