July 2, 2026 · 5 min

Spanish Beef Meatballs with Romesco Sauce, Patatas Bravas and Garlic Aioli

Lunch5 min2787 cal / serving

Bring the vibrant flavors of Spain to your table with this trio of tapas-style dishes. Juicy beef meatballs, seasoned with smoky paprika and sweet Vidalia onion, are seared until golden, then simmered in a rich, savory romesco sauce that coats every bite. Crispy roasted potatoes get a drizzle of creamy garlic aioli, while a bright herbaceous salad cuts through the richness.

Perfect for sharing, this meal is designed to be served family style, letting everyone build their own plate. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a festive weeknight meal, these Spanish-inspired bites are sure to impress.


Recipe details

Lunch5 min2787 cal / serving2 servings

Nutrition per serving

Calories2787 kcalProtein73.9 gFat239.3 gCarbs80.2 gSugar22.9 gFiber5.4 gSodium2437 mg

Dietary labels

Gluten-free: noLactose-free: yesDairy-free: yes

Allergen check

Gluten / wheat: containsMilk / dairy: not detectedEgg: containsFish: not detectedShellfish: not detectedPeanut: not detectedTree nuts: not detectedSoy: not detectedSesame: not detectedMustard: not detectedCelery: not detectedSulphites: not detectedLupin: not detectedMolluscs: not detected

Values are calculated per serving from ingredient amounts and the ingredient nutrition reference per 100g. Allergen and diet labels use available ingredient metadata and name matching; always check product labels for strict diets or allergies. Some ingredient amounts or nutrition values were incomplete, so this is marked as a partial estimate.


Ingredients

Potatoes12 ounce PotatoesView ingredient guide
Romesco Sauce6 tablespoon Romesco SauceView ingredient guide
Ground Beef20 ounce Ground BeefView ingredient guide
Mixed Greens4 ounce Mixed GreensView ingredient guide
Mayonnaise2 tablespoon MayonnaiseView ingredient guide
Panko Breadcrumbs0.25 cup Panko BreadcrumbsView ingredient guide
Parsley0.25 ounce ParsleyView ingredient guide
Garlic Powder1 teaspoon Garlic PowderView ingredient guide
Sherry Vinegar5 teaspoon Sherry VinegarView ingredient guide
Salt2 teaspoon (tsp) SaltView ingredient guide
Sugar0.13 teaspoon (tsp) SugarView ingredient guide
Black Pepperteaspoon (tsp) Black PepperView ingredient guide

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Dice potatoes into ½-inch pieces. Roughly chop parsley.
  2. Toss potatoes on a baking sheet with a drizzle of oil, half the Savory Paprika Blend, salt and pepper. Roast on top rack until browned and crispy, 20-25 minutes.
  3. In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, garlic powder, 1 teaspoon sherry vinegar, salt and pepper. Stir in water 1 teaspoon at a time until drizzling consistency. Set aside. In another small bowl, combine romesco sauce, beef stock concentrate and ¾ cup water.
  4. In a medium bowl, gently combine ground beef, panko, Vidalia onion paste, remaining Savory Paprika Blend, ½ teaspoon salt and pepper. Form into 10-12 (1-inch) meatballs.
  5. Heat a drizzle of cooking oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add meatballs and cook, turning occasionally, until browned all over, 4-6 minutes. Reduce heat to medium; stir in romesco mixture. Cook, stirring and spooning sauce over meatballs, until cooked through and sauce thickens, 2-4 minutes. Add a splash of water if too thick.
  6. In a second medium bowl, whisk together remaining sherry vinegar, 2 tablespoons olive oil, a pinch of sugar, salt and pepper. Add mixed greens and half the parsley; toss to combine.
  7. Arrange meatballs and sauce, potatoes and salad on separate serving dishes. Drizzle potatoes with garlic aioli and garnish with remaining parsley. Serve family style.

Recipe Tips

For extra crispy potatoes, spread them in a single layer on the baking sheet and avoid overcrowding.

If the romesco sauce becomes too thick while simmering, add a splash of water to reach desired consistency.

Use a gentle hand when forming meatballs to keep them tender.

FAQ

Can I use ground pork or turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground pork or turkey can be substituted. Adjust cooking time as needed to ensure they are cooked through.

What can I serve with this tapas meal?

Crusty bread, roasted vegetables or a simple Spanish rice make great accompaniments.

How do I store leftovers?

Store meatballs, potatoes and salad separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat meatballs and potatoes in a skillet or oven.

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