Question: Ground chuck meatballs are stil pink in middle after being pan-fried and placed in the oven
By: shannon brown
Published: January 20, 2011

I recently purchased already prepared ground chuck meatballs from publix...i followed the direction which was place in pan with 2tbsp. of oil and fry for 10-15 minutes...well they were still pink so i placed them in the oven still pink and then i placed them in the spaghetti sauce and still pink. I dont understand can some one help?

Answers:
miansari66

If during frying the meat balls or nuggest are pressed occasionally to squeeze out watery juice from inside then hot oil will panetrate inside the meat balls which will cook inside of the meatball........
Joann S.

Check the internal temperature and not the color of the meat to test for doneness.
The Apprentice

A chemical called Sodium Nitrite is often added to ground and cured meats to retain the meat's pink colour, even when cooked. The use of this chemical is regulated but quite common, and generally believed to be safe. That might have something to do with it...