## Giant Lazy Meatballs: The Ultimate One-Pan Family Dinner
Tired of rolling hundreds of tiny meatballs? Craving a comforting, flavorful meal without spending hours in the kitchen? Look no further! This Giant Lazy Meatballs recipe is your answer. It’s a simple, satisfying, and incredibly delicious way to enjoy all the flavors of classic meatballs without the fuss. This recipe transforms the laborious process of meatball making into a breeze, creating a dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend gatherings. Imagine tender, juicy meatballs, infused with aromatic herbs and spices, nestled in a flavorful tomato sauce, all cooked together in one pan. Less mess, less work, and maximum flavor – that’s the promise of these giant lazy meatballs.
This isn’t just about convenience, though. The giant size of the meatballs allows them to retain more moisture during cooking, resulting in a wonderfully tender and succulent texture. The cooking process also ensures that the flavors meld together beautifully, creating a harmonious and satisfying dish that everyone will love. This recipe is also incredibly versatile; you can easily adapt it to suit your preferences by adding different vegetables, cheeses, or spices. Whether you serve it over pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or even crusty bread, this Giant Lazy Meatballs recipe is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.
**Why You’ll Love This Recipe:**
* **Effortless:** Skip the tedious rolling and shaping – simply form a few large meatballs.
* **Flavorful:** Packed with herbs, spices, and a rich tomato sauce for a deeply satisfying taste.
* **One-Pan Wonder:** Minimal cleanup, maximum convenience.
* **Versatile:** Customize with your favorite ingredients and serve with your choice of sides.
* **Family-Friendly:** A guaranteed hit with kids and adults alike.
**Ingredients:**
**For the Meatballs:**
* 2 lbs Ground Beef (80/20 blend recommended for flavor and moisture)
* 1 lb Ground Italian Sausage (Mild or Hot, depending on your preference)
* 1 cup Breadcrumbs (Plain or Italian-seasoned)
* 1/2 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese
* 1/4 cup Chopped Fresh Parsley
* 2 Large Eggs, lightly beaten
* 2 cloves Garlic, minced
* 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano
* 1 teaspoon Dried Basil
* 1/2 teaspoon Salt
* 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper
* 1/4 cup Milk (Optional, for extra moisture)
* 1 tablespoon Olive Oil (For browning the meatballs)
**For the Sauce:**
* 2 tablespoons Olive Oil
* 1 medium Onion, chopped
* 2 cloves Garlic, minced
* 2 (28 oz) cans Crushed Tomatoes
* 1 (15 oz) can Tomato Sauce
* 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano
* 1 teaspoon Dried Basil
* 1/2 teaspoon Sugar (To balance the acidity of the tomatoes)
* 1/4 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes (Optional, for a touch of heat)
* Salt and Pepper to taste
* Fresh Basil leaves, for garnish (Optional)
**Equipment:**
* Large Bowl
* Large Skillet or Dutch Oven (Oven-safe)
* Measuring Cups and Spoons
* Wooden Spoon or Spatula
**Instructions:**
**Step 1: Prepare the Meatball Mixture**
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ground Italian sausage, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, eggs, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. If using, add the milk for extra moisture. Gently mix all the ingredients together with your hands until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough meatballs. Overmixing develops the gluten in the meat, leading to a denser, less tender meatball.
**Tip:** For extra flavor, you can saute the minced garlic in a little olive oil before adding it to the meatball mixture. This will mellow the garlic’s sharpness and enhance its aroma.
**Step 2: Form the Giant Meatballs**
Divide the meat mixture into 4-6 equal portions, depending on how large you want your meatballs to be. Gently shape each portion into a large, round meatball. Try to avoid compacting the meat too much while shaping, as this can also result in tougher meatballs. Aim for a loose, but cohesive, shape.
**Tip:** Lightly wet your hands with water to prevent the meat mixture from sticking to them while forming the meatballs. This will make the process much easier and less messy.
**Step 3: Brown the Meatballs**
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the giant meatballs into the skillet, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Brown the meatballs on all sides, turning them gently with a spatula, until they are nicely browned. This step is crucial for developing a rich, savory flavor and creating a beautiful crust on the meatballs. The browning process, also known as the Maillard reaction, creates hundreds of flavor compounds that contribute to the overall deliciousness of the dish.
**Tip:** If you don’t have a large enough skillet to brown all the meatballs at once, brown them in batches. Overcrowding the pan will lower the temperature of the oil and prevent the meatballs from browning properly.
