Lynn'S Meatballs
Lynn's Meatballs are savory, flavorful meatballs simmered in a rich tomato sauce, perfect for family dinners or gatherings. The blend of herbs and spices creates a comforting dish with a hint of heat from Tabasco, making it appealing to those who enjoy classic Italian-inspired flavors with a twist.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 2 eggs ⓘ
- 1/4 cup tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon oregano ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon parsley ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- dash of Tabasco sauce ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon minced garlic ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon minced onion ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon rosemary ⓘ
- 1/2 cup bread crumbs ⓘ
- 1 can (14.5 oz.) tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 can (15 oz.) tomato sauce
- 1 can (6 oz.) tomato paste ⓘ
- 2 bay leaves ⓘ
- 1 tsp. parsley ⓘ
- 2 bay leaves ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine ground beef, eggs, tomato sauce, oregano, parsley, salt, pepper, Worcestershire sauce, Tabasco, minced garlic, minced onion, and rosemary in a bowl to make the meat mixture.
- Form the mixture into meatballs of desired size.
- In a large pot, combine canned tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste.
- Add oregano, parsley, and bay leaves to the tomato mixture.
- Add the meatballs to the sauce, ensuring they are submerged.
- Simmer uncovered for about 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
- Remove bay leaves before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a flavorful twist, try adding grated Parmesan cheese to the meat mixture. If you're out of Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce can be a good substitute. To keep the meatballs tender, avoid overmixing the ingredients. You can also use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. For a spicy kick, increase the amount of Tabasco sauce to your preference.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these meatballs over your favorite pasta for a classic meal, or enjoy them in a sub sandwich topped with melted cheese. They pair beautifully with Oven-Baked Spaghetti Pie or a fresh side salad for a complete dinner. For added flavor, sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the meatballs in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through, adding a splash of tomato sauce if needed.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Lynn'S Meatballs contains roughly 590 calories, with 39g protein, 103g carbohydrates, and 10g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (302% of the Daily Value), iron (222% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (186% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 905mg 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 make the meatballs ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the meatballs a day in advance. Just cover them and refrigerate until you're ready to cook. This can enhance the flavors as they marinate in the seasonings. You can also freeze uncooked meatballs for future meals.
What type of ground meat can I use for this recipe?
While ground beef is traditional, you can substitute it with ground turkey, chicken, or even a mixture of meats for a different flavor profile. Just ensure the meat is well-seasoned to maintain taste.
How can I adjust the spice level?
To adjust the spice level, you can increase the amount of Tabasco sauce in the meat mixture or add crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce. Alternatively, serve with a side of hot sauce for those who prefer more heat.
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).