A little delayed but here is the last version of how I used the Kale Walnut Pesto, in meatballs!
I was trying to think of different ways to use pesto and while I know it’s a common topper/sauce for pasta, there had to be something else to do with it.
And that’s when I realized we haven’t had spaghetti and meatballs in ages and why not put the pesto in the meatballs?
So I did and the dish turned out fabulous!
Andrea’s Kale Pesto Meatballs
- 1lb Ground Beef
- 1lb Ground Pork
- 1C Kale Walnut Pesto
- 2 thick slices of crusty white bread, cubed
- 1/4C Red Wine (can use milk or stock instead)
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Either grease/line a baking sheet or a long casserole dish. In a small bowl soak the bread in the wine and let sit for a couple of minutes. Once the bread is soaked, add it to a large mixing bowl along with the beef, pork, and pesto. Mix until everything is well combined.
Form into balls and place on the baking sheet or casserole dish. I made them about tennis ball size. Place in the oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes or until they are fully cooked through.
Serve immediately as a main dish or along with some pasta.
I served this with spaghetti dressed in a really basic tomato sauce. I added some of the pesto to the sauce (about 1/2C). When I plated the pasta I also added a little pesto on top for color and extra flavor. Topped the whole dish with more grated Parmesan cheese.
We had this two nights in a row! The meatballs are also great for sandwiches or crumbled on top of pizza.
Depending on what size you decide to make the meatballs will determine how many you get. I did about tennis ball size so that yielded around 6, give or take. It will also determine cooking time, so if they are smaller they will have a shorter cook time.
It’s a great make-ahead dish and the cooked meatballs freeze really well.
A nice little twist on spaghetti and meatballs for a weeknight dinner.
Have fun guys, and remember, always play with your food! Enjoy!
I like this; it combines my wife’s love of kale and my love of meatballs!
Thanks John! If you try them let me know!
So happy to come across your blog this morning!! You had me at kale walnut pesto….and BEER!
Hi Megan and welcome! Happy you found this blog too!