Magnificent Meatballs
Juicy meatballs wrapped in crispy bacon with a savory tomato and sour cream sauce, perfect for hearty dinners or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix together ground beef, 1 cup canned tomatoes, bread crumbs, egg, salt, pepper, oregano, and chopped onion.
- Form the mixture into 12 large meatballs, about 3 inches in diameter.
- Wrap each meatball with a slice of bacon, overlapping the bacon carefully.
- Place the bacon-wrapped meatballs in a large, flat baking dish with the overlapped bacon on the bottom.
- Bake in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 45 minutes or until the bacon is crisp.
- Remove from oven and pour off excess bacon fat.
- Serve the meatballs with sour cream on the side or as a topping.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance flavor, consider adding minced garlic or fresh herbs like parsley to the meat mixture. For a lighter option, substitute ground turkey for the beef and use turkey bacon. If you prefer a spicy kick, try incorporating red pepper flakes. Ensure the bacon is tightly wrapped around the meatballs to prevent it from unwrapping during baking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these magnificent meatballs with a dollop of sour cream on top for added creaminess. Pair them with a fresh salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. They also go well with pasta or rice for a hearty dish. For a fun twist, serve them as appetizers with toothpicks for dipping.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes or until warmed through. You can also microwave them, but be cautious not to overcook, as the bacon can become chewy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Magnificent Meatballs contains roughly 379 calories, with 11g protein, 77g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (52% of the Daily Value), calcium (43% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (35% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1001mg per serving (44% 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 or after baking?
Yes, you can freeze the meatballs either before or after baking. If freezing unbaked, form the meatballs and place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring to a freezer bag. For baked meatballs, let them cool completely before freezing. They can be reheated directly from frozen.
What can I use instead of sour cream?
If you don't have sour cream, Greek yogurt is a great substitute that offers a similar tangy flavor and creamy texture. You could also use crème fraîche or even a lower-fat option like cottage cheese blended until smooth.
How can I adjust the spice level of the meatballs?
To adjust the spice level, add more black pepper or incorporate spices like cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes into the meat mixture. You can also serve them with a spicy dipping sauce or hot sauce on the side for those who enjoy 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).