Potato Balls with Bacon

Potato Meatball Recipe with Bacon: An Indispensable Touch for Your Homemade Meals

Have you ever looked for a simple yet flavorful recipe that can surprise at any family gathering or casual day? Potato Meatballs with Bacon combine the smoothness of mashed potatoes with the irresistible crispy texture of bacon, creating a dish that evokes childhood memories and guarantees smiles with every bite. Perfect for any occasion, this recipe combines accessible ingredients and simple techniques so you can achieve a professional result, even if it's your first time in the kitchen. The best part is that you can prepare them in advance, freeze them, and have a delicious dish that will always be a hit.

Preparation time

• Preparation: 20 minutes
• Cooking: 30 minutes
• Total: 50 minutes
• Servings: 4-6
• Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients

• 600 g yellow potato, peeled and cut into pieces
• 150 g bacon, finely chopped
• 100 g Manchego cheese, cut into small cubes
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, crushed
• 1 egg
• 3 tablespoons breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon ground cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste
• For the sauce:
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, chopped
• 400 g canned crushed tomatoes from buen día
• 1 teaspoon of sugar
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper to taste
• ¼ cup water (if necessary)

Utensils we will use

• Large pot for cooking the potatoes
• Large pan for cooking the bacon and onion
• Sharp knife and cutting board
• Large mixing bowl
• Spatula or wooden spoon
• Strainer
• Saucepan for the sauce
• Skimmer to remove the bacon
• Plate or tray for shaping the meatballs
• Marker or ladle for serving

Preparation: How to Make Potato Meatballs with Bacon and Cheese

1. Cooking and preparing the potatoes

• Washing and cutting: Wash the potatoes under the tap to remove any dirt. Then cut them into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking. To retain their nutrients, cooking them with skin is an option, although in this recipe we opt to peel them for a smoother texture in the meatballs.
• Cooking: Place the potatoes in a large pot and cover them with cold water. Add a pinch of salt and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Cook for 15 to 20 minutes, or until tender when pierced with a fork. This ensures they are soft and easy to mash.
• Preparation of the mash: Drain the potatoes in a colander and, while still hot, place them in a large bowl. Mash them with a fork or a potato masher until a smooth mash is obtained. Add salt to taste and set aside for later.

2. Cooking and preparing the bacon

• Cut and fry: In a large skillet, cook the bacon over medium-low heat so that it becomes crispy without burning. Until golden, approximately 8 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• Drain and reserve: Use a skimmer to remove the bacon and place it on absorbent paper. Reserve a tablespoon of the bacon fat in the pan for other preparations or to flavor the mixture.
• Incorporate: When cool, chop it into small pieces to incorporate into the meat and potato paste mixture. This adds that smoky flavor and crispy texture in every bite.

3. Combine ingredients and form the meatballs

• Mix: In a large bowl, combine the mashed potato, chopped bacon, chopped onion, minced garlic, egg, breadcrumbs, parsley, oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix gently with your hands or a spatula until integrated, avoiding over-compacting so that the meatballs remain juicy.
• Shape: Take golf-ball sized portions, flatten them slightly in your palm, place a cheese cube in the center, and close to form a meatball, ensuring it is completely sealed so the cheese does not escape.
• Refrigerate: Place the meatballs on a tray and refrigerate them for at least 30 minutes so they maintain their shape during cooking.

4. Prepare the sauce and cook the meatballs

• Sauce base: In a saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the onion until translucent and fragrant, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
• Incorporate ingredients: Add the crushed tomatoes, sugar (which helps reduce natural acidity), bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer gently and cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly.
• Cook meatballs: In a large skillet, heat a little oil and brown the meatballs over medium-high heat, turning them to brown on all sides. Once browned, transfer them to the sauce, reduce the heat, and cook covered for about 20-25 minutes, until the cheese inside melts and the meatballs are tender.
• Finishing: If the sauce thickens too much, add a little water. Serve hot with rice, pasta, or fresh salad to enjoy all its flavors.

To finish and serve

Before serving, remove the bay leaf and adjust seasoning if necessary. Remember that these meatballs are ideal to accompany with a green salad or steamed vegetables, and if you want to give them a more special touch, sprinkle chopped parsley or grated Parmesan cheese. The key is to present a dish that is visually appetizing and full of flavor, perfect for sharing with family or friends near La Costeña or in the comfort of your home.