**Step 4: Prepare the Tomato Sauce**
Remove the browned meatballs from the skillet and set them aside. In the same skillet, add the remaining olive oil and heat over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as this will give the sauce a bitter taste.
**Tip:** For a sweeter sauce, you can caramelize the onions by cooking them over low heat for a longer period of time, stirring occasionally. This will bring out their natural sugars and add a depth of flavor to the sauce.
**Step 5: Simmer the Sauce**
Pour in the crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce. Add the dried oregano, dried basil, sugar, and red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything together and bring the sauce to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let the sauce simmer for at least 30 minutes, or up to an hour, stirring occasionally. The longer the sauce simmers, the more the flavors will meld together and the richer it will become.
**Tip:** For an even richer sauce, you can add a splash of red wine or balsamic vinegar during the simmering process. These ingredients will add complexity and depth to the flavor.
**Step 6: Add the Meatballs to the Sauce**
Gently place the browned meatballs back into the skillet with the simmering sauce. Make sure the meatballs are mostly submerged in the sauce. Cover the skillet and continue to simmer the meatballs in the sauce for another 30-45 minutes, or until they are cooked through and tender. The internal temperature of the meatballs should reach 160°F (71°C). This final simmering process allows the meatballs to absorb the flavors of the sauce, resulting in a truly delicious and harmonious dish.
**Tip:** To ensure that the meatballs are evenly cooked, turn them occasionally during the simmering process.
**Step 7: Bake (Optional, for extra depth of flavor)**
For an extra layer of flavor and tenderness, you can transfer the skillet (if oven-safe) to a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and the sauce is slightly thickened. If your skillet is not oven-safe, you can transfer the meatballs and sauce to a baking dish before baking.
**Step 8: Serve and Enjoy!**
Serve the Giant Lazy Meatballs over your choice of pasta (spaghetti, penne, or rigatoni are all great options), rice, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread. Garnish with fresh basil leaves, if desired. Sprinkle with extra Parmesan cheese for a final touch of flavor. Enjoy this comforting and satisfying meal with your family and friends!
**Tips and Variations:**
* **Add Vegetables:** Enhance the sauce with chopped vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms. Add them to the skillet along with the onions and garlic, and cook until softened before adding the crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce.
* **Cheese Stuffed:** For an extra indulgent treat, stuff the meatballs with mozzarella or provolone cheese before browning. This will create a molten cheese center that is sure to impress.
* **Spicy Kick:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meatball mixture or the sauce for a touch of heat. You can also use hot Italian sausage instead of mild.
* **Different Meats:** Experiment with different combinations of ground meats, such as ground turkey, ground chicken, or ground pork. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
* **Slow Cooker Option:** This recipe can also be adapted for the slow cooker. Brown the meatballs as instructed, then transfer them to a slow cooker. Pour the tomato sauce over the meatballs and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours.
* **Make Ahead:** The meatballs can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, or in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw completely before cooking.
* **Breadcrumb Substitute:** If you don’t have breadcrumbs, you can use crushed crackers or even cooked rice as a substitute.
**Serving Suggestions:**
* **Pasta:** Serve over your favorite pasta, such as spaghetti, penne, or rigatoni.
* **Rice:** Serve over white or brown rice for a hearty and satisfying meal.
* **Mashed Potatoes:** Serve over creamy mashed potatoes for a comforting and classic pairing.
* **Crusty Bread:** Serve with crusty bread for soaking up the delicious sauce.
* **Polenta:** Serve over creamy polenta for an Italian-inspired meal.
**Nutritional Information (Approximate, per serving):**
* Calories: 600-800
* Protein: 40-50g
* Fat: 30-40g
* Carbohydrates: 40-50g
(Note: Nutritional information will vary depending on the specific ingredients used and portion sizes.)
**Storage Instructions:**
* **Refrigerate:** Leftover Giant Lazy Meatballs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
* **Freeze:** For longer storage, the meatballs can be frozen. Allow them to cool completely before transferring them to a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
**Reheating Instructions:**
* **Stovetop:** Reheat the meatballs and sauce in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
* **Microwave:** Reheat individual portions in the microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through.
* **Oven:** Reheat the meatballs and sauce in a baking dish in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.
**Enjoy this easy and delicious Giant Lazy Meatballs recipe! It’s a guaranteed family favorite that will become a staple in your kitchen.**