Southern Style Meatballs

Ingredients

In this adaptation, the traditional Romanian chiftele is transformed into Southern Style Meatballs by incorporating Southern American spices and flavors. The original chiftele recipe typically uses a combination of ground pork and beef, while this adaptation focuses solely on ground beef. Additionally, the original chiftele is often served with a garlic yogurt sauce, whereas the Southern Style Meatballs are paired with a tangy tomato-based sauce. We alse have the original recipe for Chiftele, so you can check it out.

• 500g (1.1 lb) ground beef 500g (1.1 lb) ground beef
• 1 cup breadcrumbs 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 small onion, finely chopped 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup milk 1/4 cup milk
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• For the sauce: For the sauce:
• 1 can (400g) crushed tomatoes 1 can (400g) crushed tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 380 kcal / 1590 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 22g, 7g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 18g, 6g
• Protein: 27g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, chopped onion, minced garlic, paprika, cayenne pepper, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated.
2. 2.
   Gradually add the milk to the meat mixture, a little at a time, until the mixture becomes moist and holds together.
3. 3.
   Shape the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.
4. 4.
   Place the flour on a plate and roll each meatball in the flour, coating them evenly.
5. 5.
   Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs in batches and cook until browned on all sides, about 8-10 minutes. Remove the cooked meatballs from the skillet and set aside.
6. 6.
   In the same skillet, add the crushed tomatoes, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
7. 7.
   Return the meatballs to the skillet, ensuring they are coated with the sauce. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and the sauce has thickened.
8. 8.
   Serve the Southern Style Meatballs hot, garnished with fresh parsley, alongside mashed potatoes or rice.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Ground beef — Choose lean ground beef for a healthier option. If desired, you can also use a combination of ground beef and ground pork for added flavor.
• Paprika — Opt for smoked paprika to enhance the smoky flavor of the meatballs.
• Breadcrumbs — Use gluten-free breadcrumbs if following a gluten-free diet.
• Crushed tomatoes — Look for canned crushed tomatoes without added sugar or preservatives for a more natural flavor.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier kick, increase the amount of cayenne pepper in the meatball mixture.
• If you prefer a smoother sauce, blend the crushed tomatoes before adding them to the skillet.
• These meatballs can be made ahead of time and frozen. Simply cook them according to the recipe, allow them to cool, and then freeze in an airtight container. Thaw and reheat when ready to serve.

Serving advice

Serve the Southern Style Meatballs as a main course alongside mashed potatoes or rice. They can also be enjoyed as an appetizer or party snack. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color.

Presentation advice

Arrange the meatballs on a platter, drizzle the sauce over them, and sprinkle with additional paprika for an attractive presentation. Serve with a side of mashed potatoes or rice.