Meat Balls In Chili Gravy
Juicy meatballs simmered in a rich chili gravy with celery and horseradish, creating a flavorful, hearty dish perfect for comforting family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup bread crumbs ⓘ
- 1/3 cup Pet canned milk ⓘ
- 3/4 pound ground beef ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons chopped onion ⓘ
- 3/4 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/8 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons shortening ⓘ
- 1/3 cup chili sauce or catsup ⓘ
- 1/3 cup water ⓘ
- 1/3 cup chopped celery ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons horseradish ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice ⓘ
Instructions
- Mix bread crumbs, milk, ground beef, chopped onion, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Form the mixture into small meatballs.
- Brown the meatballs in shortening until evenly cooked and browned.
- In a separate saucepan, combine chili sauce, water, chopped celery, horseradish, and lemon juice.
- Pour the sauce over the browned meatballs.
- Cover and cook for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally and turning the meatballs to coat evenly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a more flavorful meatball mixture, consider adding minced garlic or Italian herbs. If you don't have Pet canned milk, whole milk or a non-dairy milk can be substituted. Adjust the chili sauce with hot sauce if you prefer a spicier kick. For a healthier option, you might use ground turkey instead of beef, which still works well in this recipe.
Serving Suggestions
These meatballs in chili gravy are perfect served over a bed of rice or pasta. They also pair well with crusty bread for soaking up the delicious sauce. For a complete meal, consider serving with a side salad or steamed vegetables. This dish is a comforting choice that complements hearty sides, much like a classic Bachelorette Beef Stew.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, place the meatballs and gravy in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. You can also microwave them in a covered dish for quick reheating, adding a splash of water to maintain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Meat Balls In Chili Gravy contains roughly 934 calories, with 7g protein, 24g carbohydrates, and 92g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (48% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1958mg per serving (85% 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 make the meatballs ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the meatballs a day in advance. Form them and store them in the refrigerator until you're ready to cook. Just remember to cook them longer if they are cold from the fridge when you start browning them.
What can I use instead of chili sauce?
If you don't have chili sauce on hand, ketchup mixed with a bit of vinegar and spices can work as a substitute. Alternatively, a homemade mix of tomato sauce with Worcestershire sauce and a pinch of cayenne can also replicate the flavor profile needed for this dish.
Can I freeze the meatballs?
Absolutely! You can freeze the uncooked meatballs on a baking sheet and then transfer them to a freezer bag once they're firm. They can be cooked from frozen; just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time. This makes for a quick meal option anytime.
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).