Grandma Lee'S Meat Balls
Grandma Lee's Meat Balls feature a rich blend of ground beef and pork, seasoned with garlic, Romano cheese, and herbs, then simmered in a flavorful homemade spaghetti sauce. This hearty, comforting dish is perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, offering robust flavors and tender meatballs in a savory sauce.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix all ingredients for meatballs together, cover, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- While the meat is in the refrigerator, prepare Grandma Lee's Spaghetti Sauce and let it simmer for 30 minutes.
- After the sauce has simmered, form the meat mixture into meatballs and add them to the sauce.
- Continue cooking the sauce with meatballs for 1.5 hours, stirring occasionally.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding chopped fresh herbs like parsley or basil to the meat mixture. If you want a leaner option, substitute half of the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken. To reduce bread crumbs, you can use crushed crackers or oats. Make sure to let the meatballs rest in the sauce to absorb the flavors. For a quick side, try pairing them with a simple salad or garlic bread.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Grandma Lee's Meatballs over a bed of spaghetti for a classic combination, or try them in a sub sandwich with melted cheese. They also pair beautifully with garlic bread or a fresh garden salad. For a comforting meal, consider serving them alongside Baked Lasagna or a side of Italian Supper Casserole for a delicious Italian feast.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover meatballs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To freeze, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm in a saucepan over low heat or in the microwave until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Grandma Lee'S Meat Balls contains roughly 803 calories, with 42g protein, 16g carbohydrates, and 62g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (85% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 642mg per serving (28% 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 use different types of meat for the meatballs?
Yes, you can mix and match different meats according to your preference. Ground turkey or chicken can be used as a lighter alternative, or you could use lamb for a unique flavor. Just ensure the total weight remains the same at 6 pounds.
How do I know when the meatballs are fully cooked?
The meatballs are fully cooked when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). You can check this with a meat thermometer. Additionally, they should be firm to the touch and no longer pink in the center.
Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the meatballs a day in advance and store them in the refrigerator until you're ready to cook. This allows the flavors to meld together. Alternatively, you can freeze them raw and cook from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
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).