Get ready to transform your ordinary dinner into an extraordinary culinary adventure! This mouthwatering recipe combines the rich, savory goodness of spiced meatballs with the light, vibrant essence of summer squash, creating a dish that will make your taste buds dance with joy. Whether you're looking to impress dinner guests or simply treat yourself to a restaurant-quality meal at home, these spiced meatballs with garlic toasts and summer squash salad are about to become your new obsession.
Prep Time: 25 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 55 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 slices of bread for toasts
- 2 cups sliced summer squash
- Olive oil for drizzling
- Fresh herbs for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the meatballs and toasts.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Use your hands to mix the ingredients until well combined, but be careful not to overmix.
- Once the mixture is well combined, form it into meatballs, about 1 to
- 5 inches in diameter. Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, ensuring they are spaced evenly apart.
- Drizzle a little olive oil over the meatballs to help them brown during cooking. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and golden brown.
- While the meatballs are baking, prepare the summer squash salad. In a large bowl, add the sliced summer squash. Drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. Toss to coat the squash evenly.
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and add the seasoned summer squash. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, or until the squash is tender and slightly caramelized. Remove from heat and set aside.
- For the garlic toasts, take the slices of bread and place them on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Bake in the oven for about 5-7 minutes, or until the bread is toasted and golden brown.
- Once the meatballs are done, remove them from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute for a juicier bite.
- To serve, place a portion of the sautéed summer squash on each plate, add a few meatballs on top, and serve with the garlic toasts on the side. Garnish with fresh herbs for an added burst of flavor and color.
- Enjoy your delicious spiced meatballs with garlic toasts and summer squash salad!
Tips
- Meat Mixing Magic: When combining meatball ingredients, use a light touch. Overmixing can make your meatballs tough, so gently fold ingredients until just combined.
- Temperature Control: Use an instant-read meat thermometer to ensure your meatballs reach an internal temperature of 160°F for perfect doneness.
- Breadcrumb Brilliance: For extra flavor, use seasoned breadcrumbs or mix in some dried herbs with plain breadcrumbs.
- Squash Sautéing Secret: Don't overcrowd the pan when cooking summer squash. This ensures proper caramelization and prevents steaming.
- Garlic Toast Hack: For extra crispy garlic toasts, brush bread with olive oil and rub a fresh garlic clove directly on the surface before toasting.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare the meatball mixture and form balls ahead of time, storing them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking.
- Herb Enhancement: Fresh herbs like parsley, basil, or chives can elevate the final presentation and add a burst of fresh flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 364kcal
Carbohydrates: 22g
Protein: 29g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 114mg
