Description
A delightful meal featuring savory pan-fried meatballs, crispy oven-baked fries, and a fresh, vibrant salad. Perfectly balanced and easy to prepare within 45 minutes, this recipe combines classic flavors with simple techniques for a satisfying family-friendly dinner.
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 mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, chopped parsley, egg, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything gently until just combined to avoid tough meatballs.
- Form the Meatballs: Shape the mixture into meatballs about 1-2 inches in diameter. You should have roughly 12 to 15 meatballs ready to cook.
- Cook the Meatballs: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs carefully to the skillet and cook for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally to brown all sides evenly and to ensure they’re fully cooked through.
- Remove and Set Aside: Once cooked, transfer the meatballs to a plate and set aside while you prepare the fries and salad.
- Prepare the Crispy Fries: Place the cut potato fries in a large bowl and toss them with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika if using, to coat evenly.
- Bake the Fries: Spread the fries in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 25-30 minutes, flipping them once halfway through cooking to ensure they turn golden brown and crispy.
- Prepare the Fresh Salad: In a salad bowl, combine the mixed salad greens, sliced cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, and thinly sliced red onion. Optionally add crumbled feta cheese.
- Dress the Salad: Drizzle the salad with olive oil and balsamic vinegar, then toss to coat all ingredients evenly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve and Enjoy: Plate the meatballs alongside the crispy fries and fresh salad. Serve with your favorite dipping sauces like ketchup, mustard, or a tangy barbecue sauce for an extra flavor boost.
Notes
- For a lighter meatball, substitute ground turkey for beef.
- Try using sweet potatoes or other root vegetables for a twist on the fries.
- Do not overmix the meatball mixture to keep them tender.
- Flipping the fries halfway ensures even crispiness.
- You can make the salad vegan by omitting the feta cheese.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for better flavor in the meatballs.
