Savory Bison Meatballs with Tomato Herb Sauce

Follow our step-by-step guide on how to make Savory Bison Meatballs with Tomato Herb Sauce.

1. Step 1

   Start by grabbing a medium mixing bowl and lightly beat an egg until it's frothy.

2. Step 2

   Next, stir in panko bread crumbs, minced garlic, fresh parsley, smoked paprika, kosher salt, and ground black pepper.

3. Step 3

   Mix everything together until it’s well combined, creating a flavorful base for your meatballs.

4. Step 4

   Now, it’s time to add the ground bison.

5. Step 5

   Use your hands to gently mix the meat with the other ingredients, ensuring everything is evenly distributed for a delicious bite every time.

6. Step 6

   Once your mixture is ready, form it into 24 meatballs, each about the size of a generous tablespoon and a half.

7. Step 7

   Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a nonstick skillet over medium heat.

8. Step 8

   When the oil is shimmering, carefully add 12 meatballs to the skillet.

9. Step 9

   Sear them until they are beautifully browned on all sides, which should take around 5 minutes.

10. Step 10

    Once they’re golden and fragrant, transfer the meatballs to a plate and repeat the process with the remaining batch.

11. Step 11

    After browning all the meatballs, take a moment to wipe out the skillet with a paper towel to remove any excess oil.

12. Step 12

    Add another tablespoon of olive oil and warm it over medium heat.

13. Step 13

    Toss in some chopped onion and sauté, stirring occasionally, until the onion turns translucent, which should take about 3 minutes.

14. Step 14

    Then, add minced garlic and stir for about a minute until it becomes fragrant, filling your kitchen with a delightful aroma.

15. Step 15

    Now, it’s time to bring in the tomatoes! Pour in the tomatoes along with their juice, and sprinkle in oregano, fennel seeds, and bay leaves.

16. Step 16

    Season this mixture with salt and pepper to taste, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.

17. Step 17

    Finally, return those lovely browned meatballs to the skillet.

18. Step 18

    Cover the pan and let everything simmer together until the meatballs are cooked through and no longer pink in the center, which should take about 15 minutes.

19. Step 19

    To ensure they’re perfectly done, check that an instant-read thermometer reads at least 160°F (70°C) when inserted into the center of a meatball.

20. Step 20

    And there you have it—a delicious, hearty dish that’s sure to impress! Enjoy your flavorful creation!.