Description
A delicious and balanced meal featuring savory pan-fried meatballs, crispy oven-baked fries, and a fresh mixed salad with a tangy vinaigrette dressing. Perfect for a satisfying dinner that combines hearty protein, crunchy vegetables, and vibrant flavors.
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
- Prepare the Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, chopped parsley, egg, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything together gently until just combined to avoid tough meatballs.
- Form the Meatballs: Shape the mixture into 12-15 meatballs, each about 1-2 inches in diameter, ensuring they are evenly sized for uniform cooking.
- Cook the Meatballs: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally to brown all sides thoroughly and cook through.
- Remove Meatballs: Once cooked, remove the meatballs from the skillet and set aside to rest while preparing fries and salad.
- Season the Fries: Place the cut potato fries in a large bowl. Toss them with 2 tablespoons olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika if using, ensuring an even coating.
- Bake the Fries: Spread the fries in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy.
- Prepare the Salad: In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, sliced cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and crumbled feta cheese if desired.
- Dress the Salad: Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar, then toss gently to coat evenly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve the Meal: Plate the cooked meatballs with the crispy fries and fresh salad. Enjoy with your favorite dipping sauces such as ketchup, mustard, or barbecue sauce for added flavor.
Notes
- To make a lighter version, substitute ground turkey for ground beef in the meatballs.
- For extra crispy fries, soak the cut potatoes in cold water for 30 minutes before baking to remove excess starch.
- Be careful not to overmix the meatball ingredients to maintain tender texture.
- Use fresh herbs and quality Parmesan cheese for the best flavor in meatballs.
- The salad can be customized by adding nuts, seeds, or other vegetables as desired.
- Adjust seasoning of fries and salad dressing according to personal taste preferences.
