Meat Ball Bitochki
Meat Ball Bitochki are flavorful, tender meatballs seasoned with caraway seeds and served with a creamy mushroom sauce, perfect for comforting family meals or special occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix ground chuck, bread, salt, caraway seed, pepper, chopped onion, and 2 tablespoons sour cream until well combined.
- Form the mixture into meatballs.
- Roll the meatballs in dry bread crumbs.
- Cook the meatballs in beef broth until fully cooked.
- Serve with a sauce made from sour cream and cream of mushroom soup, warmed together.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter variation, you can substitute half of the ground chuck with ground turkey. If you don't have beef broth, chicken broth works well too. To enhance the flavor, consider adding minced garlic or fresh herbs like parsley. Ensure the meatballs are cooked through by using a meat thermometer; they should reach an internal temperature of 160°F.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the meatball bitochki over a bed of egg noodles or steamed rice for a hearty meal. Pair with a side of Blaukraut for a delightful contrast of flavors. A simple green salad or roasted vegetables can also complement the dish, adding freshness to the plate.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of broth or water, covering to retain moisture. Alternatively, they can be reheated in the microwave for 1-2 minutes until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Meat Ball Bitochki contains roughly 502 calories, with 29g protein, 69g carbohydrates, and 17g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (73% of the Daily Value), protein (57% of the Daily Value), and iron (57% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2156mg per serving (94% 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?
Yes, you can freeze the meatballs either before or after cooking. If freezing before cooking, shape them and place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring to a zip-top bag. Cooked meatballs can be frozen as well; just ensure they are cooled completely before storing.
What can I use instead of sour cream?
If you need a substitute for sour cream, plain Greek yogurt works well and adds a nice tang. For a dairy-free option, try using cashew cream or a dairy-free sour cream alternative available in stores.
How do I prevent the meatballs from falling apart?
To keep the meatballs intact, make sure the mixture is well combined and allow them to chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before cooking. This helps them firm up. Also, avoid overcrowding the pot while cooking, as this can cause them to break.
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).