Muffuletta Meatballs

Transform your dinner table with the bold, hearty flavors of Muffuletta Meatballs! This Italian-Southern fusion recipe combines tender beef and pork meatballs with a medley of aromatic seasonings, including garlic, oregano, and basil. Seared to perfection and baked in marinara sauce, these meatballs are topped with gooey provolone and mozzarella cheese for a rich, indulgent bite. The pièce de résistance? A zesty olive salad that adds a briny, tangy twist inspired by the classic New Orleans muffuletta sandwich. Whether served as a vibrant appetizer or paired with crusty bread for a comforting main dish, these Muffuletta Meatballs are sure to impress your crowd. Perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining, this crowd-pleaser promises satisfying layers of bold flavors in every bite!

Nutriscore Rating: 63/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 pound Ground beef
• 0.5 pound Ground pork
• 0.5 cup Panko breadcrumbs
• 0.25 cup Grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 unit Large egg
• 3 cloves Garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon Dried basil
• 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
• 1 teaspoon Kosher salt
• 0.5 cup Olive salad (store-bought or homemade)
• 0.5 cup Provolone cheese, shredded
• 0.5 cup Mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil
• 2 cups Marinara sauce
• 2 tablespoons Fresh parsley, chopped

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

Step 2

In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, oregano, basil, black pepper, and salt. Mix gently until thoroughly combined.

Step 3

Using your hands or a small scoop, form the mixture into 1.5-inch meatballs and set them aside on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Step 4

In a medium skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Sear the meatballs in batches, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes per batch. Transfer the browned meatballs back to the baking sheet.

Step 5

Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 10 minutes, or until cooked through (internal temperature should reach 160°F/71°C).

Step 6

While the meatballs bake, warm the marinara sauce in a saucepan over low heat.

Step 7

Remove the meatballs from the oven and gently transfer them to a baking dish. Pour the marinara sauce over the meatballs, ensuring they are well-coated.

Step 8

Top the meatballs with the shredded provolone and mozzarella cheeses. Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 9

To serve, place a spoonful of olive salad on top of each meatball and sprinkle with chopped parsley. Serve warm as an appetizer or with crusty bread for a main course.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1509.1 grams (1509.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2800

Total Fat 218.80g	281%
Saturated Fat 79.40g	397%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.70g
Cholesterol 815mg	272%
Sodium 4292mg	187%
Total Carbohydrate 28.20g	10%
Dietary Fiber 7.40g	26%
Total Sugars 13.40g
Protein 180.90g	362%

Vitamin D 53IU	265%
Calcium 1293mg	99%
Iron 15mg	83%
Potassium 1426mg	30%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 70.2%

Protein: 25.8%

Carbs: 4.0%