Meat Ball Hot Dish
A comforting meatball hot dish featuring savory meatballs in a creamy, flavorful sauce, perfect for family dinners and gatherings, offering rich textures and delicious flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients: lean hamburger, cream cheese, onion soup, salt, nutmeg, soft bread, and milk.
- Shape the mixture into meatballs.
- Cook the meatballs in a skillet until the meat is done.
- Remove the meatballs from the skillet.
- Add 2 tablespoons of flour to the skillet drippings and cook for 1 minute.
- Gradually add 2 cups of milk, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens.
- Pour the sauce over the cooked meatballs and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using ground turkey or pork instead of lean hamburger. If you're short on time, pre-made meatballs can be substituted. To enhance the creaminess of the sauce, add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan. Fresh herbs like parsley or thyme can also elevate the dish, making it reminiscent of classic American recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the meatball hot dish over a bed of fluffy rice or egg noodles for a hearty meal. Pair it with a refreshing Broccoli Sunflower Seed Salad to balance the richness of the dish. For an extra touch, garnish with chopped parsley or a sprinkle of paprika before serving.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover meatball hot dish in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through. If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of milk to restore its creamy consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Meat Ball Hot Dish contains roughly 1238 calories, with 27g protein, 183g carbohydrates, and 45g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (55% of the Daily Value), iron (46% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (36% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% 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 meatball hot dish?
Yes, you can freeze the meatball hot dish before or after cooking. To freeze before cooking, shape the meatballs and freeze them on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer bag. For cooked leftovers, allow them to cool completely before freezing. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
What can I serve with this dish?
This dish pairs beautifully with garlic bread or a simple green salad. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside mashed potatoes or a side of roasted vegetables. A light dressing on the salad can enhance the overall flavor.
How can I make this dish healthier?
To make this dish healthier, switch to leaner meat options like ground turkey or chicken. You can also reduce the amount of cream cheese and substitute it with Greek yogurt for a lighter version. Adding vegetables like spinach or grated carrots to the meat mixture can boost the nutritional value.
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).