Craving delicious, oversized meatballs but don’t want to go through the hassle of the traditional preparation process? Introducing Giant Lazy Meatballs! This easy-to-make recipe delivers all the flavor and tenderness of classic meatballs without the fuss. With minimal effort, you can prepare these giant, juicy, and savory meatballs using a straightforward method that requires no slicing, dicing, or pre-cooking. Serve them on their own, over pasta, or as a delightful addition to your favorite dishes. Let’s dive into this recipe that’s both fun and easy, yet retains the authentic taste of homemade meatballs.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Meatballs:

• Ground Beef: 300 grams
• Ground Pork: 300 grams (or use 600 grams of any single type of meat if preferred)
• Stale Bread: 4 slices, crusts removed and crumbled
• Whole Milk: 1 cup
• Grated Onion Powder: 1 tablespoon
• Garlic Powder: 1 tablespoon
• Dried Oregano: 1/2 teaspoon
• Kosher Salt: 1 teaspoon
• Freshly Ground Black Pepper: 1/2 teaspoon
• Cayenne Pepper: A pinch (optional, for a slight kick)
• Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons
• Parmesan Cheese: 1/4 cup, freshly grated
• Italian Parsley: 2 tablespoons, finely chopped (optional)
• Eggs: 2, beaten

For the Topping:

• Tomato Sauce: 2 cups (use your favorite marinara or homemade sauce)
• Cheese: 1 cup, grated (mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a blend)
• Italian Parsley: 1 tablespoon, finely chopped (for garnish)

Baking:

• Bake at: 200°C (400°F)
• Time: 40-45 minutes, plus 5 additional minutes for finishing

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Bread Slurry

1. Crumb the Bread:
   • Take 4 slices of stale bread, remove the crusts, and crumble them into a bowl.
   • If your bread isn’t stale, toast it lightly in the oven or toaster to dry it out before crumbling.
2. Add the Milk:
   • Pour 1 cup of whole milk over the crumbled bread.
   • Use a fork to stir until the bread absorbs the milk and forms a slurry. Set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Meat Mixture

1. Combine the Ground Meat:
   • In a large bowl, add 300 grams each of ground beef and ground pork.
   • Use two forks to gently mix the meats together. This prevents overworking the meat, which can lead to tough meatballs.
2. Add Seasonings and Ingredients:
   • To the mixed meats, add onion powder, garlic powder, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
   • Add the bread slurry, olive oil, Parmesan cheese, parsley (if using), and beaten eggs.
   • Mix everything together with the forks until the ingredients are well combined.
3. Chill the Mixture:
   • For the best texture, cover the bowl and refrigerate for about 1 hour. This allows the flavors to meld and makes the meat easier to shape.

Step 3: Shape the Giant Meatballs

1. Form the Meatballs:
   • Divide the mixture into 4 equal parts to create four giant meatballs.
   • Wet your hands slightly with water before shaping each meatball to prevent the meat from sticking. This also helps you create a smooth, uniform shape.
2. Place in Baking Dish:
   • Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil, and place the meatballs inside. Arrange them with enough space between each one.

Step 4: Bake the Meatballs

1. Preheat and Bake:
   • Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Place the meatballs in the center of the oven and bake for 40-45 minutes.
   • Ensure the internal temperature of the meatballs reaches 160-165°F (71-74°C) to confirm they’re cooked through.

Step 5: Add Sauce and Cheese

1. Top with Sauce:
   • Remove the meatballs from the oven and pour tomato sauce over each one. Spread the sauce evenly across the tops.
2. Add Cheese:
   • Sprinkle grated cheese (such as mozzarella or Monterey Jack) over the sauce.
3. Finish Baking:
   • Return the dish to the oven for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
4. Garnish:
   • Finish with a sprinkle of Italian parsley before serving.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Note: Values are approximate.

• Calories: 400 kcal
• Protein: 25 g
• Fat: 30 g
• Carbohydrates: 15 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Sodium: 750 mg

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use only one type of meat?
Yes, you can use all ground beef, pork, chicken, or turkey, depending on your preference. Mixing different meats provides a richer flavor, but using just one will still yield delicious results.

2. Can I make the meatballs smaller?
Certainly! You can divide the mixture into smaller portions to make standard-sized meatballs. Adjust the cooking time to 25-30 minutes for smaller meatballs.

3. Do I need to brown the meatballs before baking?
No, this recipe skips the step of browning, making it quicker and less messy. Baking them directly retains moisture and results in a tender texture.

4. How do I know the meatballs are done?
Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. The meatballs should be at 160-165°F (71-74°C) when fully cooked.

Tips for Making the Best Giant Lazy Meatballs

1. Avoid Overworking the Meat:
   • Overmixing can lead to tough meatballs. Mix just until everything is combined, using forks instead of your hands.
2. Chill the Mixture:
   • Letting the meat mixture rest in the fridge helps develop flavors and firms up the mixture, making it easier to shape.
3. Damp Hands for Smooth Balls:
   • Wet your hands slightly before forming the meatballs. This helps you create smoother and more uniform shapes.
4. Use Fresh Ingredients:
   • Freshly grated Parmesan, real parsley, and quality meats make a big difference in flavor.

Storage Tips

1. Refrigerating Leftovers:
   • Store any leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the microwave or oven until heated through.
2. Freezing Meatballs:
   • You can freeze the cooked meatballs for up to 3 months. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid before transferring them to a freezer bag.
3. Reheating from Frozen:
   • Reheat frozen meatballs by placing them in a baking dish, adding sauce, and covering with foil. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes or until warm.

Conclusion

Giant Lazy Meatballs are the perfect solution for anyone craving the taste of homemade meatballs without the labor-intensive process. By following this easy recipe, you can enjoy a flavorful, tender, and juicy meatball dish in no time. Serve these giant meatballs over spaghetti, rice, or enjoy them with a crusty piece of bread. No matter how you decide to eat them, these meatballs are sure to be a hit at the dinner table. So, don’t wait! Try out this simple recipe, and bring a little bit of comfort to your next meal. Enjoy!