Filled Meat Balls
Filled meat balls are savory, tender meat parcels with flavorful filling, perfect for comforting family dinners or special occasions, offering a delightful blend of meat and seasoning.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix ground beef, salt, and egg together well.
- Prepare the filling with remaining ingredients: bread, celery, onion, salt, and parsley flakes.
- Roll out the meat mixture on a floured board. Place wax paper on top before rolling.
- Cut the rolled out meat into six squares.
- Place a filling ball in the center of each square, pull the meat up around the filling, and seal all edges.
- Brown the filled meat balls in Crisco, turning all around to evenly cook.
- Remove the meat balls and prepare gravy, possibly adding beef bouillon for extra flavor.
- Cover and simmer the meat balls in the gravy for 1 hour on low heat.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer filling, consider adding grated cheese or finely chopped bell peppers. If you don't have parsley flakes, fresh parsley or even dried oregano can work well as substitutes. Ensure the meat mixture is well-seasoned for optimal flavor. To avoid sticking, use a lightly floured surface when rolling out the meat, and consider using non-stick spray on your wax paper.
Serving Suggestions
These filled meatballs are perfect served over mashed potatoes or egg noodles to soak up the delicious gravy. Pair with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a balanced meal. For a fun twist, try serving them as part of a buffet alongside other favorites like Tangy Buffet Meatballs or a Large Cheese Ball.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover filled meatballs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a skillet over low heat with a bit of gravy until warmed through. Alternatively, you can heat them in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes, covered with foil to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Filled Meat Balls contains roughly 406 calories, with 5g protein, 65g carbohydrates, and 14g fat. It is a good source of vitamin A (13% of the Daily Value), protein (11% of the Daily Value), and iron (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 702mg per serving (31% 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 filled meatballs?
Yes, you can freeze filled meatballs either before or after cooking. If freezing uncooked, shape them and place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring to a freezer bag. For cooked meatballs, ensure they're cooled completely before placing them in an airtight container. They can be stored for up to 3 months.
What can I use instead of ground beef?
Ground turkey or chicken can be used as a leaner alternative to ground beef. If you prefer a vegetarian option, consider using lentils or a mixture of finely chopped vegetables and grains, like quinoa or brown rice, seasoned well to maintain flavor.
How do I know when the meatballs are cooked through?
To ensure meatballs are cooked through, use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature has reached 160°F for beef. Additionally, they should be browned on the outside and firm to the touch. If simmering in gravy, cook until the meatballs are heated through and tender.
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).