Hamburger Meat Balls
Savory hamburger meatballs simmered in a spicy tomato sauce, perfect for hearty family dinners or casual gatherings, offering rich flavors and comforting textures.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix hamburger meat, flour, salt, pepper, and chopped onion in a bowl.
- Form the mixture into meatballs.
- Bring a pot of water to a boil and drop the meatballs into the boiling water.
- Cook the meatballs in boiling water for about 20 minutes.
- Remove the meatballs and place them on a pan.
- Take about 2 cups of hot water from the boiling process.
- Mix tomato paste and tomato sauce together and pour over the meatballs.
- Bake in a 350°F oven for 45 minutes to 1 hour.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider mixing in some minced garlic or fresh herbs like parsley or basil. You can substitute breadcrumbs for flour if you prefer a different texture. If you want a kick, add some crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce. Using lean hamburger meat will keep the meatballs from being too greasy. Pair with Cheesy Baked Potatoes for a hearty meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these meatballs over pasta or with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. A side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad works well to balance the meal. For a comforting option, try pairing with Potatoes Donna for a satisfying family dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the meatballs and sauce in a saucepan over low heat until warmed through, or microwave in a covered dish for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway to ensure even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Hamburger Meat Balls contains roughly 453 calories, with 20g protein, 56g carbohydrates, and 19g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (223% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (44% of the Daily Value), and protein (39% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2297mg per serving (100% 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 freeze the meatballs before cooking?
Yes, you can freeze the uncooked meatballs. Place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. When ready to cook, you can bake them directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
What can I use instead of tomato sauce?
If you don't have tomato sauce, you can substitute it with crushed tomatoes or diced tomatoes for a chunkier texture. Alternatively, a store-bought marinara sauce can work well, adding a different flavor profile to the dish.
How can I make these meatballs spicier?
To add heat, mix in some chopped jalapeños or a teaspoon of cayenne pepper into the meatball mixture. You can also use a spicier variety of tomato sauce or add hot sauce to the final dish for an extra kick.
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).