Description
A delicious and balanced meal featuring savory pan-fried meatballs, oven-baked crispy fries, and a refreshing mixed green salad. This recipe offers a wholesome combination of protein, carbs, and fresh vegetables perfect for a family dinner or casual gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Meatballs
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter option)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 egg
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for pan-frying)
For the Crispy Fries
- 4 large potatoes, peeled and cut into fries
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika (optional for extra flavor)
For the Fresh Salad
- 4 cups mixed salad greens (such as arugula, spinach, and lettuce)
- 1 cucumber, sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Make the Meatballs: In a large bowl, mix together the ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, chopped parsley, egg, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the meatballs tender.
- Form the Meatballs: Shape the mixture into meatballs approximately 1-2 inches in diameter. This should yield about 12-15 meatballs.
- Cook the Meatballs: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs carefully and cook for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally to brown all sides and ensure they are cooked through.
- Set Aside Meatballs: Once cooked, remove the meatballs from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.
- Prepare the Fries: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). In a large bowl, toss the cut potatoes with 2 tablespoons olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika if using, ensuring even coating.
- Bake the Fries: Spread the fries in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time to achieve an even golden and crispy texture.
- Make the Salad: In a salad bowl, combine mixed greens, sliced cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion, and crumbled feta cheese if desired.
- Dress the Salad: Drizzle olive oil and balsamic vinegar over the salad ingredients. Toss gently to coat all the veggies evenly, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve the Meal: Plate the warm meatballs alongside the crispy fries and fresh salad. Serve with your favorite dipping sauces such as ketchup, mustard, or tangy barbecue sauce for extra flavor and enjoyment.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey for the meatballs to make a leaner version.
- For extra crispy fries, soak potato slices in cold water for 30 minutes before baking and pat dry.
- Feel free to add your favorite herbs to the meatball mixture like basil or thyme for variation.
- If avoiding dairy, omit Parmesan and feta cheese or substitute with plant-based alternatives.
- Use a convection oven if available to get crispier fries more quickly.
