Get ready to revolutionize your game day snacking with a mind-blowing recipe that combines two crowd-favorite foods into one epic dish! Imagine tender, juicy meatballs smothered in rich marinara sauce, paired perfectly with crispy, buttery popcorn - this isn't just a recipe, it's a flavor explosion that will have your friends begging for more. Whether you're a football fanatic or just love irresistible appetizers, this Hungry Football Saucy Meatballs Popcorn Munch is about to become your new obsession!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 jar marinara sauce
- 4 cups popcorn
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will ensure that the meatballs cook evenly and become nicely browned.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 pound of ground beef, 1 cup of breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, 1 egg, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, and 1 teaspoon of onion powder. Use your hands or a spoon to mix the ingredients until well combined, being careful not to overmix.
- Once the mixture is well combined, form it into meatballs, about 1 to
- 5 inches in diameter. Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased to prevent sticking.
- Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until they are cooked through and reach an internal temperature of 160°F (70°C). The outside should be golden brown.
- While the meatballs are baking, prepare the popcorn. If using an air popper, pop 4 cups of popcorn according to the manufacturer's instructions. If using stovetop, heat a large pot over medium heat, add a few kernels of popcorn, and cover. Once the kernels pop, add enough popcorn kernels to cover the bottom of the pot in a single layer, cover, and shake occasionally until popping slows down.
- In a saucepan, heat the jar of marinara sauce over medium heat until it is warmed through. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. This will serve as the dipping sauce for your meatballs.
- Once the meatballs are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Then, toss the warm meatballs in the marinara sauce until they are fully coated.
- To serve, place the saucy meatballs on a platter alongside the freshly popped popcorn. You can drizzle some extra marinara sauce over the popcorn for added flavor or serve it on the side for dipping.
- Enjoy your Hungry Football Saucy Meatballs Popcorn Munch as a delicious snack or appetizer while watching the game!
Tips
- For extra-tender meatballs, avoid overmixing the meat mixture - this can make them tough.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure meatballs reach the safe internal temperature of 160°F.
- For the best popcorn, use fresh kernels and make sure your pot or air popper is hot before adding them.
- To prevent soggy popcorn, add the marinara sauce just before serving.
- For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes to your marinara sauce or mix some into the meatball mixture.
- Make the meatballs ahead of time and reheat them for quick serving during the game.
- For a lighter version, consider using ground turkey instead of beef.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 95mg
