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Chimichurri Pork and Beef Meatballs Recipe

If you’re craving something that’s bursting with vibrant flavors and a little Latin flair, you’re in for a treat with my Chimichurri Pork and Beef Meatballs Recipe. This dish is such a crowd-pleaser—juicy meatballs combined with the zesty, herbaceous chimichurri sauce create this incredible flavor duo that I just can’t get enough of. When I first made this, my family went crazy for it, and I bet you’ll love it just as much!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Flavor Explosion: The combination of fresh parsley, oregano, and zesty lemon in the chimichurri sauce really brings these pork and beef meatballs to life.
  • Easy to Make: Even if you’re new to meatballs or chimichurri, my step-by-step method keeps things simple and foolproof.
  • Versatile Meal: These meatballs work great as an appetizer, a main dish, or even a topping for a zesty sandwich.
  • Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare the meatballs and sauce in advance, which makes weeknight dinners a total breeze.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For this Chimichurri Pork and Beef Meatballs Recipe, we blend ground pork and beef for a perfect balance of juiciness and heartiness. The chimichurri sauce shines with fresh herbs and a tangy kick—making each bite absolutely unforgettable. I recommend using fresh herbs and real lemon juice for the best flavor impact.

Flat lay of fresh pink ground pork, deep red ground beef, a small white bowl of golden vegetable oil, a small white bowl of bright green minced curly parsley, a small white bowl of golden olive oil, a small white bowl of deep red wine vinegar, a small white bowl of bright yellow lemon juice, a small white bowl of crumbled white feta cheese, two whole brown eggs with clean shells, a small white bowl of light beige panko breadcrumbs, two fresh green onions with white bulbs, three peeled garlic cloves, a small white bowl of finely chopped fresh green oregano leaves, a small white bowl of red pepper flakes, a small white bowl of freshly ground black pepper, a small white bowl of salt, all arranged symmetrically on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Chimichurri Pork and Beef Meatballs, Argentine-inspired meatballs with chimichurri, easy meatball recipes with chimichurri, flavorful pork and beef meatballs, zesty herb meatballs
  • Ground pork: Adds moisture and tenderness—don’t skip it for a juicy texture.
  • Ground beef: Provides rich, hearty flavor that pairs perfectly with pork.
  • Breadcrumbs (Panko): I love Panko here for its light, airy texture to keep the meatballs from getting dense.
  • Green onions: Give a mild onion flavor and a bit of crunch—finely minced works best.
  • Garlic: Fresh minced garlic amps up the savory notes in the meatballs.
  • Salt and black pepper: Season simply but effectively to let the meat and chimichurri shine.
  • Egg: Acts as the perfect binder to hold your meatballs together.
  • Vegetable oil: For frying; I prefer frying over baking to get that golden crust.
  • Feta cheese: Crumbled on top—its salty tang pairs beautifully with the chimichurri.
  • Curly leaf parsley: Freshly minced for a vibrant, green freshness in the sauce.
  • Olive oil: Quality extra virgin version this is the backbone of the chimichurri.
  • Red wine vinegar: Adds that classic chimichurri acidity and bite.
  • Fresh oregano: Chopped finely—this herb brings an authentic depth to the sauce.
  • Red pepper flakes: Just a touch to give your sauce a subtle spicy kick.
  • Lemon juice: Freshly squeezed for the brightest citrus notes.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love experimenting with this Chimichurri Pork and Beef Meatballs Recipe to suit different occasions or dietary preferences. Feel free to swap out ingredients or tweak the sauce to make it your own—you’ll be surprised how versatile these meatballs can be!

  • Meat Options: I’ve made these using all ground beef, or even turkey for a leaner twist—both work well.
  • Spice Level: If you like it spicy, add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of smoked paprika for smoky heat.
  • Dairy-Free: Skip the feta or try a dairy-free cheese alternative for those with allergies.
  • Baking Instead of Frying: If you want a lighter version, baking them at 400°F for 20-25 minutes works perfectly.

How to Make Chimichurri Pork and Beef Meatballs Recipe

Step 1: Mix All the Meatball Ingredients

Start by combining the ground pork, ground beef, breadcrumbs, minced green onions, garlic, salt, pepper, and egg in a large bowl. I always use my hands here—it’s the best way to mix everything evenly without overworking the meat. Overmixing can make the meatballs tough, so I just gently bring everything together until it’s combined.

Step 2: Form and Fry the Meatballs

Roll the mixture into small, 1-inch meatballs. It helps to wet your hands slightly so the mixture doesn’t stick. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then fry the meatballs in batches, giving them plenty of space—crowding the pan will cause steaming, not browning. Fry until golden and cooked through, about 7 minutes total, turning gently to brown all sides evenly.

Step 3: Prepare the Chimichurri Sauce

While your meatballs cook, mix the minced parsley, olive oil, red wine vinegar, chopped oregano, red pepper flakes, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt and pepper in a bowl. I like to let it sit at room temperature—this helps all the flavors meld beautifully by the time the meatballs are ready.

Step 4: Assemble and Serve

Lay out some chimichurri sauce on a platter, then transfer the warm meatballs on top. Spoon over the remaining chimichurri, making sure each meatball gets a hit of that zesty sauce. Finish by sprinkling crumbled feta cheese on top—it adds this wonderful salty contrast that’s truly irresistible.

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Pro Tips for Making Chimichurri Pork and Beef Meatballs Recipe

  • Don’t Overmix: I learned the hard way that handling the meat too much leads to dense meatballs—mix gently!
  • Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh parsley and oregano really elevate the chimichurri’s brightness—dried just won’t cut it.
  • Batch Fry for Crispness: Fry in small batches so the meatballs get that perfect golden crust instead of steaming.
  • Let Sauce Sit: I always make the chimichurri ahead and let it rest—it mellows and deepens the flavors beautifully.

