Meat Balls 'N Vegetables
Meat Balls 'N Vegetables offers savory seasoned meatballs with melted cheese and a creamy mushroom sauce, complemented by hearty mixed vegetables—perfect for comforting family dinners.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 1/2 cup fine dry bread crumbs ⓘ
- 1/3 cup milk ⓘ
- 1 egg, beaten ⓘ
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon dry mustard ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons butter ⓘ
- 1 (10 1/2 oz.) can condensed cream of mushroom soup ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups (6 oz.) shredded Cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon rubbed sage ⓘ
- 2 packages (10 oz. each) frozen mixed vegetables ⓘ
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine ground beef, bread crumbs, milk, beaten egg, chopped onion, salt, and dry mustard.
- Shape the mixture into twenty-four 1 1/2-inch meatballs.
- In a large skillet, melt butter and brown the meatballs on all sides.
- Combine condensed cream of mushroom soup, shredded Cheddar cheese, and rubbed sage.
- Cook the frozen mixed vegetables according to package directions and drain.
- Arrange the browned meatballs around the sides of a shallow 1 1/2-quart casserole dish.
- Spoon the mushroom soup mixture into the center of the casserole.
- Place the cooked vegetables over the top of the casserole.
- Cover with foil and bake at 350°F for 30 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a variation, try using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter option. You can also substitute the Cheddar cheese with mozzarella for a milder flavor. If you prefer, add in some minced garlic or Italian herbs to the meatball mixture for extra flavor. Ensure to brown the meatballs thoroughly to enhance their taste when baked.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with the Saucy Cheesy Bake for a comforting dinner experience. For a heartier option, consider serving with mashed potatoes or rice to soak up the delicious sauce.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions on high for 1-2 minutes, ensuring they are hot throughout.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Meat Balls 'N Vegetables contains roughly 622 calories, with 10g protein, 75g carbohydrates, and 32g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (21% of the Daily Value) and calcium (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1667mg per serving (72% 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 use fresh vegetables instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh vegetables; just make sure to cook them briefly before adding them to the casserole. This will help them retain their texture and flavor during baking.
What can I use instead of cream of mushroom soup?
You can substitute the cream of mushroom soup with homemade béchamel sauce or another cream-based soup like cream of chicken. This will change the flavor slightly but still provide the creamy texture needed for the dish.
How do I make this dish gluten-free?
To make this recipe gluten-free, use gluten-free bread crumbs and ensure the cream of mushroom soup is also gluten-free. Many brands offer gluten-free options that work just as well.
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).