Homestyle Meatballs

Prep: 20 min Cook: 45 min Serves: 4 Cuisine: American

Homestyle meatballs with fresh vegetables and savory broth, perfect for comforting family dinners or casual gatherings. Rich flavors and hearty texture make it a satisfying meal.

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Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 lb. lean ground beef
  • 3/4 c. bread crumbs
  • 2 1/2 Tbsp. minced parsley
  • 3 cloves minced garlic
  • 1 egg
  • 1/2 tsp. nutmeg
  • 1/4 tsp. salt
  • 1/4 tsp. pepper
  • 1 carrot, finely chopped
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 2 tomatoes, finely chopped
  • 1 green pepper, cut in strips
  • 2 c. beef broth

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F and coat a large roasting pan with cooking spray.
  2. Combine ground beef, bread crumbs, parsley, garlic, egg, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Form into 1-inch meatballs.
  3. Place meatballs on the prepared roasting pan and bake for 15 minutes or until browned.
  4. Gently loosen meatballs from the bottom of the pan.
  5. Combine chopped carrot, onion, tomatoes, green pepper, and beef broth. Pour over the meatballs.
  6. Cover the pan and bake for 20 minutes.
  7. Remove the cover and bake an additional 10 to 15 minutes to thicken the sauce.

Tips & Substitutions

To enhance flavor, consider adding grated Parmesan cheese to the meatball mixture. If you're out of bread crumbs, crushed crackers or oats can serve as a substitute. For added moisture, try incorporating a tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce. You can also mix in finely chopped spinach or zucchini for a nutritious twist on these classic American recipes.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these homestyle meatballs over a bed of spaghetti for a classic meal, or alongside garlic bread for a hearty dinner. They also pair wonderfully with a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables. For a fun twist, try them in a sub roll with melted cheese, reminiscent of a comforting Dip In Loaf Of French Bread.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a saucepan with a little beef broth over medium heat until warmed through. Alternatively, you can microwave them on a microwave-safe plate, covered with a damp paper towel, for 1-2 minutes.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Homestyle Meatballs contains roughly 1148 calories, with 25g protein, 217g carbohydrates, and 22g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (74% of the Daily Value), protein (50% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (49% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2930mg per serving (127% of the Daily Value).

1148 kcal 57% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 24.8g 50% DV
Total Fat 21.7g 28% DV
Carbs 216.7g 79% DV
Fiber 8.9g 32% DV
Sugar 13.5g 27% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 2930.1mg 100% DV
Potassium 1645.5mg 35% DV
Cholesterol 439.3mg 100% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 665.8mcg 74% DV
Vitamin C 44mg 49% DV
Vitamin D 0.1mcg
Calcium 555.4mg 43% DV
Iron 8.4mg 46% DV
Diet fit High-protein High-fiber Low-fat
Contains 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 freeze the meatballs before cooking?

Yes, you can freeze the uncooked meatballs. Arrange them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer bag. They can be cooked directly from frozen, just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

What if I don't have fresh parsley?

If fresh parsley isn't available, dried parsley can be used instead. A general rule is to use one-third the amount of dried herbs compared to fresh. For instance, use about 1 tablespoon of dried parsley in this recipe.

How can I make these meatballs gluten-free?

To make gluten-free meatballs, substitute traditional bread crumbs with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour or gluten-free oats. Be sure to check that all other ingredients, such as beef broth, are labeled gluten-free as well.

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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