D.O. Meatballs
Hearty meatballs cooked in a savory tomato soup sauce with rice, perfect for comforting family dinners and easy to prepare in one pot.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine ground beef, uncooked rice, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and chopped onion in a bowl.
- Shape the mixture into meatballs and place them into a 12-inch Dutch oven.
- Mix the tomato soup and water together in a separate bowl.
- Pour the soup mixture over the meatballs in the Dutch oven.
- Cover and bake for 1 hour until cooked through.
Tips & Substitutions
For an added flavor boost, consider using breadcrumbs instead of rice for a different texture. If you prefer a lighter option, ground turkey can be substituted for the beef. Make sure to let the meatballs cool completely before storing them, as it helps maintain their shape. For a twist, try incorporating some grated Parmesan cheese into the mixture.
Serving Suggestions
These meatballs are delicious served over a bed of spaghetti or with crusty bread to soak up the sauce. Pair with a fresh side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. They also pair beautifully with the Winter Cabbage And Beef Soup for a hearty dinner option.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover meatballs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a saucepan over low heat with a splash of water or additional tomato soup, covering to steam and prevent drying out. For longer storage, freeze meatballs in a single layer before transferring to a freezer bag.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of D.O. Meatballs contains roughly 233 calories, with 15g protein, 10g carbohydrates, and 15g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (156% of the Daily Value), protein (30% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1816mg per serving (79% 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 make these meatballs ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the meatballs and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. This allows the flavors to meld together. Alternatively, you can freeze the uncooked meatballs and bake them directly from frozen, just adjust the cooking time slightly.
What can I use instead of tomato soup?
If you don’t have tomato soup on hand, you can use crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce mixed with a bit of sugar and seasoning for sweetness. This will give a similar flavor profile and help keep the meatballs moist during cooking.
How do I know when the meatballs are fully cooked?
The meatballs should be cooked to an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). You can check this with a meat thermometer, or cut one open to ensure there is no pink in the center 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).