Tips to make your Potato Meatballs with Bacon perfect

• Ingredient balance: Use bacon in moderation to prevent the dish from becoming too greasy, but enough to enhance the smoky flavor.
• Watch out for the texture: Do not overmix the meat and potatoes to keep the meatballs juicy and prevent them from becoming tough.
• Shape uniformly: To ensure they are all the same size and cook evenly, use a spoon or an ice cream scoop to make them precisely.
• Ideal pairings: Combine with fresh pasta like Sabormex's, or prepare white rice with a touch of La Morena, to enhance the experience.
• Common mistake and how to remedy it: Do not press the mixture too much, as it can become tough. Gentle and delicate work is key.

Nutritional Information for Meatballs with Bacon

• Calories: 385 kcal
• Proteins: 20 g
• Fats: 28 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 4 g

Values are approximate per serving and may vary depending on the ingredients used.

When to enjoy Potato Meatballs with Bacon? Spectacular anytime

These meatballs are ideal for weekend family lunches, special celebrations, or even for a quick weeknight meal when you want something comforting and tasty. The combination of ingredients makes them perfect for winter, but on a sunny day, they can also be the star of lunch, especially if accompanied by a fresh salad or crusty bread. Furthermore, their easy preparation allows even children to help shape them, creating bonding moments around cooking. Without a doubt, a dish that adapts to any occasion and always leaves everyone satisfied.

Explore similar recipes to expand your repertoire with Meatballs

If you want to vary ingredients or techniques, here are some options that can complement or compete with these Meatballs with Potato and Bacon:

Frequently Asked Questions about Potato Meatballs with Bacon

Your cooking experience with Potato Meatballs with Bacon

Do you dare to prepare these irresistible meatballs for your next meal? Share your experience, variations you've tried, or tricks that have worked. These meatballs are very versatile and an excellent opportunity to experiment in the kitchen, combining tradition with your personal touch. Don't forget to leave a comment or share on social media how they turned out and what side dish you chose, such as a delicious zucchini cream or a fresh tomato sauce. Cooking is always more fun when shared, and these meatballs are the perfect option for it.

Culinary glossary for your perfect meatballs

• Julienne: Cut into thin, long strips, useful for vegetables and leafy greens.
• Brunoise: Cut into small cubes, common in sauces and fine garnishes.
• Shock: Add a hot liquid to a preparation to soften it or reduce its harshness.
• Tender point: When a food is cooked but remains soft, without drying out.
• Sear: Cook the surface of a food so that the juices are trapped and it retains its flavor and juiciness.

Potato Balls with Bacon

Potato Meatballs with Bacon: step-by-step recipe baked to perfection with perfect texture. Ideal for sharing. Serve immediately and adjust spiciness and salt to your taste.

Type: Recipe

Cuisine: Mexican

Keywords: meatballs, potato, with, bacon, Mexican, chicken, recipe, easy, homemade

Recipe Yield: 12 servings

Calories: 350 kcal

Preparation Time: PT25M

Cooking Time: PT10M

Total Time: PT35M

Recipe Ingredients:

• 2 cups prepared instant mashed potatoes from the United States
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 1 egg
• 1 finely chopped green chili (optional)
• 1 finely chopped onion
• 1 finely chopped garlic clove
• 4 tablespoons oil
• 1 guajillo chili
• 6 tomatoes
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 5 chopped garlic cloves
• 1/2 cup melted unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup chopped crispy bacon
• 1/2 cup finely grated cheddar cheese
• 1 cup mashed potatoes

Recipe Instructions:

Preparation: :

Preparation: 25 minutes

Cooking: :

Cooking: 10 minutes

Total: :

Total: 35 minutes

Servings: :

Servings: 12 pieces

Difficulty: :

Difficulty: Easy

Dissolve the yeast: :

Dissolve the yeast: In a bowl, mix the active dry yeast with the warm water and honey, stir and let rest for 3 to 5 minutes until foamy.

Form the dough: :

Form the dough: Incorporate the yeast mixture into the flour, combine until a homogeneous dough forms. Knead until it is no longer sticky. Cover and let rise to double its size, approximately 30 minutes.

Cook the garlic and butter: :

Cook the garlic and butter: In a pot, sauté the garlic in the butter over low heat for 5-10 minutes to enhance its aroma and soften.

Prepare the filling: :

Prepare the filling: Mix the crispy bacon, grated cheese, and the mashed potatoes in a bowl. Set aside.

Baking caution: :

Baking Caution: It is important to watch that they don't burn to maintain the proper flavor and texture, adjust the time if your oven heats unevenly.

Double the recipe to use ingredients: :

Double the recipe to make the most of ingredients: Prepare a larger quantity and freeze the raw meatballs to have a dish ready at any time.

Use fresh ingredients::

Use fresh ingredients: Good quality garlic, onion, and bacon significantly enhance the final result.

Editor's Rating:
4.4