Description
Beef appetizer brings together simple ingredients for a crowd-pleasing starter that everyone will devour. Perfectly seasoned and quick to prepare, this bite-sized treat guarantees smiles around your table.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1 lb ground beef
Supporting Ingredients:
- ¼ cup breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Seasoning and Aromatics:
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ small onion, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
Dipping Sauce:
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
Instructions
- Gather a large mixing bowl and blend 1 lb ground beef, ¼ cup breadcrumbs, 1 large egg, 2 minced garlic cloves, ½ finely chopped onion, ¼ cup Parmesan, 1 teaspoon oregano, ½ teaspoon pepper, and ½ teaspoon salt. Combine ingredients delicately without overmixing.
- Shape the meat mixture into uniform bite-sized meatballs or small oval patties using your palms. Ensure each piece is roughly 1-inch in diameter.
- Warm 1 tablespoon of oil in a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat at 375°F. Carefully place meat pieces into the pan without overcrowding.
- Cook the beef bites for 3-4 minutes per side, rotating once. Verify internal temperature reaches 160°F using a meat thermometer to confirm doneness.
- While meat cooks, whisk ½ cup sour cream, 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice, 1 tablespoon chopped dill, and 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard in a separate small bowl.
- Remove beef bites from skillet, letting excess oil drain on paper towels. Arrange on a serving platter with dipping sauce alongside.
Notes
- Handle the beef mixture gently to keep the appetizers tender and prevent them from becoming tough.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the beef reaches 160°F for food safety without overcooking.
- For a gluten-free version, swap breadcrumbs with almond flour or crushed pork rinds.
- Make these ahead and reheat in a skillet or oven to maintain their crispy exterior and juicy interior.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Beef
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 390 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 380 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg