Pan Fried Meatballs with Herb Potatoes

There’s something inherently comforting about homemade meatballs, especially when paired with golden, pan-fried herb potatoes and the spicy kick of whole chillies. This trio forms a balanced meal, packed with rich flavours and satisfying textures. It’s a dish that feels like a bit of a treat yet is simple enough to make on a cosy evening at home.

The star of this meal is the meatballs themselves. Made with fresh mince, they’re tender on the inside with a slight crispness on the outside from pan-frying. The key is to season them well with salt, pepper, and a touch of garlic for extra depth. Many cooks add a binding ingredient, like breadcrumbs or a small amount of egg, to help keep the meatballs together. As they cook, the meatballs develop a lovely brown crust, which locks in juices and enhances the overall flavour.

The herb potatoes add a rustic feel to the dish. Golden and crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, these potatoes are tossed with fresh herbs such as rosemary, thyme, or parsley. The herbs infuse a subtle earthiness, while a touch of garlic enhances the flavour without overpowering the potatoes. Frying the potatoes in a bit of olive oil or butter creates an aromatic and satisfying base that complements the meatballs beautifully.

For a final touch, whole chillies are added to the pan. As they cook, they soften and release a subtle heat, which you can adjust based on your preference. The chillies don’t just add spice – they provide a unique depth and contrast that elevates the dish from hearty to exciting. If you enjoy a bit of fire, try different types of chillies to find the flavour profile you like best.

This meal offers a wonderful blend of flavours and textures, with the meatballs’ richness, the herbaceous crispness of the potatoes, and the vibrant heat from the chillies. It’s the kind of dish that invites everyone around the table to dig in, no fuss or fancy garnishes needed – just a meal that’s rich in taste and made for sharing. Whether for a family dinner or a relaxed meal with friends, this is the perfect combination of comfort and flavour.

Here are some tasty topping ideas to elevate your homemade meatballs with herb potatoes and whole chillies:

1. Fresh Herbs (Parsley, Basil, or Coriander):
   Chopped fresh herbs add a burst of colour and a light, fresh flavour. Parsley provides a mild taste, while basil or coriander offers a slightly more aromatic touch.
2. Grated Parmesan or Pecorino Cheese:
   A sprinkle of finely grated Parmesan or Pecorino adds a lovely savoury note and a bit of richness that pairs well with the meatballs. It melts slightly on the hot dish, adding extra depth to each bite.
3. Greek Yoghurt or Sour Cream with Chopped Chives:
   A dollop of creamy yoghurt or sour cream with a few chives balances the spiciness of the chillies and the richness of the meatballs. This cool, tangy topping provides a refreshing contrast.
4. Toasted Pine Nuts or Almond Slices:
   For a bit of crunch, try adding toasted pine nuts or almond slices. They lend a nutty flavour and a bit of texture that complements the softness of the meatballs and potatoes.
5. Lemon Zest or a Squeeze of Lemon Juice:
   Adding a bit of lemon zest or a light squeeze of lemon juice just before serving brightens up the dish, cutting through the richness and enhancing the herbal flavours.

These toppings will add layers of flavour, texture, and colour to your dish, making it even more enticing and balanced.

Pan Fried Meatballs with Herb Potatoes

This hearty dish features juicy, pan-fried meatballs with crispy herb potatoes and a spicy kick from whole chillies. Perfectly balanced in flavour, the meatballs are tender on the inside, while the potatoes add a savoury, herby crunch. A great choice for family meals or casual gatherings, this recipe is simple but incredibly satisfying.

4.91 from 40 votes

Print Facebook Pinterest Twitter Add to CollectionCollections

Course: Main Dish

Cuisine: italy, Swedish

Keyword: Beef, Chillies, Lamb, Meatballs, Vegetables

Prep Time: 20 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes minutes

Servings: 4 People

Calories: 586kcal

Cook ModePrevent your screen from going dark

Ingredients

 

MetricImperial

For the Meatballs:

• 500 g minced beef or lamb
• 1 small onion finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1 large egg beaten free range
• 3 tbsp breadcrumbs
• salt to taste
• pepper to taste
• 1 tbsp olive oil for frying

For the Herb Potatoes:

• 500 g baby potatoes quartered
• 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
• 1 tsp fresh rosemary finely chopped
• 1 tsp fresh thyme finely chopped
• salt to taste
• pepper to taste
• 1 clove garlic minced

For the Whole Chillies:

• 4 medium green chillies or red chillies (adjust to taste)
• 1 tsp olive oil

Instructions

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the minced meat, chopped onion, garlic, egg, breadcrumbs, salt and pepper.
  500 g minced beef, 1 small onion, 2 cloves garlic, 1 large egg, 3 tbsp breadcrumbs, salt, pepper
• Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
• Roll the mixture into small balls, about the size of a golf ball. Set aside.
• In a large frying pan, heat the olive oil or butter over medium heat.
  2 tbsp olive oil
• Add the potatoes, and sprinkle with chopped rosemary, thyme, garlic, salt and pepper.
  500 g baby potatoes, 1 tsp fresh rosemary, 1 tsp fresh thyme, salt, pepper, 1 clove garlic
• Cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are golden and crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
• In the same pan, heat 1 tbsp of olive oil over medium-high heat.
  1 tbsp olive oil
• Add the meatballs and cook for about 8-10 minutes, turning them occasionally until they are browned on all sides and cooked through.
• Remove the meatballs from the pan and set them aside.
• Add a small amount of oil to the pan if needed, then add the whole chillies.
  4 medium green chillies, 1 tsp olive oil
• Cook for 3-4 minutes, turning occasionally, until they soften and develop a slight char.
• Return the potatoes and meatballs to the pan, and gently toss to mix with the chillies.
• Serve hot, garnished with a few fresh herbs if desired.

Nutrition

Calories: 586kcal | Carbohydrates: 33g | Protein: 27g | Fat: 38g | Saturated Fat: 12g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 20g | Trans Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 135mg | Sodium: 315mg | Potassium: 934mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 95IU | Vitamin C: 33mg | Calcium: 69mg | Iron: 4mg