Grilled Meatballs on the Arteflame Grill

Introduction

Grilled meatballs are a flavorful twist on a classic dish, perfect for adding a smoky, charred flavor that you can only get from cooking on the Arteflame grill. These juicy meatballs are seasoned to perfection and cooked to a beautiful golden brown. Serve them as an appetizer, in a sandwich, or over pasta for a hearty meal.

Ingredients

For the Meatballs:

• 1 lb ground beef (80% lean)
• 1/2 lb ground pork
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 large egg
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
• Olive oil for brushing

Optional Serving Ideas:

• Marinara sauce for dipping
• Grated Parmesan cheese for garnish
• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
• Crusty bread or pasta for serving

Instructions

1. Prepare the Meatball Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, milk, egg, minced garlic, chopped onion, parsley, oregano, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Mix everything together until well combined, but be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatballs tough.

2. Shape the Meatballs

Using your hands, form the mixture into meatballs about 1 1/2 inches in diameter. You should get about 16-20 meatballs, depending on size. Place the meatballs on a tray and brush them lightly with olive oil to prevent sticking on the grill.

3. Fire Up the Arteflame Grill

Preheat your Arteflame grill to medium-high heat. Make sure the flat cooktop is hot enough to sear the meatballs but not so hot that they burn before cooking through.

4. Grill the Meatballs

Place the meatballs directly on the hot center of the Arteflame grill. Grill them for about 4-5 minutes on each side, turning carefully with tongs to ensure they cook evenly on all sides. The meatballs should develop a nice golden-brown crust while remaining juicy on the inside.

Once the meatballs are cooked through (internal temperature should reach 160°F or 71°C), remove them from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.

5. Serve

Serve the grilled meatballs hot with your choice of marinara sauce, sprinkled with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs. They are perfect as an appetizer, served with crusty bread, or over pasta for a complete meal.

Tips for the Best Grilled Meatballs

• Even Cooking: Make sure to turn the meatballs frequently on the grill to ensure they cook evenly and don't burn.
• Grill Temperature: Maintain a medium-high heat on the grill to achieve a nice crust without overcooking the meatballs.
• Juicy Meatballs: Adding milk and breadcrumbs to the mixture helps keep the meatballs moist and tender.

Variations

1. Cheese-Stuffed Meatballs: Place a small cube of mozzarella or cheddar in the center of each meatball before grilling for a cheesy surprise.
2. Herb-Infused Meatballs: Add fresh basil, thyme, or rosemary to the meatball mixture for an extra layer of flavor.
3. Spicy Meatballs: Increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add diced jalapeños to the mixture for a spicy kick.
4. BBQ Meatballs: Brush the meatballs with your favorite barbecue sauce during the last few minutes of grilling for a smoky, sweet glaze.
5. Lamb Meatballs: Substitute ground lamb for the pork and beef, and season with cumin, coriander, and mint for a Mediterranean twist.

Best Pairings

• Drink: Pair with a robust red wine like Chianti or a cold beer.
• Side Dish: Serve with a side of garlic bread, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad.
• Dessert: Follow up with a classic Italian dessert like tiramisu or panna cotta.

Conclusion

Grilled meatballs on the Arteflame grill offer a delicious, smoky flavor that's a step up from traditional meatballs. Perfectly seasoned and cooked to golden-brown perfection, these meatballs are versatile and can be served in various ways. Whether as an appetizer, in a sandwich, or with pasta, they’re sure to be a hit at any meal.