Meat Balls With Broccoli
Savory meatballs paired with tender broccoli and a flavorful tomato sauce, perfect for a hearty, family-friendly meal with a hint of spice and aromatic herbs.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Put the thawed chopped broccoli in a 1 1/2-quart casserole dish.
- Mix ground beef, 1 tablespoon of minced onions, grated carrot, seasoned salt, garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Shape the mixture into 16 small meatballs and place them on top of the broccoli.
- Mix the remaining minced onions, tomato sauce, bay leaf, basil, and Tabasco sauce.
- Pour the sauce mixture over the meatballs and broccoli.
- Cover the casserole dish.
- Bake at 375°F for about 30 to 45 minutes until cooked through.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider incorporating herbs like oregano or thyme into the meatball mixture. If ground beef isn't available, ground turkey or chicken can be used as a leaner alternative. To save time, you can use pre-cooked frozen meatballs instead, but adjust the baking time accordingly. Serve with a side of crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the meatballs and broccoli over a bed of rice or pasta for a complete meal. A light salad with vinaigrette pairs well to balance the richness of the dish. For a hearty option, consider serving alongside crusty bread or pairing with American recipes like Coffman Casserole for a comforting dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a microwave-safe dish and cover with a damp paper towel to maintain moisture, heating in 1-minute intervals until warmed through. Alternatively, reheat in a covered saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Meat Balls With Broccoli contains roughly 284 calories, with 7g protein, 60g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (146% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (60% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (42% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2538mg per serving (110% 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 broccoli instead of frozen?
Yes, fresh broccoli can be used instead of frozen. Just ensure it's chopped into small pieces and lightly steamed before adding it to the casserole dish. This will help it cook evenly with the meatballs.
How do I know when the meatballs are fully cooked?
The meatballs are fully cooked when they reach an internal temperature of 160°F. You can use a meat thermometer to check. Additionally, they should be firm to the touch and no longer pink in the center.
Can I freeze this dish for later?
Yes, you can freeze the meatballs and broccoli before baking. Just assemble the dish, cover tightly with foil, and freeze. When ready to cook, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
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).