Buffalo Bills Bison Bonanza Meatballs
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Fancy something a bit different tonight, eh? Ever tried bison meatballs ? Honestly, you're missing out! They're proper tasty and have a slight sweetness that'll make your taste buds sing.
Brief Overview
Bison meatballs , also known as buffalo meatballs , aren't just some trendy food fad. Bison has been part of North American cuisine for centuries! These hearty meatballs are easy to make in about an hour.
This recipe yields about 6 servings - perfect for a family dinner or a get-together with mates.
Main Benefits
Bison is leaner than beef. That makes these a relatively lean meatball recipe . Serve them up for a cosy Sunday dinner.
What makes these italian bison meatballs special? Well, it's the unique flavour of the ground bison recipe , that adds a subtle sweetness!
Buffalo Bill's Bison Bonanza Meatballs: Your New Favourite
Okay, so you might be thinking, bison? Is that even a thing? Oh my gosh, yes! And trust me, these Bison Meatballs are blooming brilliant.
I stumbled upon this recipe ages ago when I was trying to be a bit more adventurous in the kitchen.
Now, it's a staple!
These aren't just your average meatballs in tomato sauce . We're talking proper, wild game meatballs that bring a whole new level of flavour.
Inspired by the good old American West, these bison meatballs recipe are simmered in a simple, yet flavourful tomato sauce.
They're fantastic served with pasta, on top of creamy polenta, or even as bison meatball sliders for a party!
This easy meatball recipe is straightforward. It takes roughly 55 minutes from start to finish, including prep time and cooking.
It is perfect for a weeknight meal. You just mix the ingredients, roll the meatballs, and let them simmer in the sauce.
Honestly, you can't go wrong. Plus, bison is leaner than beef. Bonus points for being a bit healthier, right?
Ingredients & Equipment
Let's talk about what you'll need to make my Buffalo Bill's Bison Bonanza Meatballs . Honestly, it's pretty straightforward! You don't need fancy stuff for this easy meatball recipe .
Just the basics, and some good quality ingredients. Think of it as a culinary adventure!
Meatball Must Haves
- Ground bison : You'll need 1 pound (454g) . Look for bison that's a vibrant red color. It shouldn't smell funky! Quality matters, even for bison meatballs recipe .
- Breadcrumbs: Use ½ cup (50g) of Italian seasoned breadcrumbs. They add flavour and bind everything together.
- Milk: ¼ cup (60ml) of whole or 2% milk. Makes the meatballs tender.
- Egg: 1 large egg, lightly beaten. Acts as glue, you know?
- Onion: ¼ cup (30g) , finely chopped. Adds a nice savoury bite.
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced. No vampire will get close to these italian bison meatballs !
- Worcestershire sauce: 1 tablespoon (15ml) . This gives it that umami depth.
- Italian seasoning: 1 teaspoon dried. A proper Italian flavour.
- Salt: ½ teaspoon .
- Black pepper: ¼ teaspoon .
- Olive oil: 2 tablespoons for browning.
Savory Sauce Seasoning
The sauce is where the magic happens. Here's what you need:
- Crushed tomatoes: 1 (28 ounce / 794g) can. Go for good quality.
- Tomato sauce: 1 (15 ounce / 425g) can.
- Water: ½ cup (120ml) .
- Dried oregano: 1 teaspoon .
- Dried basil: ½ teaspoon .
- Red pepper flakes: ¼ teaspoon (optional, for a kick).
- Granulated sugar: 1 tablespoon (balances the acidity).
- Salt and pepper: To taste.
Got no Worcestershire? Use Soy sauce mixed with Brown Sugar. Don't have Italian Seasoning? Use a mix of dried oregano, basil, rosemary, and thyme.
You are making the best meatballs in tomato sauce , right?
Essential Equipment
You really don't need much:
- Large mixing bowl: For combining all the ingredients.
- Large skillet or Dutch oven: For browning and simmering.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Obvious, right?
- Cutting board and chef's knife: For chopping.
- Garlic press: Optional.
See? Nothing too crazy. You can even use a fork to mince garlic if you don't have a press! Just get ready for some seriously tasty bison meatballs .
I think this ground bison recipe is the bee's knees! These wild game meatballs are really easy.
Buffalo Bill's Bison Bonanza Meatballs (aka Bison Meatballs)
These bison meatballs aren't your average meatballs, mate! This ground bison recipe brings a taste of the Wild West to your dinner table.
Think leaner, meaner, and tastier than your grandma's beef version. These are simmered in a rich, savory tomato sauce, so grab your spurs and let's get cooking! If you're looking for an easy meatball recipe , then this is it.
Prep Like a Pro
- Mise en place is your best friend. Chop your onion, mince your garlic, and measure everything out before you start. This is how I set up for every single recipe to avoid making mistakes!
- Time saving tip: I sometimes prep the onion and garlic the night before. Honestly, chopping onions always makes me cry.
- Safety first! Keep your knives sharp, and always cut away from yourself, ok?
Let's Get Cooking: step-by-step
- Mix the ground bison , breadcrumbs, milk, egg, onion, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon salt , and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper in a large bowl. Don't overmix!
- Roll the mixture into about 1 inch buffalo meatballs .
- Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet. Brown the meatballs on all sides for about 5- 7 minutes .
- Add crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, water, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), sugar, salt, and pepper to the same skillet and simmer.
