Fire House Meatballs
Fire House Meatballs are flavorful, spicy meatballs with a hint of chili and Worcestershire, perfect for hearty gatherings or casual family dinners involving bold tastes.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a 2-quart bowl, combine ground beef, crushed cornflakes, evaporated milk, chopped onions, chili sauce, Worcestershire sauce, salt, black pepper, and hot pepper sauce; mix well.
- With wet hands, shape the mixture into 16 meatballs.
- Place the meatballs in an ungreased 13 x 9 x 2-inch baking pan.
- Bake, uncovered, in a preheated 400°F (200°C) oven for 20 minutes, or until lightly browned on the outside and cooked medium on the inside.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, feel free to increase the amount of hot pepper sauce. You can substitute the cornflakes with crushed breadcrumbs if preferred. If you're looking for a gluten-free option, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or oats. To enhance flavor, try adding minced garlic or herbs like parsley or oregano to the meat mixture.
Serving Suggestions
These meatballs make a great appetizer or main dish. Serve them with spaghetti and marinara sauce for a classic pairing or alongside garlic bread for a comforting meal. They also pair beautifully with Stuffed Green Bell Peppers for a hearty dinner. For a casual gathering, consider serving them with toothpicks and dipping sauces for a fun party snack.
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 and cover with a damp paper towel, microwaving in 30-second intervals until heated through. Alternatively, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Fire House Meatballs contains roughly 188 calories, with 9g protein, 22g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (58% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and iron. It also contributes 7g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey is a great substitute for a leaner option. Just keep in mind that turkey can be drier than beef, so consider adding a little extra evaporated milk or a splash of broth to keep your meatballs moist.
How do I know when the meatballs are fully cooked?
The meatballs should be browned on the outside and reach an internal temperature of 160°F (70°C) to ensure they are fully cooked. You can use a meat thermometer for accuracy, or cut one meatball in half to check that it’s no longer pink inside.
Can I freeze the meatballs?
Absolutely! You can freeze the uncooked meatballs before baking. Just arrange them on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Cook them from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time when ready to serve.
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).