Some of my favorite recipes are ones that the kids can do on their own. My three year old completed this unassisted except for removing the baking tray from the oven. Without further ado.. you do? I do! wait.. what's that from again?
INFO: Bake at 400F/200C
Makes about 15 meat balls
5 minute prep + 15 minute bake = 20 minute recipe
INGREDIENTS:
one pound raw ground beef
tablespoon garlic
tablespoon onion powder
tablespoon basil
tablespoon parsely
tablespoon oregeno
salt and pepper (measured with your heart
1/2 cup bread crumbs
1/4 cup balsamic vinigar
INSTRUCTIONS:
1. preheat the oven to 400F/200C
2. Dump it all in a bowl and incorporate it all together. Try to avoid overworking the meat.
3. Make it into balls. We love an ice cream scoop for this so the kids can get it more acurate.
4. Put it on a lined baking sheet and bake for 14-16 minutes at 400F/200C
5. Take it out, let it cool for a couple minutes, serve and eat.
Q&A
Q: Does it freeze well? A: YES! but it's better to freeze raw. Also, for best results, freeze on a cooking sheet for an hour or so then put them in an airtight container/baggie and pop it back in the freezer.
Q: Do you have to use all that seasoning? A: NO WAY. Do what works for your family.
Q: What do you serve it with? A: Spaghetti, rice, on toasted bread with marinara and mozzarella, on a skewer with some grilled veggies, etc
Q: Why are we baking it? A: So the kids don't have to stand by the stove with popping oil. Theoretically, depending on their skill level, a child should be able to do this recipe completely on their own.
TIPS AND TRICKS
- Rubber gloves are so clutch with raw meat
- Ice cream scoop
- Consider cooking your pasta or prepping the next step during the 15 minutes it's in the oven. If accompanying pasta, start the water to boil before you ball the meat.
-HAVE FUN!