- Gently place the bison meatballs into the sauce. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for at least 30 minutes , or up to an hour. Ensure they are cooked through to an internal temperature of 160° F ( 71° C) .
- Serve hot and prepare to hear a mighty 'Yee-Haw!' of appreciation!
Pro Meatball Tips
- Expert Technique: To keep the meatballs tender, mix the ingredients gently until just combined. Overmixing makes them tough.
- Avoid This Mistake: Make sure you don't skip browning the meatballs. It adds a ton of flavor.
- make-ahead Option: You can totally make the sauce ahead of time. Store it in the fridge for up to 3 days . This is great for parties or busy weeknights. You can also fully cook these tasty italian bison meatballs and freeze them for later.
These hearty meatball recipe are a real crowd pleaser and such a great way to use ground bison recipe . Serve over pasta, on bison meatball sliders , or just enjoy them on their own.
This is a lean meatball recipe that's full of flavour. If you are searching meatballs in tomato sauce , this is a great option to try.
You know what? I reckon you could even try this recipe with other wild game meatballs or even make it with venison.
Enjoy your bison meatballs recipe !
Recipe Notes for Your Bison Meatballs
Making these bison meatballs is pretty straightforward. But I’ve got a few tips that might help you nail it first time, you know? Honestly, some recipes just need that extra bit of love.
Serving up these hearty wonders:
- Plating and Presentation
Listen, presentation matters. Don't just dump those gorgeous italian bison meatballs on a plate. Twirl some spaghetti, artfully arrange the meatballs in tomato sauce on top, and sprinkle with fresh parsley.
Boom! Restaurant worthy. These buffalo meatballs taste awesome over creamy polenta. Or, for a casual vibe, pile them into bison meatball sliders with some provolone.
-Complementary Sides or Beverages
A simple green salad or some garlic bread is all you need. As for drinks, a nice Italian red wine or even a crisp, cold beer goes down a treat.
Storage Tips and Tricks for Deliciousness Later
-Refrigeration Guidelines
Got leftovers? Lucky you! Store the bison meatballs and sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Easy peasy!
-Freezing Options (if applicable)
These little guys freeze like champs. Let them cool completely, then pop them in a freezer bag or container. They'll keep for up to 2-3 months.
-Reheating Instructions
Thaw them in the fridge overnight. Then, gently reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave. Add a splash of water if the sauce gets too thick.
Variations on This Ground Bison Recipe
-Dietary Adaptations
Want to make it gluten-free? No problem! Just use gluten-free breadcrumbs. For a dairy-free option, use plant based milk.
-Seasonal Ingredient Swaps
In the summer, use fresh tomatoes and basil in the sauce. In the winter, add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, comforting flavor.
Nutrition Basics of these Lean Meatball Recipe
Bison is a lean meat recipe , so you're getting a good dose of protein without all the extra fat.
One serving clocks in around 350-400 calories, with a whopping 30-35g of protein. Plus, bison is packed with iron and other essential nutrients.
Not bad for a hearty meatball recipe , eh?
And there you have it! My notes on making these easy meatball recipe . Give this bison meatballs recipe a whirl.
You won't regret it. These wild game meatballs are a total crowd pleaser! Let me know how they turn out! Happy cooking, ya'll!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use ground beef instead of bison for these bison meatballs?
Absolutely! While the recipe is designed for the slightly sweeter, leaner taste of bison, ground beef works just fine. Keep in mind that ground beef might release more fat during cooking, so you might want to drain some off after browning the meatballs.
Think of it like swapping out a Land Rover for a trusty Ford truck both will get you there, just with a slightly different ride!
Help! My bison meatballs are dry. What did I do wrong?
Dry meatballs are a common kitchen woe, like a soggy bottom on "The Great British Baking Show"! Overmixing the meatball mixture is often the culprit, as it develops the gluten in the breadcrumbs, making them tough. Be gentle when combining the ingredients.
Also, ensure you're simmering them in enough sauce they should be mostly submerged to stay moist.
How should I store leftover bison meatballs, and how long will they last?
Storing leftovers is a piece of cake! Let the bison meatballs cool completely, then transfer them to an airtight container with some of the sauce to keep them moist. They'll keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze them for up to 2-3 months.
Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.
Are there any variations I can try to spice up these bison meatballs?
Crikey, mate, loads of ways to spice things up! For a kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or some chopped Calabrian chilies to the sauce. You could also incorporate some smoky paprika or a dash of cumin into the meatball mixture for a different flavor profile.
Get creative and make them your own it’s all part of the fun!
What's the best way to cook the bison meatballs stovetop or oven?
This recipe uses the stovetop method, as it allows the meatballs to simmer in the sauce and absorb maximum flavor. However, you can bake them in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 20-25 minutes, then add them to the simmering sauce.
Browning them in a pan first before baking is key for great flavor and texture!
I'm trying to eat healthier. Are bison meatballs a good choice?
You betcha! Bison is generally leaner than ground beef, meaning less fat, and a good source of protein. To make these bison meatballs even healthier, use whole wheat breadcrumbs, reduce the amount of sugar in the sauce, and serve them with a side of steamed vegetables or a whole grain pasta.
A balanced meal is always a good shout!
Buffalo Bills Bison Bonanza Meatballs
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 350-400 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 15-20g |
| Fiber | 3-4g |
