Maple pork meatballs

Maple pork meatballs blend savory ground pork with sweet maple syrup and zesty orange for a delightful flavour profile. This dish is oven-baked to perfection, making it a convenient and impressive choice for dinner.

28 Jan 2026
Cook time 10 min
Prep time 20 min

Ingredients:

18 oz ground pork
2 tbsp orange zest
1/4 cup bread crumbs
1 egg
1 tbsp fresh thyme
2 garlic cloves
1 tbsp olive oil
1 cup orange juice
1/3 cup maple syrup
2 tbsp vinegar
2 cups spinach

Maple pork meatballs are a delicious and unique twist on traditional meatballs. By combining ground pork with the sweet flavors of maple syrup and the zestiness of orange, this dish offers a balance of savory and sweet that will please any palate. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or an impressive meal for guests, these meatballs are sure to become a favorite.

Instructions:

1. Prepare Meatball Mixture:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground pork, orange zest, bread crumbs, egg, fresh thyme, and minced garlic. Mix well until thoroughly combined.

2. Form Meatballs:
- Using your hands or a small ice cream scoop, shape the mixture into small meatballs, roughly the size of a walnut. You should get about 20-24 meatballs.

3. Sear Meatballs:
- Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the meatballs and sear them until they are browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. You might need to do this in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Remove the meatballs and set aside.

4. Make the Sticky Maple Sauce:
- In the same skillet, pour in the orange juice, maple syrup, and vinegar. Bring the mixture to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.

5. Combine and Bake:
- Return the seared meatballs to the skillet, ensuring they're well-coated with the sauce. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and the sauce is thick and sticky.

6. Prepare Spinach:
- In the last few minutes of baking, place the spinach in a large bowl. Remove the skillet from the oven, and carefully transfer the meatballs to the bowl of spinach. Pour any remaining sauce over the meatballs and spinach. The residual heat will slightly wilt the spinach.

7. Serve:
- Toss everything gently to combine and serve immediately.

These maple pork meatballs are a delightful blend of savory pork and sweet maple flavors that are sure to impress. Paired with fresh spinach, they make for a complete and satisfying meal. Enjoy them as a main dish or serve them as a tasty appetizer. Either way, they're bound to be a hit.

Maple pork meatballs FAQ:

What is the baking time for the meatballs?

Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until they are cooked through and the sauce is thick and sticky.

How can I tell if the meatballs are done cooking?

Meatballs are done when they reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). You can also cut one open to ensure it is no longer pink inside.

Can I use ground turkey instead of ground pork?

Yes, you can substitute ground turkey for ground pork. The flavor profile will be slightly different, but it will work well in this recipe.

What is the best way to store leftover meatballs?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months.

What size skillet is recommended for searing the meatballs?

A large oven-safe skillet (10-12 inches) is recommended to ensure the meatballs have enough space to brown evenly without overcrowding.

Tips:

- Make sure to use fresh thyme for the best flavor.

- Chill the mixture for about 15-20 minutes before forming the meatballs to make them easier to handle.

- When zesting the orange, be careful to only get the outer layer of the skin and avoid the bitter white pith.

- Use a cookie scoop to ensure evenly sized meatballs.

- Don't overcrowd the meatballs in the pan; cook them in batches if necessary to ensure they brown evenly.

- After forming the meatballs, you can freeze them on a baking sheet to cook later. Just defrost before cooking.

Nutrition per serving

4 Servings
Calories 460kcal
Protein 36g
Carbohydrates 11g
Fiber 1.23g
Sugar 5g
Fat 33g

Maple pork meatballs