Easy dinner recipes: Meatballs three ways in an hour or less

Meatballs. They’re so easy and versatile. And did I mention fun? Whether you add them to pasta or soups, stuff them in sandwiches or savor them on their own, they’re a simple -- and delicious -- comfort-food classic.

Cafe Sevilla’s albondigas (meatballs): These are some of the best meatballs I’ve had in a long time. Roasted garlic, fresh basil and cilantro, along with dried oregano, Spanish paprika and grated Manchego cheese lend rich, deep flavor to these tender pork-and-beef meatballs. Go ahead and plan to make a double batch — they go quickly.

Grilled lamb meatballs: For a slight twist on this classic, use ground lamb as your base, flavoring the mixture with fresh mint and garlic, cumin and a touch of Aleppo pepper. Stuff the meatballs in tender fig leaves and throw on the grill for a dinner that comes together in about an hour.

Loaded meatballs: Classic meatballs are like meatloaf, but miniature. These come together with a handful of ingredients and, in this recipe, are served with a liquor-”loaded” beef-based sauce. Skip the sauce if you’d like a basic marinara, and serve over pasta or tucked into a tender roll for a hearty sandwich. You can find the recipe below.

LOADED MEATBALLS

Total time: 1 hour | Serves 6

Note: Adapted from “Our Man in the Kitchen” by Hyman Goldberg. The meatballs are best made one day before serving; this allows the flavors to develop. Serve the meatballs warmed with the sauce or on a toasted hoagie roll.

MEATBALLS

1 1/2 pounds ground beef
1 egg, beaten
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1 tablespoon ketchup
1 slice stale white bread, crust removed and ground to fine crumbs
1/4 cup water

In a medium bowl, combine the ground beef, egg, salt, pepper, ketchup, bread crumbs and water. Roll a heaping tablespoon into a 1-inch meatball, continuing until all of the mixture is used. You should have about 3 1/2 dozen meatballs.

SAUCE

2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
Meatballs
1 small onion, diced (about 3/4 cup)
1 clove garlic, crushed
2 dashes Angostura bitters
1 cup beef broth
1 teaspoon dry mustard
1 teaspoon flour
1/2 cup bourbon
1/4 cup sweet vermouth
1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 cup chopped parsley

1. In a large, heavy-bottom skillet, heat 1 tablespoon oil over medium-high heat. Fry half of the meatballs until golden brown on all sides. Strain the meatballs into a clean bowl, then wipe out the skillet with a paper towel and repeat with the remaining oil and meatballs. Strain the remaining meatballs into the bowl, this time leaving the fat in the pan.

2. Reduce the heat to medium, and stir the onions and garlic into the fat. Cook until the onions are soft but not browned, 3 to 5 minutes. Stir in the bitters, broth, mustard, flour, bourbon, vermouth and oregano and bring to a boil. Cook over high heat, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and is reduced to 1 1/4 cups, about 5 minutes.

3. Return the meatballs to the pan and stir into the sauce. Simmer just until the meatballs are warmed through, about 5 minutes. Stir in the parsley and serve immediately, or refrigerate and reheat before serving.

Each serving: 346 calories; 22 grams protein; 7 grams carbohydrates; 1 gram fiber; 19 grams fat; 6 grams saturated fat; 107 mg. cholesterol; 675 mg. sodium.

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