This is my favorite Homemade Pesto Recipe. If you’re not into making it from scratch, I recommend the Costco brand.
Why Is This a California Recipe
California’s fresh basil, olive oil, and cheeses make pesto meatballs especially flavorful, reflecting the state’s focus on simple dishes made with fresh, seasonal ingredients.
Type of Meat To Use When Making Meatballs
Meatballs with pesto can be made with a few different ground meats. My favorite is pesto chicken, as it’s a mild flavor and let’s the pesto flavor shine. It also resembles the flavor of my favorite Pasta al Pesto with Chicken recipe.
Turkey and pork are also great options. Ground beef works well, but the flavor is stronger than the other types of meat.
Pesto Meatball Tips
Here are a few important tips I recommend following when making pesto meatballs:
- Meatballs should be even in size as to ensure even cooking.
- Throw in Roasted Garlic to amp up the flavor.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Serve the meatballs between two slices of bread to make a pesto meatball sandwich. Make sure to use a bread on the best “breads to dip in olive oils” list for success.
More California Fresh Recipes
Pesto Meatballs
5 ingredients is all you need to make these creamy Pesto Meatballs. This easy meatballs recipe is ready in under 30 minutes and can be made with chicken, turkey or pork.
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Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 339kcal
Cost: $10
Ingredients
- 1 lbs ground chicken, turkey, pork, or beef
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup pesto, divided
- ½ cup diced red onions
- ¼ cup all purpose flour
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp sea salt
Instructions
- Cover a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
- Preheat the oven to 375℉.
- Add the ground chicken, egg, flour, half the pesto, onions, garlic powder and salt to a large bowl and mix to combine.
- Gently roll into 16 balls and transfer to the baking sheet.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes (or until golden).
- Top with the remaining pesto before serving.
Nutrition
Calories: 339kcal | Carbohydrates: 11g | Protein: 24g | Fat: 22g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 147mg | Sodium: 522mg | Potassium: 656mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 693IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 70mg | Iron: 2mg
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