Are you ready to spice up your dinner routine? Dive into the irresistible flavors of One Pan Spicy Meatballs with Lentils and Fennel! This delightful American dish combines tender meatballs with hearty lentils and aromatic fennel, all cooked to perfection in just one pan. With a prep time of only 15 minutes and a total cooking time of 35 minutes, you’ll have a satisfying meal on the table in no time. Perfect for busy weeknights or impressing guests, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Let’s get cooking and discover how easy it is to create this mouthwatering masterpiece!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 35 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- Ground beef
- Breadcrumbs
- Egg
- Garlic (minced)
- Fennel (sliced)
- Cooked lentils
- Crushed red pepper flakes
- Salt
- Pepper
- Olive oil
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, minced garlic, egg, salt, pepper, and half of the red pepper flakes. Mix thoroughly until well incorporated.
- Form the meat mixture into evenly sized meatballs, approximately
- 5 inches in diameter. Set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large cast-iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat.
- Carefully place the meatballs into the hot pan, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Brown the meatballs on all sides, rotating gently to create a golden crust, about 6-8 minutes total.
- Remove the meatballs and set aside on a plate. In the same pan, add sliced fennel and sauté until it begins to caramelize and soften, about 5-6 minutes.
- Add cooked lentils to the pan with the fennel, stirring to combine and warm through. Sprinkle remaining red pepper flakes for additional heat.
- Return the meatballs to the pan, nestling them into the lentil and fennel mixture. Reduce heat to medium-low and cover.
- Simmer for an additional 10-12 minutes, or until meatballs are cooked through and reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
- Remove from heat, let rest for 3-4 minutes, and serve hot directly from the pan.
Tips
- Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, opt for fresh garlic and high-quality ground beef. Fresh fennel adds a unique sweetness that elevates the dish.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When browning the meatballs, make sure to give them enough space in the pan. This allows them to develop a nice crust without steaming.
- Adjust the Heat: If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount of crushed red pepper flakes. Conversely, if you love heat, feel free to add more!
- Check Meatball Temperature: To ensure the meatballs are fully cooked, use a meat thermometer to check that they reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
- Customize Your Lentils: While cooked lentils are used in this recipe, feel free to experiment with different types, such as green or black lentils, for varied textures and flavors.
- Serve with a Side: This dish pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a light salad to balance the meal and add freshness.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 110mg
