I enjoy a good meatloaf. So easy and versatile, besides making great leftovers for sandwiches. If meatloaf is a little too pedestrian for you, try forming them into balls or patties. Anything in the shape of a ball suddenly screams party…at least that’s how Michael feels…and they’re so easy to cook in the oven.
You can choose from any array of herbs and spices to change up the personality of ground meat.
For the meatballs pictured above, I used some leftover rice instead of bread crumbs. (Neither of those are absolutely necessary, by the way. I make all kinds of meatballs without either.) This is one reason I often make my rice a little bit plain to start. It gives me more options for using the leftovers later.
I decided to season the meat with:
- cumin
- cinnamon
- garlic powder
- nutmeg
Some diced onion adds flavor and moisture. An egg helps bind the ingredients together. Again, it’s not absolutely necessary. I have often made meatballs without eggs.
How to Cook Meatballs in the Oven
I baked these on a cookie sheet in the oven for about 20 minutes. Turn them over at around 12 minutes or so to cook evenly. That’s the easiest for me, but you could certainly do them in a skillet if you preferred or simmer them in a soup.
Leftovers freeze well, but we ate these a couple days later with some yogurt/tahini (sesame seed paste) sauce . Lots of ways to make that. I put into my food processor:
- a clove of garlic
- plain yogurt
- tahini
- lemon juice
- salt
The ratio of yogurt to tahini was nearly equal, but a little heavier on the yogurt. That’s what I decided tasted good. You decide what works for you. Cooking without a recipe is liberating.
For more on working smarter, not harder, please read Use Your Head, Plan Ahead next.
You’re a Food artist. And no waste. Creations go on and on. Love these ideas! Rice in party balls! I agree with Michael, meatballs make it a party. Just add any seasonings! Bake em Danno! I agree, so much easier. Thanks for all your reminders that food ideas never end.
Thank you. Enjoy!