Mccoy'S Irish Meatballs

Prep: 20 min Cook: 70 min Serves: 6 Cuisine: Irish

Irish Meatballs featuring savory ground beef, seasoned with garlic salt and fresh vegetables, simmered in rich tomato sauce—perfect for hearty family dinners or casual gatherings.

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Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 lb. ground chuck
  • 1 egg
  • 1/2 green pepper, chopped
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 1/4 tsp. garlic salt
  • 3/4 c. bread crumbs
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 (15 oz.) can tomato sauce
  • 1 1/2 c. water
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 Tbsp. shortening

Instructions

  1. Combine ground chuck, egg, chopped green pepper, chopped onion, bread crumbs, garlic salt, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl.
  2. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
  3. Shape the mixture into meatballs of desired size.
  4. Brown the meatballs in shortening until all sides are evenly browned, about 10 minutes.
  5. Add tomato sauce, water, and bay leaf to the skillet or pot with the meatballs.
  6. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 1 hour.
  7. Serve the meatballs and sauce over cooked spaghetti.

Tips & Substitutions

For extra flavor, consider adding some Italian herbs like oregano or basil to the meat mixture. If you don't have ground chuck, ground turkey or chicken can be a lighter alternative. For a gluten-free version, substitute bread crumbs with crushed gluten-free crackers or oats. Be mindful of the browning process; a hot skillet ensures a nice crust on the meatballs.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these meatballs over a bed of spaghetti for a classic meal, and consider pairing them with garlic bread or a fresh side salad for balance. A sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top adds a delicious finishing touch. For a twist, try serving them with Danish Pancakes for a unique flavor combo.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover meatballs and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a saucepan over low heat until warmed through, or microwave them in short intervals, stirring in between. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months; just ensure they cool completely before freezing.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Mccoy'S Irish Meatballs contains roughly 824 calories, with 18g protein, 148g carbohydrates, and 20g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (52% of the Daily Value), protein (35% of the Daily Value), and calcium (35% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1739mg per serving (76% of the Daily Value).

824 kcal 41% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 17.6g 35% DV
Total Fat 19.8g 25% DV
Carbs 147.9g 54% DV
Fiber 6.2g 22% DV
Sugar 6.7g 13% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1739mg 76% DV
Potassium 1016.8mg 22% DV
Cholesterol 293.2mg 98% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 115.8mcg 13% DV
Vitamin C 22.7mg 25% DV
Calcium 453.2mg 35% DV
Iron 9.4mg 52% DV
Diet fit 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

How can I adjust the spice level of this recipe?

To adjust the spice level, you can add red pepper flakes to the meat mixture for some heat or use a spicier tomato sauce. If you prefer milder flavors, stick with a classic tomato sauce and skip the garlic salt, using fresh garlic instead for a more subtle flavor.

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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