Imagine a plate of golden, crispy French fries topped with juicy Italian meatballs, smothered in rich marinara sauce, and blanketed with melted mozzarella cheese. This fusion of classic Italian flavors and beloved American comfort food creates an irresistible dish perfect for gatherings, game nights, or a hearty family meal. Let’s dive into crafting this culinary delight from scratch.
Ingredients:
For the Fries:
- 1 lb frozen French friesPinterest+3Log in or sign up to view+3Log in or sign up to view+3
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey for a leaner option)
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (use almond flour for a gluten-free alternative)TikTok+5Allrecipes+5Inspired Taste+5
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large eggYouTube+7Reddit+7Inspired Taste+7
- 2 cloves garlic, mincedInspired Taste
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoningHelloFresh+5Reddit+5Pinterest+5
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepperYouTube+8Inspired Taste+8Simply Recipes+8
For the Marinara Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ medium onion, finely choppedPinterest+1Simply Recipes+1
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14-ounce) can crushed tomatoesReddit+1Bar & Kitchen+1
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Topping:
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheeseHelloFresh+3Reddit+3Log in or sign up to view+3
- ¼ cup fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Prepare the French Fries:
- Cook the frozen French fries according to the package instructions until they are crispy and golden brown. For an extra crunch, consider using an air fryer. Once done, set them aside on a serving platter.
- Make the Meatballs:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and the egg. Mix until all ingredients are well incorporated.Log in or sign up to view
- Shape the mixture into small meatballs, approximately 1 inch in diameter, to ensure they cook evenly and are bite-sized for the fries.
- Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Cook them for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are browned on all sides and cooked through. Once cooked, transfer the meatballs to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
- Prepare the Marinara Sauce:
- In the same skillet used for the meatballs, add another tablespoon of olive oil if needed. Sauté the finely chopped onion over medium heat until it becomes translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes, and add the dried oregano, dried basil, and sugar. Stir well to combine all the flavors.
- Let the sauce simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Assemble the Dish:
- Preheat your oven’s broiler to high.
- Arrange the cooked French fries on an oven-safe serving platter or in a large baking dish.
- Evenly distribute the meatballs over the fries.
- Spoon the marinara sauce generously over the meatballs and fries, ensuring every bite is flavorful.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top, covering the meatballs and fries.
- Melt the Cheese:
- Place the assembled dish under the broiler for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly with a slight golden hue. Keep a close eye to prevent burning.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Remove from the oven and let it cool for a minute.
- Garnish with freshly chopped basil or parsley for a burst of color and freshness.
- Serve immediately, ensuring each serving has a good mix of fries, meatballs, sauce, and melted cheese.Reddit+1Good Food+1
Tips for the Perfect Italian Meatball Cheese Fries:
- Choosing the Meat: While ground beef offers a classic flavor, mixing equal parts of beef and pork can enhance the richness of the meatballs. For a leaner option, ground turkey works well but may result in slightly less juicy meatballs.Simply Recipes
- Breadcrumbs Alternative: For those seeking a gluten-free option, almond flour can replace traditional breadcrumbs without compromising texture.
- Enhancing the Sauce: Adding a splash of red wine to the marinara sauce during simmering can deepen the flavor profile. Additionally, a pinch of red pepper flakes can introduce a subtle heat.
- Cheese Varieties: While mozzarella provides a creamy melt, incorporating other cheeses like provolone or fontina can add depth. A sprinkle of grated Parmesan on top before broiling can also enhance the cheesy goodness.
- Serving Suggestions: This dish is hearty on its own but pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette to balance the richness.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: Approximately 650 kcal
- Protein: 35gBar & Kitchen+1Allrecipes+1
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fat: 35gReddit+1Allrecipes+1
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Cholesterol: 130mg
- Sodium: 900mg