Cheese Meatballs With Noodles
Cheese-filled meatballs simmered in tomato juice with noodles, blending savory, cheesy, and tangy flavors. Perfect for comforting family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place egg, garlic powder, salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper in a bowl and beat well.
- Add ground beef and bread crumbs; mix thoroughly.
- Shape beef mixture into 2-tablespoon portions around a cheese cube to form hamburger-sized meatballs.
- Heat oil in a 4-quart saucepan; brown half the meatballs at a time in the pan.
- Remove meatballs and set aside. Saute onions in pan drippings until golden brown.
- Add tomato juice to the pan and bring to a boil.
- Add uncooked noodles to the boiling liquid.
- Stir in meatballs and remaining pepper; cover and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Serve immediately.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider incorporating herbs like parsley or oregano into the meat mixture. If you prefer a healthier option, ground turkey or chicken can be substituted for the beef. You can also use whole grain noodles for a nutritious twist. If you're short on time, pre-made meatballs can be used instead, but the homemade version really elevates the dish.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these cheese meatballs over a bed of the cooked noodles, garnished with fresh parsley or grated Parmesan cheese for extra richness. A side salad or steamed vegetables pairs nicely to balance the meal. For a comforting twist, consider serving with garlic bread or a slice of your favorite Easy Overnight Casserole alongside.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover meatballs and noodles can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of water or tomato juice to prevent drying out. Alternatively, you can microwave them in a covered dish for about 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cheese Meatballs With Noodles contains roughly 725 calories, with 28g protein, 96g carbohydrates, and 28g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (158% of the Daily Value), protein (56% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (49% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2295mg per serving (100% 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 the meatballs before cooking?
Yes, you can freeze the uncooked meatballs. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen, then transfer to a freezer bag. They can be cooked directly from frozen, but may require a few extra minutes of cooking time.
What can I use instead of tomato juice?
If you don't have tomato juice on hand, crushed tomatoes or a combination of diced tomatoes and broth can work well as a substitute. Adjust the seasoning accordingly to balance the acidity.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat, mix in red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños into the meatball mixture. You can also add a splash of hot sauce to the tomato juice while it simmers for an extra kick.
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).