Meat Balls And Sauce

Prep: 15 min Cook: 30 min Serves: 4 Cuisine: American

Juicy meatballs coated in a savory sauce, perfect for casual dinners or gatherings, offering a comforting and flavorful dish with a touch of sweetness and umami.

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Ingredients

  • 2 lb. ground beef
  • 1 c. crushed cornflakes or crackers
  • 2 eggs
  • 2 Tbsp. dehydrated onion
  • 2 Tbsp. soy sauce
  • 1/3 c. catsup
  • 1/2 tsp. pepper
  • 1/2 tsp. garlic powder

Instructions

  1. Mix together ground beef, crushed cornflakes or crackers, eggs, dehydrated onion, soy sauce, pepper, and garlic powder.
  2. Form the mixture into small meatballs.
  3. Place the meatballs on a broiler pan rack to drain excess fat.
  4. Bake the meatballs in a preheated oven at 350°F for 30 minutes.

Tips & Substitutions

For extra flavor, consider adding some grated Parmesan cheese or chopped fresh herbs like parsley or basil to the meat mixture. If you don't have cornflakes, crushed crackers or even breadcrumbs can be used as a substitute. Adjust the soy sauce according to your taste preference; you can use low-sodium options for a healthier version.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these meatballs with a side of spaghetti and marinara sauce for a classic meal, or pair them with a fresh salad for a lighter option. They also work well as an appetizer with toothpicks and your favorite dipping sauces. For a hearty meal, consider serving alongside garlic bread or roasted vegetables.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes, or microwave them on low power for a few minutes until heated through. You can also freeze the meatballs for up to three months.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Meat Balls And Sauce contains roughly 280 calories, with 10g protein, 44g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (209% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (31% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2421mg per serving (105% of the Daily Value).

280 kcal 14% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 9.6g 19% DV
Total Fat 9.2g 12% DV
Carbs 43.7g 16% DV
Fiber 8.7g 31% DV
Sugar 9.5g 19% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 2421mg 100% DV
Potassium 856.3mg 18% DV
Cholesterol 23mg 8% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 52.8mcg 6% DV
Vitamin C 188.5mg 100% DV
Calcium 97.6mg 8% DV
Iron 2.7mg 15% DV
Diet fit High-fiber Under 400 cal Low-fat
Contains Egg Wheat/Gluten Soy

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 ground turkey instead of ground beef?

Yes, ground turkey can be a great substitute for ground beef in this recipe. It will yield a slightly different flavor and texture, but the meatballs will still be delicious. Just be mindful that turkey may require a bit more seasoning to enhance its flavor.

How do I know when the meatballs are cooked through?

The meatballs are cooked through when they reach an internal temperature of 160°F. You can use a meat thermometer for accuracy. Alternatively, you can cut one open to check that it's no longer pink in the center. Baking them for the recommended time at 350°F usually ensures they are done.

Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the meatball mixture ahead of time, shape them into balls, and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking. You can also freeze them before cooking; just make sure to thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before baking for best results.

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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