How to Serve Chimichurri Pork and Beef Meatballs Recipe

This image shows five golden-brown meatballs in a shallow pool of green herb sauce on a square white plate. Each meatball is topped with finely chopped fresh green herbs and small white cheese crumbs. The sauce has a smooth, oily texture with visible small bits of herbs floating in it. A silver fork is piercing the meatball closest to the front, and the white marbled surface beneath the plate is faintly visible. The whole dish looks moist and fresh with a mix of green and brown colors from the herbs, sauce, and meatballs. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Chimichurri Pork and Beef Meatballs, Argentine-inspired meatballs with chimichurri, easy meatball recipes with chimichurri, flavorful pork and beef meatballs, zesty herb meatballs

Garnishes

I always top my meatballs with crumbled feta because that salty creaminess contrasts so nicely with the fresh, tangy chimichurri. A few extra chopped parsley leaves add a pop of color and freshness you won’t want to skip.

Side Dishes

My go-to accompaniments are roasted veggies or a fresh, crunchy salad. I’ve also served these meatballs over creamy polenta or alongside fluffy rice to soak up all that amazing sauce—the combination is unbeatable.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve arranged these meatballs on a wooden board with small bowls of chimichurri for dipping—it makes a perfect party appetizer. You can also skewer them for easy serving or serve atop grilled flatbread with a dollop of sour cream for added indulgence.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I like to store leftover meatballs and chimichurri sauce separately in airtight containers in the fridge. They keep beautifully for 3 to 4 days, so you can easily enjoy this delicious dish again without any hassle.

Freezing

If I want to prep ahead, I freeze the cooked meatballs on a baking sheet first, then transfer them to a freezer bag. They freeze well for up to 3 months, making it a great make-ahead meal I can defrost quickly when needed.

Reheating

To reheat, I warm the meatballs gently in a skillet with a splash of water, covered, to keep them juicy. Then I toss them with fresh chimichurri—just like the first time. Microwaving works in a pinch, but I prefer the stovetop method to avoid drying out.

FAQs

  1. Can I make these meatballs gluten-free?

    Absolutely! Just swap the regular breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. The texture might change slightly, but the flavor remains fantastic.

  2. Is it necessary to fry the meatballs, or can I bake them?

    You can definitely bake them! I sometimes bake at 400°F for 20-25 minutes. Baking is lighter but won’t give you that crispy exterior that frying provides—so choose based on your preference.

  3. Can I prepare the chimichurri sauce in advance?

    Yes! The flavors actually deepen if the sauce sits for a few hours or even overnight in the fridge. Just bring it back to room temperature before serving for the best taste.

  4. What if I don’t have fresh oregano?

    If fresh oregano isn’t available, dried oregano works as a substitute—use about one-third the amount because dried herbs are more concentrated.

Final Thoughts

This Chimichurri Pork and Beef Meatballs Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen repertoire because it’s flavorful, fuss-free, and endlessly adaptable. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or a casual gathering, this recipe always wins compliments. Give it a try—I promise it’ll become one of those dishes you find yourself making on repeat, just like I do!

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Chimichurri Pork and Beef Meatballs Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.4 from 121 reviews
  • Author: Lisa
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 48 meatballs (serves 16) 1x
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: Argentinian

Description

This Chimichurri Meatballs recipe combines juicy, flavorful pork and beef meatballs with a vibrant, zesty chimichurri sauce, topped with tangy crumbled feta. Perfect as an appetizer or main dish, these meatballs are pan-fried to golden perfection and complemented by a fresh herbaceous sauce that brings a wonderful balance of acidity and heat.


Ingredients

Scale

For the Meatballs:

  • 1 pound ground pork
  • ½ pound ground beef
  • ½ cup breadcrumbs (Panko preferred)
  • 2 green onions, minced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 egg
  • 3 tablespoons vegetable oil (for frying)
  • ½ cup crumbled feta cheese

For the Chimichurri Sauce:

  • ½ cup curly leaf parsley, minced
  • ½ cup olive oil
  • ¼ cup red wine vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon fresh oregano, chopped
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Mix the Meatball Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine ground pork, ground beef, breadcrumbs, minced green onions, garlic, salt, freshly ground black pepper, and the egg. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
  2. Form the Meatballs: Shape the mixture into small meatballs approximately 1 inch in diameter to ensure even cooking and perfect bite-size portions.
  3. Fry the Meatballs: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add meatballs in batches, avoiding overcrowding to allow even frying. Cook each batch for about 7 minutes, turning occasionally until golden brown on all sides and cooked through.
  4. Prepare the Chimichurri Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together minced parsley, olive oil, red wine vinegar, chopped oregano, red pepper flakes, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Set aside at room temperature to let the flavors meld while the meatballs cook.
  5. Assemble and Serve: Spread half of the chimichurri sauce on a serving platter, transfer the fried meatballs on top, then spoon the remaining sauce over them. Garnish generously with crumbled feta cheese before serving.

Notes

  • You can bake the meatballs instead of frying by placing them on a parchment-lined baking sheet and baking at 400°F (204°C) for 20-25 minutes until cooked through and browned.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
  • Feel free to use any preferred ground meat such as turkey, chicken, or lamb for variations.
  • Recipe yields about 48 meatballs, ideal for serving 16 people with 3 meatballs each.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 3 meatballs
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 1g
  • Sodium: 420mg
  • Fat: 22g
  • Saturated Fat: 7g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 13g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 10g
  • Fiber: 1.5g
  • Protein: 18g
  • Cholesterol: 85mg

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