Skip to main content

Cheater Q’Balls

We’ve always had a thing for the charred lamb kebabs on flat skewers that the kebab/gyro joints do so well. One place even gave R. B. a couple of swordlike skewers after he bombarded them with questions. We make lamb/beef combo meatballs flavored with cumin to roast in the oven, and sometimes even finish on the grill. The meatballs cook on a baking sheet just like a pan of cookies. We’ve come to appreciate the many lives of a good batch of meatballs. A bag of Q’Balls in the freezer is as prized as a bag of brisket. Toss them with pasta, stuff them into pita pockets and sub sandwiches, serve them as a heavy appetizer or a quick heat-up for kid suppers. Customize the Q’Balls by substituting a couple teaspoons of any of the cheater dry rubs for the salt and seasonings.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    makes 8 servings (about 36 meatballs)

Ingredients

1/2 cup bread crumbs
2 tablespoons bottled smoke plus enough water to equal 1/2 cup
2 large eggs
1 pound ground beef
1 pound ground lamb
4 garlic cloves, minced
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
2 teaspoons cumin or 2 teaspoons dried oregano
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    HEAT the oven to 375°F.

    Step 2

    COMBINE the bread crumbs and the smoky water in a large bowl. Stir in the eggs.

    Step 3

    ADD the remaining ingredients and blend well without overworking.

    Step 4

    FORM golf-ball-size meatballs and place on a large rimmed baking sheet.

    Step 5

    BAKE for 30 to 35 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.

Cheater BBQ
Read More
Turn humble onions into this thrifty yet luxe pasta dinner.
Keep this easy frittata recipe on hand for quick breakfasts, impressive brunches, and fridge clean-out meals.
This one-pot dinner cooks chicken thighs directly on top of a bed of flavorful cilantro rice studded with black beans for a complete dinner.
Put that half-full tub to use with recipes that go beyond the Italian American classics.
Like Sri Lankan cashew curry and vegan stuffed shells.
Glossy, intensely chocolaty, and spiked with coffee and sour cream, this Bundt is the ultimate all-purpose dessert.
Filberts, goobers, scaly bark nuts: Explore the world beyond almonds in this guide.
Use this simple vinaigrette to dress a plate of greens, some steamed potatoes, or anything else that strikes your fancy.