Meat Ball And Kidney Bean Casserole
A hearty casserole combining tender meatballs, flavorful kidney beans, and rich tomato sauce topped with green pepper rings. This comforting dish offers a balanced mix of savory, cheesy, and mildly spicy flavors, making it perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings that enjoy a satisfying, wholesome meal.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup milk ⓘ
- 1 cup soft bread crumbs ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/8 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 1 medium green pepper, sliced into rings ⓘ
- 2 (8 oz.) cans tomato sauce
- 1/2 pound Cheddar cheese squares ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder ⓘ
- 1 1/2 pounds ground beef ⓘ
- 5 tablespoons shortening ⓘ
- 1 sliced onion ⓘ
- 3 (No. 2) cans kidney beans ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine milk, bread crumbs, salt, pepper, chili powder, and ground beef in a bowl.
- Mix thoroughly and shape into small meatballs.
- Place shortening in a skillet and heat until hot.
- Add meatballs and brown lightly, turning frequently for even browning.
- Remove meatballs and set aside.
- In the same skillet, cook sliced onion until lightly brown.
- Add tomato sauce and cheese squares, stirring gently until well mixed.
- Drain liquid from kidney beans and pour into a greased baking dish.
- Arrange the browned meatballs on top of the beans.
- Pour the sauce mixture over the meatballs and beans.
- Place green pepper rings on top as a garnish.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 50 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter option, consider substituting ground turkey for the ground beef. You can also use whole wheat bread crumbs instead of soft ones for added fiber. If you're out of kidney beans, black beans work well too. Remember to keep an eye on the meatballs while browning to prevent burning. This dish is a crowd-pleaser and pairs beautifully with the Hot And Spicy Sloppy Joes recipe.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole is hearty enough to stand alone, but you can serve it with a side salad or some crusty bread for a complete meal. A light green salad with a tangy vinaigrette complements the richness of the dish. For a more filling spread, consider pairing it with Ms. Flo'S Soup for a comforting dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover the casserole with foil and warm it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 25 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for quicker reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Meat Ball And Kidney Bean Casserole contains roughly 628 calories, with 30g protein, 57g carbohydrates, and 31g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (60% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (59% of the Daily Value), and iron (40% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1525mg per serving (66% 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 use a different type of cheese?
Yes, you can substitute Cheddar cheese with mozzarella for a milder flavor or pepper jack for a spicy kick. Just ensure the cheese melts well in the oven to maintain the creamy texture of the sauce.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, replace the ground beef with a mixture of lentils or finely chopped mushrooms and beans. Ensure you use a vegetarian cheese substitute and check that your bread crumbs are meat-free.
What can I add for extra flavor?
Consider adding minced garlic, Italian herbs, or a splash of Worcestershire sauce to the meat mixture for added depth. You can also vary the spices in the tomato sauce, such as adding oregano or basil, to enhance the overall 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).