Granny'S Good Meatballs
Granny's Good Meatballs are hearty, flavorful, and family-friendly, combining tender beef with spaghetti pieces in a savory tomato sauce for a comforting meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix ground chuck, beaten egg, salt, pepper, and uncooked broken spaghetti in a bowl.
- Form the mixture into meatballs.
- Brown the meatballs in a skillet until all sides are golden.
- Add 2 cups of tomato juice, cover, and simmer gently for 30 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For optimal flavor, consider adding minced garlic or finely chopped onions to the meatball mixture. If you don't have ground chuck, ground beef or turkey can be used as a substitute. To achieve a lighter texture, you can soak the uncooked spaghetti in water for a few minutes before adding it to the mixture. Experiment with spices like Italian seasoning or crushed red pepper for added depth.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Granny's Good Meatballs over a bed of cooked spaghetti for a hearty meal, or with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. A side of steamed vegetables like Yellow Squash or a fresh salad pairs nicely to balance the richness. For a comforting dessert, consider serving with Batter-Up Brownies to round out the meal.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, allow the meatballs to cool completely, then transfer them to an airtight container. They can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage. To reheat, simply warm them in a skillet over medium heat or microwave until heated through, adding a splash of water or tomato juice to maintain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Granny'S Good Meatballs contains roughly 487 calories, with 9g protein, 97g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 903mg per serving (39% 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 cooked spaghetti instead of uncooked?
Yes, you can use cooked spaghetti, but it will change the texture of the meatballs. The uncooked spaghetti absorbs moisture and helps bind the meatballs. If using cooked spaghetti, reduce the cooking time slightly to prevent the meatballs from becoming mushy.
What can I substitute for tomato juice?
If you don't have tomato juice on hand, you can substitute it with crushed tomatoes mixed with a bit of water or broth. Alternatively, you can use marinara sauce for added flavor. Just be aware that this may alter the overall taste of the dish slightly.
How can I make these meatballs gluten-free?
To make gluten-free meatballs, substitute regular spaghetti with gluten-free pasta. Additionally, ensure that the tomato juice and any added seasonings are also gluten-free. This way, you can enjoy a delicious meal without compromising dietary needs.
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).