Favorite Meatballs
Savory meatballs baked in a creamy mushroom and ketchup sauce, perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, offering comforting flavors and tender texture.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix egg, crushed saltines, and ground beef together.
- Form the mixture into meatballs.
- Roll the meatballs in flour.
- Brown the meatballs in a skillet; set aside to drain.
- Mix cream of mushroom soup, milk, and catsup to create the sauce.
- Place the browned meatballs in a baking dish.
- Pour the sauce over the meatballs.
- Bake at 350°F for 30 minutes or until the sauce begins to thicken.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, substitute half of the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken. You can also use panko breadcrumbs instead of crushed saltines for added texture. If you prefer a bit of spice, add red pepper flakes or finely chopped jalapeños to the meat mixture. Make sure to season the flour with salt and pepper for better flavor when browning the meatballs.
Serving Suggestions
These meatballs are delicious served over a bed of cooked pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes. A simple green salad or steamed vegetables make great side dishes to balance the meal. For a fun twist, serve them as sliders on small buns with a side of chips. They also pair beautifully with Betty'S Cheesy Beef Casserole for a hearty dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover meatballs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer before transferring to a freezer-safe bag. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm in the oven at 350°F until heated through, or microwave individual portions on medium power.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Favorite Meatballs contains roughly 1311 calories, with 29g protein, 245g carbohydrates, and 24g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (87% of the Daily Value), protein (57% of the Daily Value), and calcium (37% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1456mg per serving (63% 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 and sauce in advance. Form the meatballs and brown them, then refrigerate or freeze them. You can also prepare the sauce and store it separately. When ready to serve, simply combine and bake as directed.
What can I substitute for cream of mushroom soup?
If you prefer a homemade option, you can create a simple cream sauce using butter, flour, and vegetable or chicken broth. Add sautéed mushrooms for flavor. Alternatively, use cream of chicken or cream of celery soup as a substitute.
How can I make these meatballs gluten-free?
To make gluten-free meatballs, replace the crushed saltines with gluten-free breadcrumbs or oats. Ensure that the flour used for rolling is also gluten-free. Check labels on all other ingredients to confirm they are gluten-free, especially the soup and catsup.
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).