Hide And Seek Meatballs
Hidden meatballs combined with savory tomato and onion sauce create a hearty, flavorful dish perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, offering comforting tastes and textures.
Ingredients
- 1 cup bread crumbs ⓘ
- 1/2 cup milk ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons sage ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1 pound ground chuck ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons fat ⓘ
- 1 large onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1 cup applesauce ⓘ
- 1/2 tablespoon prepared horseradish ⓘ
- 1 cup diced or chopped fresh or canned tomatoes ⓘ
- 1/8 teaspoon basil ⓘ
- pepper to taste ⓘ
- pastry for 9-inch single crust pie ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine bread crumbs, milk, Worcestershire sauce, sage, and salt; mix well.
- Add ground beef and mix thoroughly until well blended.
- Form the mixture into small meatballs.
- Brown the meatballs on all sides in a skillet and place in a casserole dish.
- Drain excess fat, leaving about 3 teaspoons, then sauté chopped onion.
- Add applesauce, prepared horseradish, diced or chopped tomatoes, basil, salt, and pepper to the onion; cook for a few minutes.
- Pour the sauce over the meatballs in the casserole.
- Cover with pastry for a 9-inch single crust pie.
- Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 30 to 40 minutes until golden and cooked through.
Tips & Substitutions
For an extra flavor boost, consider using homemade bread crumbs. If you're out of Worcestershire sauce, a mix of soy sauce and vinegar can work as a substitute. You can also swap ground chuck for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. Adding a pinch of garlic powder or onion powder to the meat mixture can enhance the taste further.
Serving Suggestions
These meatballs pair beautifully with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. You might also enjoy serving them alongside mashed potatoes or pasta. For a comforting finish, consider dessert options like Old-Fashioned Cherry Cobbler to complete your meal.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover meatballs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a covered dish in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave them for a quicker option, ensuring they are heated evenly to maintain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Hide And Seek Meatballs contains roughly 360 calories, with 8g protein, 50g carbohydrates, and 15g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (48% of the Daily Value), iron (26% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 540mg per serving (23% 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 make these meatballs ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the meatballs in advance and refrigerate them before cooking. Simply bake them when you're ready to serve, adjusting the cooking time as needed. This makes them a great option for meal prep or entertaining, allowing you to enjoy more time with guests.
What can I use instead of horseradish?
If you don't have prepared horseradish, you can substitute with a teaspoon of Dijon mustard for a milder flavor. Alternatively, for a bit of heat, consider using a dash of hot sauce. Adjust according to your taste preferences to ensure the meatballs still have a nice kick.
Can I freeze the meatballs?
Yes, these meatballs freeze well! After cooking, let them cool completely, then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be stored for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then warm in the oven or microwave as desired.
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).