Grandma Potoczny'S Meat Balls

Prep: 20 min Cook: 20 min Serves: 6 Cuisine: American

Grandma Potoczny's Meat Balls are flavorful, tender, and savory, perfect for family dinners or gatherings, featuring classic ingredients and aromatic garlic with Romano cheese.

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Ingredients

  • 3 lb. ground chuck
  • 3 eggs
  • 1 c. milk
  • 1 c. bread crumbs
  • 1 tsp. salt
  • black pepper to taste
  • 2 dashes parsley flakes
  • garlic salt
  • 1 Tbsp. Romano cheese
  • 2 Tbsp. olive oil

Instructions

  1. Combine ground chuck, eggs, milk, bread crumbs, salt, black pepper, parsley flakes, garlic salt, and Romano cheese in a bowl.
  2. Wet your hands and roll the mixture into meatballs, wetting hands occasionally to prevent sticking.
  3. In a pan, brown 2 cloves of garlic in olive oil over medium heat.
  4. Remove the garlic once browned, then brown the meatballs in the same pan without a lid.

Tips & Substitutions

For a juicier meatball, consider using a mixture of ground chuck and ground pork. If you prefer a lighter option, swap out the bread crumbs for oat flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs. Adjust the garlic salt based on your preference for garlic flavor. Fresh herbs like basil or thyme can also enhance the flavor profile.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these meatballs with spaghetti and marinara sauce for a classic dish or on a sub roll with melted cheese for a delicious meatball sandwich. Pair with a simple side salad or garlic bread. They also go well with sides like roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes. For dessert, consider serving with Steamed Persimmon Pudding.

Storage & Reheating

To store leftovers, place the meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to keep them moist.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Grandma Potoczny'S Meat Balls contains roughly 803 calories, with 30g protein, 180g carbohydrates, and 15g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (205% of the Daily Value), iron (128% of the Daily Value), and calcium (93% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1474mg per serving (64% of the Daily Value).

803 kcal 40% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 29.9g 60% DV
Total Fat 15.4g 20% DV
Carbs 179.8g 65% DV
Fiber 57.4g 100% DV
Sugar 2g 4% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1474.3mg 64% DV
Potassium 3245.6mg 69% DV
Cholesterol 114.2mg 38% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 97.7mcg 11% DV
Vitamin C 0.3mg
Vitamin D 0.1mcg
Calcium 1208.2mg 93% DV
Iron 23mg 100% DV
Diet fit High-protein High-fiber 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 lean ground beef for this recipe?

Yes, you can use lean ground beef, but keep in mind that it may result in slightly drier meatballs. Adding a bit more milk or an extra egg can help maintain moisture.

How can I make these meatballs spicier?

To add heat, incorporate red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños into the meat mixture. You can also serve them with a spicy marinara sauce for an extra kick.

Can I bake the meatballs instead of frying them?

Absolutely! To bake, preheat the oven to 400°F and place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for about 20-25 minutes or until cooked through, turning halfway for even browning.

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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