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Braised Italian Ground Bison Meatballs with Marinara

Homemade meatballs truly are the perfect comfort food. My Braised Italian Ground Bison Meatballs with Marinara are a nice and healthier alternative to ground beef. This bison meatball recipe contains simple ingredients and the best part is that it has amazing flavor just like classic meatballs.

Reasons you will love this dish:

It’s well seasoned and not spicy. It’s great for the whole family, especially the toddlers! Delicious bison meatballs can be enjoyed with your favorite marinara sauce or with bbq sauce. This makes an amazing meal prep as meatballs sitting in sauce overnight are quite delicious the next day.pped to your personal preference.

Ingredients: – 1 pound ground bison – 1/3 cup fontina cheese shredded – 1 large egg – 1/2 cup sweet onions finely diced – 1/4 cup breadcrumbs – 1 teaspoon dried oregano – 1 teaspoon dried basil  – 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder – 1/2 teaspoon paprika – 1/4 teaspoon ground thyme – 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt  – 24 ounces marinara plain or roasted garlic – 2-3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil – 2 tablespoons fresh parsley

01

Start with adding the ground bison to a large mixing bowl. Then add the cheese, egg, onions and breadcrumbs. With you hands, combine well. Then evenly distribute the seasonings and mix again.

02

Roll into 16 1-inch meatballs and place meatballs on a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil

03

In a dutch oven over medium-low heat, add the olive oil. Add half of the meatballs and sear for about 4-5 minutes, making sure to rotate them so all sides get seared. When done, remove and transfer to a plate. Lower heat if you need to.

04

Add the rest of the uncooked meatballs to the pan and repeat searing for another 4-5 minutes. Add the marinara and place the other meatballs back into the pan.

05

Let the bison meatballs simmer on low for 15-20 minutes gently stirring them. Bison meatballs are done when internal temperature reaches 160 degrees F. When done, remove from the heat and let sit for about 10 minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley.

Pro Tips: Bison meatballs can be baked and then you can add your favorite pasta sauces later.  Though I make meatballs both ways, I find braising it produces a more tender meat. If you don’t have a dutch oven, use a deep large non stick frying pan.

Try these other delicious recipes! 

Fresh Fig Empanadas  with Goat Cheese Walnut Filling

Tasty Loaded Carne Asada Fries (Whole 30 Option)

Meet the Content Creator: Kristina is always chasing life, brunch and balance. She loves to show others how to cook healthy and delicious meals in the kitchen. Subscribe to her newsletter to follow her journey and see what's cooking next!