Easy Bake Meat Balls
Easy Bake Meat Balls are tender, flavorful meatballs cooked in a creamy celery soup sauce. Their savory taste is complemented by the onion and cracker crumbs, making them a comforting and versatile dish perfect for a quick family meal or casual gathering. Ideal for those who enjoy hearty, home-cooked flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Combine ground beef, diced onion, egg, and cracker crumbs in a bowl and shape into meatballs.
- Place meatballs in a baking dish and pour cream of celery soup and half a can of water over them.
- Bake at 350°F for 1 hour.
- Serve with baked potatoes for a complete meal.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider mixing in some garlic powder or Italian seasoning with the ground beef. If you don't have cracker crumbs, breadcrumbs or oats can be good substitutes. Ensure the meatballs are evenly sized for consistent cooking. You can also use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option, making it a versatile choice for various diets.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these meatballs with baked potatoes for a hearty meal. You can also pair them with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete dinner. A drizzle of gravy or a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley can elevate the dish. For a comforting twist, serve them over pasta or rice.
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 microwave-safe dish covered with a damp paper towel, or reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months; thaw before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Easy Bake Meat Balls contains roughly 1042 calories, with 30g protein, 151g carbohydrates, and 36g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (61% of the Daily Value), calcium (33% of the Daily Value), and iron (32% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 791mg per serving (34% 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?
Yes, you can prepare the meatballs in advance and refrigerate them for up to a day before baking. This allows the flavors to meld. Alternatively, you can freeze them uncooked and bake them directly from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
What can I use instead of cream of celery soup?
If you don't have cream of celery soup, you can substitute it with cream of mushroom soup or make a homemade version using heavy cream, sautéed celery, and seasonings. This will maintain the creamy texture and provide a similar flavor profile.
How can I tell when the meatballs are done cooking?
The meatballs are done when they reach an internal temperature of 160°F. You can use a meat thermometer to check this. Alternatively, they should be browned on the outside and no longer pink in the center. Allow them to rest for a few minutes before serving.
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).