HELP: Looking for Yummy, Moist Meatballs

[lilcapeanut]

My DS is a v. picky eater (15 months old) and is not a v. good chewer either (great combo huh?). :) It's difficult for him to chew meat. I've made him some meatballs (used ground sirloin and pork) and they were still kinda dry even with the extra butter I put in them. Can you tell me where I can buy some good meatballs (I don't care if it's frozen) or give me a good recipe? BTW - he is on the small side, so I don't mind if the meatballs are on the fatty side (I'll just have to stay away from them). :D Also, if you know any tricks to make the meatballs more the consistency of hot dogs or bologna that would be great - for some reason he eats bologna w/o a problem. TIA!

[irish74]

I don't have any fabulous recipes, but did want to say that "swedish meatballs" are a lot more tender than regular Italian style. I know that they are sold in the freezer section, if you live near an Ikea, the ones there are actually pretty good (they sell them hot to eat there and frozen to go).

[Astara]

I make mine with turkey burger and sweet italian sausage and they seem to be pretty moist. I've never had a problem with them being dry.. I use about 4 sweet italian sausage links for a pound of ground turkey. I also Put a little more than half of a ritz cracker sleeve into the meat mixture, (put them in a plastic bag and roll them out until completely smooth) an egg, and italian seasonings (just a small amount), garlic powder, & onion powder. I usually make smaller meatballs that cook at 350-400f for about a half hour.

I hope you find something that will work for your DS!! :)

*also frozen 'turkey' meatballs seem to be moist as well..

[boilermaker]

I don't have a recipe for you, but one of my journal buddies does.
Here's a link...

Chimichanga's journal...meatball recipe pg 5 (http://www.constantchatter.com/showthread.php?t=2313&page=5&pp=20)

ETA: I haven't tried them yet, but the Trader Joe meatballs are highly recommended in that thread.

[Rose]

Trader Joe's has very good ones in the freezer section. They stay moist whether I cook them on the stove or in the microwave, but I always cook them in a sauce to keep them moist.

[fuzzy]

I know, know, know this sounds like a disgusting meatball recipe, but lemme tell ya, I have never met someone who doesn't like them! I was picky and skinny as a kid and *always* ate these. You can eat them alone -- I serve them over pasta but not with marinara sauce, just pour the "juice" over egg noodles.

German Meatballs

three pounds ground beef
one package of dry onion soup
one egg
breadcrumbs, as needed

one cup brown sugar
one pound sauerkraut
one jar chili sauce
one can whole cranberry sauce

Combine ground beef, onion soup, egg, and breadcrumbs. Shape into balls -- your choice of size. Gently place in large pot.

Combine remaining ingredients. Pour mixture over meatballs. Let simmer for a couple of hours, or until meat is cooked. Stir occasionally during cooking process, but only after meatballs have "set" or firmed up.