Fluffy Meatballs

Prep: 180 min Cuisine: American

Fluffy meatballs with savory flavors, tender texture, and aromatic herbs, perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, served with your favorite sides.

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Ingredients

  • 1 lb. ground beef
  • 1/2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp. salt
  • 1 medium onion, minced or chopped
  • pinch of thyme
  • 1 egg
  • 2 Tbsp. flour
  • 1/2 tsp. pepper
  • 2 slices bread, torn in small pieces
  • pinch of marjoram
  • 1 c. evaporated milk

Instructions

  1. Mix all ingredients in a bowl.
  2. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for several hours to make the meatballs fluffier.
  3. Form small balls using spoons, not hands.
  4. Cook the meatballs in a pan, ensuring not to overcrowd.
  5. Keep warm in the oven if needed while finishing cooking the remaining meatballs.

Tips & Substitutions

For fluffier meatballs, allow the mixture to chill in the refrigerator for several hours. This helps the ingredients meld and improves texture. If you don't have Worcestershire sauce, try soy sauce or balsamic vinegar as a substitute. Additionally, using fresh breadcrumbs instead of torn bread can enhance the overall flavor and texture.

Serving Suggestions

These meatballs can be served over pasta with marinara sauce for a classic dish, or paired with a fresh green salad for a lighter meal. They also work well in a Meatball-Vegetable Skillet for a comforting one-pan dinner. Consider offering crusty bread on the side to soak up the delicious juices.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to keep them moist. Cover the skillet to steam and heat through evenly. You can also reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Fluffy Meatballs contains roughly 567 calories, with 11g protein, 93g carbohydrates, and 18g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (33% of the Daily Value), protein (21% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2199mg per serving (96% of the Daily Value).

567 kcal 28% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 10.5g 21% DV
Total Fat 17.7g 23% DV
Carbs 92.9g 34% DV
Fiber 3.1g 11% DV
Sugar 11.8g 24% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 2198.8mg 96% DV
Potassium 336.2mg 7% DV
Cholesterol 60.8mg 20% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 188.7mcg 21% DV
Vitamin C 19.3mg 21% DV
Vitamin D 0.4mcg 2% DV
Calcium 177.7mg 14% DV
Iron 5.9mg 33% DV
Diet fit Low-fat
Contains Milk Egg Wheat/Gluten

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 alternative for a leaner option. Just keep in mind that turkey meatballs might be slightly drier, so adding a bit more evaporated milk can help maintain moisture and tenderness.

How can I make these meatballs gluten-free?

To make gluten-free meatballs, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free bread for the torn pieces. Ensure that all other ingredients are also gluten-free to keep the entire dish compliant.

What is the best way to prevent meatballs from falling apart while cooking?

To prevent meatballs from falling apart, ensure that your mixture has enough binding agents like the egg and flour. Additionally, refrigerating the mixture before forming the meatballs helps them hold together better during cooking.

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).

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