Doug'S Italian Meatballs
Doug's Italian Meatballs feature tender ground chuck combined with chopped bell pepper and onion, simmered in a savory gravy. The dish offers rich flavors with a hint of Italian dressing and soy sauce, perfect for comforting dinners over rice or mashed potatoes, appealing to those who love hearty, flavorful meat dishes.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Grind or chop bell pepper and onion together.
- Mix the chopped vegetables thoroughly with ground chuck.
- Add Italian dressing and soy sauce to taste. Season with salt and pepper and mix well.
- Hand roll the mixture into meatballs.
- Spray a frying pan with nonstick spray before cooking.
- Heat the frying pan over medium heat.
- Cook the meatballs until they are about 80 percent done and have taken up some color, being careful not to overcook.
- Drain excess grease from the pan, leaving the meat crumbs in the pan.
- In a bowl, pour 2 cups of cold water and add flour. Stir until smooth.
- Pour the flour mixture into the frying pan with the meatballs and stir. Add more water as needed to achieve a slightly thick gravy.
- Simmer the meatballs in the gravy with the lid on for about 30 minutes.
- Serve the meatballs and gravy over rice or mashed potatoes.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor of Doug's Italian Meatballs, consider adding minced garlic or Italian herbs like oregano and basil. If you're out of Italian dressing, a mix of olive oil, vinegar, and Italian seasonings works well as a substitute. For a gluten-free option, use tamari instead of soy sauce. Adjust the water in the gravy to your desired thickness for a perfect consistency.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Doug's Italian Meatballs over a bed of fluffy rice or creamy mashed potatoes for a comforting meal. Pair with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad to balance the richness. These meatballs also make a great filling for subs or as a topping for spaghetti and noodles, adding versatility to your dining experience.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover meatballs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place them in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of water or gravy to keep them moist. 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 Doug'S Italian Meatballs contains roughly 607 calories, with 3g protein, 36g carbohydrates, and 50g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (19% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% 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?
Yes, you can freeze Doug's Italian Meatballs! After cooking, let them cool completely, then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They will keep well for up to three months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm them in a skillet or microwave until heated through.
What can I use instead of ground chuck?
If you prefer a leaner option, ground turkey or chicken can be substituted for ground chuck in this recipe. For a richer flavor, consider using ground pork. Keep in mind that different meats may result in varying textures and moisture levels, so adjust cooking times accordingly.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the meatball mixture a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When you're ready to cook, simply roll them into balls and follow the instructions. This is a great way to save time on busy weeknights or when entertaining guests.
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).