These Baked Bison Meatballs are a great option for a satisfying and nutritious meal, made with ground bison, fresh herbs, and a few simple ingredients.
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Meatballs are great to make because they are so versatile. You can serve them as an appetizer with a dipping sauce, add them to pasta with a marinara sauce for a hearty meal, or pair them with a side of vegetables for a balanced dinner.
This is especially useful if you are following a low carb diet, and want to switch up the menu. Bison meat is healthier than ground beef due to it being leaner and lower in fat and is also rich in protein, iron, and other essential nutrients. Not only will this be a delicious meal it also means you can enjoy it guilt free.
Ingredients Needed
- Ground Bison – Many grocery stores carry ground bison these days. I get mine at Safeway/Von’s or Albertsons.
- Egg – The beaten egg acts as a binding agent, helping to hold the meatballs together. If you’re allergic or sensitive to egg, you can leave it out.
- Worcestershire Sauce – This sauce is great for adding a punch of flavor to the meat.
- Garlic – Use a clove or two of fresh minced garlic.
- Onion – White or yellow onions work great. You could also use red onions.
- Salt & Ground Black Pepper
- Oregano – You can use dried or fresh. If using fresh, you’ll want to use twice as much.
How to Make Baked Bison Meatballs
Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to make the clean up easier and keep the meatballs from sticking to the sheet. Set it aside while you make the meatballs.
Mix together all of the ingredients in a mixing bowl until well combined. I like to use my hands for this, because it’s just so much easier than with a spoon or spatula. Form the meat into 1 1/2” meatballs.
Place the meatballs on the baking sheet, spread apart so they aren’t touching. Bake for 15 minutes, turning once halfway through cooking. When done, the inside of the meatballs should register 165°F on a meat thermometer.
You can also cook these meatballs in an air fryer if you have one. Bake them on 400°F for about 8-10 minutes, until the internal temperature of 165°F is reached.
Additional Helpful Tips
- Opt for lean ground bison with a lower fat content to keep the meatballs moist without excess grease.
- For evenly sized meatballs, use an ice cream scoop or a tablespoon to measure out the meat mixture.
- If you prefer, you can wear food-safe disposable gloves while shaping the meatballs. This helps keep the mixture from sticking to your hands and makes cleanup easier.
- Leave some space between the meatballs on the baking sheet to allow for proper air circulation and even browning.
- Besides pasta or as an appetizer, explore other serving ideas such as meatball subs, meatball-stuffed sandwiches, or as a topping for salads.
Storing Options
Refrigerator: Store the cooked meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure the meatballs have cooled completely before storing them.
Freezer: Once the meatballs are fully cooked and cooled, place them in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag. Label the container with the date and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months.
How to Reheat
Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Place the meatballs on a baking sheet and cover them with foil to prevent drying. Reheat in the oven for about 10-15 minutes or until heated through.
Microwave: Arrange a few meatballs on a microwave-safe plate and cover them with a damp paper towel or microwave-safe lid. Microwave on medium power in 30-second intervals, checking and stirring in between, until the temperature is reached.
Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 350°F. Arrange the meatballs in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for about 5-8 minutes or until heated through, shaking the basket halfway through for even heating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?
Yes, absolutely! You can prepare the meatball mixture ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before shaping and baking the meatballs.
Can I use an egg substitute in this recipe?
Yes, you can use flaxseed or chia seed eggs as substitutes for the beaten egg. Mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed or chia seeds with 3 tablespoons of water and let it sit for a few minutes until it thickens. However, it’s not entirely necessary to replace the egg. It does help to hold together the meat better, but the meatballs won’t crumble or fall apart without the egg.
How long do you cook ground bison in the oven?
The cook time of ground bison meatballs will vary based on their size. If you keep the meatballs to 1 1/2″ round, like a golf ball, they will take about 15 minutes to cook in the oven.
What to Serve With This Dish?
If you’re looking for a great side dish to serve alongside this main dish, why not try one of these recipes below. They will compliment this main dish very well and are all low in carbs so you can make a great keto or low-carb meal to enjoy.
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Baked Bison Meatballs
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 pound (454 g) ground bison
- 1 egg beaten
- 1 teaspoon (4.93 ml) Worcestershire sauce
- 1 clove (1 clove) garlic minced
- 1/4 cup (40 g) onion chopped
- 1 teaspoon (6 g) salt
- 1/2 teaspoon (1 g) ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon (1 g) oregano
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Set aside.
- Mix together all of the ingredients in a mixing bowl until well combined. Form 1 1/2” meatballs.
- Place the meatballs on the baking tray. Bake for 15 minutes, turning once halfway through cooking. Inside of meatballs should register 165°F on a meat thermometer.
Notes
- You can also cook these meatballs in the air fryer on 400°F, for 10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through cooking.
Nutrition
The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.