Wild Idea Buffalo Recipe of the Week - PIZZA MEATBALLS WITH PESTO PASTA

This week's Wild Idea Buffalo Recipe of the Week is PIZZA MEATBALLS WITH PESTO PASTA. This one is made using the Ground Wild Idea Buffalo Meat along with Pizza Sauce, Oregano, Fennel, Thyme, Salt and Pepper, Garlic Powder, Olive Oil, Bread Stuffing, Pasta, and Basil Pesto (recipe included). A true Italian Style Buffalo Meal! You can find this recipe and purchase the Wild Idea Ground Buffalo along with all the other Wild Idea Products at the Wild Idea Buffalo website. So Enjoy and Eat Healthy in 2020!

PIZZA MEATBALLS WITH PESTO PASTA
We could all use a little comfort (and health) during this challenging time and where better to find solace than with a delicious, healthy meal. Jill's recipe will dish up both comfort and flavor.

So, create your own personal retreat by filling your home with great tunes and scented aromas and cozy up to comfort.

Pizza Meatballs with Basil Pesto Pasta
The aroma of this dish will call people to the kitchen and the taste will make them smile. We could all

use a smile. :)

*Substitute spices with others, such as Italian seasoning for the meatballs and fresh spinach for the pesto.

Ingredients: (makes 54 meatballs – serves 6 to 12 entrées)

1 – 1 pound Ground Wild Idea Buffalo Meat
1½ – cup pizza sauce
1 - teaspoon oregano
1 – teaspoon fennel seed, crushed
½ - teaspoon thyme
1 - teaspoon black pepper
½ - teaspoon salt
½ - teaspoon garlic powder
2 - tablespoons olive oil, plus more for rolling meat balls
1 – cup crushed seasoned bread stuffing (*Optional - if you leave out, reduce pizza sauce to 1 cup)
Pasta of your choice - cooked al dente
Basil Pesto *recipe below or purchased

Preparation:

1 - Mix all ingredients other than the meat together.
2 - Crumble in the ground buffalo meat and mix until well incorporated.

3 - Rub your hands with olive oil to roll the meat balls and place on a baking sheet.
4 - Bake at 425°in a preheated oven, on the top rack for about 7 minutes.
5 - Prepare pasta per directions, reserving ½ cup of the pasta water. Do not rinse the pasta.
6 - Pour the reserved pasta water back in the pot and add the pasta and desired amount of pesto. Toss to incorporate and heat through.
7 - Place desired amount of pasta on plate and top pasta with 4 to 6 meatballs.
Basil Pesto
*I am not a pine nut fan, but if you are, add ¼ cup to ingredients.

Ingredients:

2 - cups fresh basil leaves, packed
2 - cups shredded parmesan cheese
3 - garlic cloves, chopped
1 - teaspoon salt
1 - teaspoon pepper (I like a little more)
2 - tablespoon. lemon juice
1 - cup olive oil

Preparation: Place all ingredients in blender and puree until smooth. Refrigerate.

Photo Credit: Jill O'Brien
https://wildideabuffalo.com/blogs/recipes/dishing-up-comfort-health


WILD IDEA BUFFALO PREMIUM GROUND BUFFALO 1 LB.
Wild Idea Ground Buffalo is a "must have" for countless healthy, meaty meals. We grind our finest

roasts and steaks to bring you the most delicious ground buffalo on the planet. User friendly and very versatile, our 100% grass-fed, ground buffalo meat is packed with protein and naturally low in fat and calories. Did we mention it's delicious? Average 95% lean.

1 lb. package

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https://wildideabuffalo.com/collections/premium-ground-bison-burgers/products/1-lb-ground-buffalo