Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with a fiery twist on a classic favorite! Our Italian Meatballs with Roasted Peppers and Ghost Bread are not just any meatballs; they’re a flavor-packed explosion that will leave you craving more. With a perfect blend of savory beef, aromatic Italian seasoning, and a kick of heat from ghost pepper buns, this dish is sure to impress your family and friends. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply enjoying a cozy night in, this recipe is your ticket to culinary delight. Dive into this mouthwatering experience and discover how easy it is to create a restaurant-quality meal right in your own kitchen!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 jar roasted red peppers
- 4 ghost pepper buns
- Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for roasting the meatballs and toasting the ghost pepper buns.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 lb of ground beef, 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs, 1 egg, 1 tsp of Italian seasoning, and salt and pepper to taste. Mix the ingredients thoroughly using your hands or a spoon until well combined.
- Shape the mixture into meatballs, about 1 to
- 5 inches in diameter, and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This should yield approximately 12-16 meatballs depending on the size.
- Once the oven is preheated, place the baking sheet with the meatballs in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and browned on the outside.
- While the meatballs are baking, prepare the roasted peppers. If using jarred roasted red peppers, simply drain them and set aside. If you prefer to roast your own, slice fresh bell peppers in half, remove the seeds, and place them on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with salt, and roast in the oven for about 20 minutes until they are tender and slightly charred.
- During the last few minutes of baking the meatballs, place the ghost pepper buns in the oven to toast them lightly, about 3-5 minutes, until they are golden and crispy.
- Once the meatballs are cooked, remove them from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes. You can serve them directly on the toasted ghost pepper buns, or on a plate with the roasted peppers on the side.
- To serve, top the meatballs with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and add the roasted peppers on the side or on top for added flavor and color.
- Enjoy your Italian meatballs with roasted peppers and ghost bread as a delicious and spicy meal!
Tips
- Choose Quality Ingredients: For the best flavor, opt for high-quality ground beef and fresh breadcrumbs. If you can, make your own breadcrumbs from stale bread for an extra touch of freshness.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the meatball ingredients, be careful not to overmix. This can lead to tough meatballs. Just mix until everything is combined.
- Uniform Size: Make sure your meatballs are uniform in size for even cooking. A cookie scoop can help you achieve consistent portions.
- Experiment with Heat: If you’re not a fan of extreme spice, consider using regular buns instead of ghost pepper buns, or simply adjust the amount of ghost pepper used.
- Rest the Meatballs: Let the meatballs rest for a few minutes after baking. This allows the juices to redistribute, making them more flavorful and moist.
- Garnish Creatively: Don’t shy away from garnishing! Fresh basil or parsley can add a pop of color and freshness to your dish.
- Pair with Sides: Serve your meatballs with a side of pasta or a fresh salad to create a well-rounded meal.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the meatballs in advance and store them in the fridge or freezer. Just reheat them in the oven when you’re ready to serve!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 22g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 19g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 120mg
