Description
This classic meal features juicy, flavorful meatballs pan-fried to perfection, paired with crispy oven-baked fries seasoned with paprika and garlic powder, and complemented by a fresh, vibrant salad. Perfect for a balanced family dinner, this recipe brings together American and European influences for a satisfying main course.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Meatballs
- 1 lb ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
- 1 egg
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp milk
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for frying)
For the Fries
- 4 medium russet potatoes, cut into thin strips
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Salt to taste
For the Salad
- 2 cups mixed greens
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ¼ cucumber, sliced
- ¼ red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp lemon juice or balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Make the meatballs: In a large bowl, combine ground meat, egg, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, milk, minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently until just combined to avoid tough meatballs. Shape the mixture into 1½-inch balls. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook the meatballs in batches, turning occasionally to brown all sides evenly. Total cooking time is about 8–10 minutes or until cooked through. Remove meatballs and keep warm.
- Make the fries: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Toss the cut potato strips with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, and salt until evenly coated. Spread them out in a single layer on a baking sheet to ensure crispiness. Bake for 25–30 minutes, flipping the fries halfway through to brown evenly, until golden and crispy.
- Make the salad: In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, halved cherry tomatoes, sliced cucumber, and thinly sliced red onion. Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice or balsamic vinegar. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and toss gently to combine.
- To serve: Arrange a portion of crispy fries on each plate alongside a few warm meatballs and a generous serving of fresh salad. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor experience.
Notes
- For an alternative cooking method, you can bake the meatballs instead of pan-frying by placing them on a baking sheet and cooking at 400°F (200°C) for 18–20 minutes.
- Adding a dipping sauce such as ketchup, aioli, or tzatziki can enhance the flavors and provide variety.
- Make sure not to overcrowd the pan when frying meatballs to allow them to brown properly.
- Cut the potatoes uniformly for even cooking and optimal crispiness.
