Baked Meat Balls
Baked Meat Balls offer a hearty, flavorful dish featuring tender ground beef combined with green pepper, onion, and seasonings, then baked in a rich tomato soup sauce. Perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, this comforting meal pairs well with rice or pasta and appeals to all ages.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine ground beef with chopped onion, chopped green pepper, beaten egg, salt, pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and rice cereal. Mix well.
- Form the mixture into 10 meatballs. Roll each ball in flour.
- Brown the meatballs in hot shortening until evenly browned.
- Place browned meatballs in a large casserole dish.
- Pour diluted tomato soup (tomato soup mixed with one can of hot water) over the meatballs.
- Cover and bake at 350°F for 45 minutes until cooked through and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider mixing in some minced garlic or Italian herbs like oregano and basil. If you want a healthier twist, substitute ground turkey for beef. Instead of crisp rice cereal, you can use breadcrumbs or crushed oats. If you prefer a thicker sauce, reduce the amount of water when diluting the tomato soup.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these meatballs over a bed of cooked pasta or rice for a hearty meal, or enjoy them on their own as a delicious appetizer. They pair beautifully with a side salad or roasted vegetables. For a complete dinner experience, consider serving with a slice of garlic bread or the comforting flavors of Rice Side Dish.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover baked meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes or until heated through. For a quicker option, you can microwave them on medium power, checking every minute until warmed.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Baked Meat Balls contains roughly 225 calories, with 4g protein, 49g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (86% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (58% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (36% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin D. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1061mg per serving (46% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I freeze these meatballs?
Yes, these baked meatballs freeze well! Allow them to cool completely before placing them in a freezer-safe container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and reheat as instructed.
What can I use instead of tomato soup?
If you don't have tomato soup on hand, you can use marinara sauce or a homemade tomato sauce as an alternative. Just ensure to adjust the amount of water added accordingly to maintain the desired consistency when pouring over the meatballs.
How do I know when the meatballs are fully cooked?
To ensure the meatballs are fully cooked, use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature has reached 160°F. Alternatively, you can cut one open to ensure there is no pink meat inside and the juices run clear.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).