I once recommended a similar recipe to a friend who wanted a simple yet impressive dish for a small dinner party. She was hesitant because she’d never made meatballs before, but I assured her it was foolproof. She paired the meatballs and potatoes with a light salad, and her guests were blown away by the flavors—especially the way the herbs brought everything together. She texted me the next day saying it was a total hit, and now it’s her go-to for cozy gatherings!
Meatballs with Roasted Baby Potatoes Recipe
Ingredients (serves 4):
• For the Meatballs:
• 1 lb (450g) ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp olive oil (for frying)
• For the Potatoes:
• 1.5 lbs (680g) baby potatoes, halved
• 1 small onion, quartered
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp dried thyme (or fresh thyme sprigs)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional Sauce:
• 1/2 cup beef broth
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
Instructions:
1. Make the Meatballs: In a bowl, mix the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, Parmesan, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Form into 1.5-inch balls (about 12-15 meatballs). Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and brown the meatballs on all sides, about 6-8 minutes. They don’t need to be fully cooked through yet. Set aside.
2. Roast the Potatoes: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). On a baking sheet, toss the baby potatoes and onion with 3 tbsp olive oil, thyme, salt, and pepper. Spread them out evenly and roast for 20 minutes.
3. Combine and Finish Cooking: After 20 minutes, remove the baking sheet from the oven. Nestle the browned meatballs among the potatoes. If using the optional sauce, whisk together the beef broth, soy sauce, and Dijon mustard, then pour it over the meatballs and potatoes. Return to the oven and roast for another 15-20 minutes, until the meatballs are cooked through (internal temp of 160°F/71°C) and the potatoes are tender and golden.
4. Serve: Garnish with fresh thyme or parsley and serve hot, straight from the baking sheet or transferred to a platter.
This dish is perfect for a cozy dinner, and the combination of savory meatballs and tender potatoes is always a crowd-pleaser!