Meat Balls And Baked Beans
Savory meatballs paired with a tangy baked bean sauce create a hearty, flavorful dish perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Combine canned milk, ground beef, cracker meal, egg, chopped onions, garlic salt, salt, and mustard in a bowl; mix thoroughly.
- Shape the mixture into meatballs.
- Place the meatballs on a baking sheet and bake until cooked through, about 20-25 minutes.
- In a saucepan, combine catsup, vinegar, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Serve the baked meatballs with the baked bean sauce poured over or on the side.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider adding herbs like parsley or Italian seasoning to the meatball mixture. If you don’t have cracker meal, crushed breadcrumbs can serve as a substitute. For a bit of heat, add a dash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture. These meatballs are similar to those in Mini Meat Loaves Wrapped In Bacon, so feel free to experiment with your favorite seasonings.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the meatballs over rice or with crusty bread to soak up the sauce. They pair wonderfully with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. For a comforting twist, serve alongside Baked Beans And Beef for a hearty dinner that captures the essence of American recipes.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover meatballs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a microwave-safe dish and cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture, heating in 30-second intervals until warmed through. You can also reheat them in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Meat Balls And Baked Beans contains roughly 649 calories, with 20g protein, 88g carbohydrates, and 21g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (40% of the Daily Value) and iron (27% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2129mg per serving (93% 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 before or after baking. If freezing uncooked, shape them and place on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. For cooked meatballs, cool them completely before placing in a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
What can I substitute for ground beef?
You can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based meat alternative if you prefer a lighter or vegetarian option. Just note that cooking times may vary slightly depending on the moisture content of the meat you choose.
How can I make the sauce less sweet?
If you find the sauce too sweet, you can reduce the amount of brown sugar or add a tablespoon of soy sauce or additional vinegar to balance the sweetness. This will enhance the savory flavors and give the sauce a deeper taste.
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).