Meatloaf meatballs with Parmesan polenta
Rather than making an entire meatloaf all in one “loaf,” these meatballs are a perfect way to enjoy them! There’s nothing more delicious than meatloaf and when paired with Parmesan polenta, it’s a winning combination!
INGREDIENTS
For the vegetables:
– 1 tbsp olive oil
– 1 medium onion, finely diced
– 1 stalk celery, finely diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/2 tsp kosher salt
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
– 2 tsp minced fresh thyme
For the meatballs:
– 1 lb ground pork
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1 1/2 cups quick-cooking oats
– 2 large eggs, whisked
– 1 tsp kosher salt
– 1/2 tsp black pepper
– 3/4 cup beef stock
For the sauce:
– 3/4 cup ketchup
– 1 1/2 tbsp light brown sugar
– 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
– 1 1/2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
For the polenta:
– 4 cups water
– 1 tsp kosher salt
– 1 cup polenta
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 4 tbsp butter
– 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
INSTRUCTIONS
For the meatballs:
– Preheat the oven to 350°F.
– In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium. Once hot, add the onion, celery, garlic, salt, and black pepper. Sauté until the onion and celery are soft and tender, 6-8 minutes. Remove from the heat and add the thyme. Set the mixture aside to cool.
– In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, quick-cooking oats, whisked eggs, salt, black pepper, beef stock, and cooled onion mixture. Mix together until it is well combined.
– Portion 1/4 cup meatballs on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Place them in the preheated 350°F oven to roast.
– While roasting, in a small saucepan, whisk together the ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce. Bring to a simmer. Cook for 4-5 minutes and remove from the heat.
– After the meatballs have baked for 20 minutes, remove them from the oven. Brush each one with the prepared ketchup glaze. Return the meatballs to the oven to finish roasting until they reach an internal temperature of 160°F, 15-20 minutes. Serve with the Parmesan polenta.
For the polenta:
– In a large saucepan, bring the water to a boil. Once boiling, add the salt. While whisking, slowly pour in the polenta. Add the heavy cream and continue stirring until the polenta has soaked up the water and cream and the bubbles become slow and thick, 6-10 minutes. Remove from the heat.
– Add Parmesan cheese, butter, and black pepper. Stir to incorporate and serve immediately.
