Canned Meatballs
Hearty homemade meatballs with savory seasonings, served with a flavorful brown gravy. Perfect for family dinners or potlucks, offering comfort and satisfying flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix together ground beef, oatmeal, milk, ketchup, eggs, salt, mustard, oregano, sage, seasoned salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Wet your hands to make handling easier, then shape the mixture into meatballs.
- Fry the meatballs until browned all over.
- Make a brown pan gravy from the drippings or additional ingredients as desired.
- Pour the gravy over the meatballs in a jar.
- Cold pack the jar for 2 hours or process in a pressure canner at 10 pounds pressure for 1 hour and 25 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a healthier option, consider substituting half of the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken. If you want more flavor, add minced garlic or chopped onions to the mixture. For a gluten-free version, replace oatmeal with gluten-free breadcrumbs. Wetting your hands while forming meatballs will help prevent sticking, making the process easier.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these canned meatballs with a side of mashed potatoes or over a bed of pasta for a comforting meal. They pair beautifully with Don'S Barbecue Sauce for a tangy twist. For a complete dinner, add a fresh salad or steamed vegetables. These meatballs also make a great filling for sandwiches or sliders.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place the meatballs in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out. Cover the skillet to steam them for even heating. They can also be reheated in the microwave until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Canned Meatballs contains roughly 873 calories, with 24g protein, 197g carbohydrates, and 16g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (266% of the Daily Value), iron (222% of the Daily Value), and calcium (154% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 595mg per serving (26% 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 use a different type of meat for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even pork, depending on your preference. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly with different meats.
How do I know when the meatballs are fully cooked?
The meatballs should be browned on the outside and reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) for ground beef. Using a meat thermometer is the best way to ensure they are fully cooked.
Can I freeze the meatballs after canning?
Yes, after processing, you can freeze the meatballs. However, it's best to freeze them before canning if possible. If already canned, store in the freezer for up to 3 months, and thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
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).