Meat Balls With Buttermilk Sauce
Savory meatballs simmered in a rich buttermilk and mushroom soup sauce, perfect for comforting family dinners or casual gatherings with a delightful blend of flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Add egg, pepper, crushed crackers, chopped onion, sliced mushroom, pork sausage, hamburger, and salt to a mixing bowl.
- Mix well and add enough buttermilk to create a workable mixture.
- Form into meatballs and brown in a frying pan.
- Place the browned meatballs in a 13 x 9-inch baking dish.
- Make sauce by mixing one package of Lipton's beef and mushroom soup with buttermilk.
- Pour the sauce over the meatballs.
- Bake at 325°F for 1 hour.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter option, consider substituting ground turkey for the pork sausage and hamburger. If you don't have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by mixing milk with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Adding some grated cheese to the meat mixture can enhance the flavor and moisture. Be sure to not overmix the meatballs to keep them tender.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the meatballs over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes or alongside buttered noodles for a comforting meal. A fresh green salad or steamed vegetables make great sides to balance the richness. For a delightful twist, pair them with a tangy sauce inspired by Betty Lou'S Potato Salad to complement the dish.
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 baking dish, cover with foil, and warm in a preheated oven at 325°F for about 20 minutes until heated through. You can also reheat them in the microwave for quicker serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Meat Balls With Buttermilk Sauce contains roughly 114 calories, with 3g protein, 16g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 686mg per serving (30% 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 before baking?
Yes, you can freeze the uncooked meatballs. Place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a zip-top bag once frozen. They can be cooked directly from frozen; just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
What can I use instead of mushroom soup?
If you prefer not to use canned mushroom soup, you can make a homemade version by cooking fresh mushrooms with butter, adding flour to create a roux, and then whisking in broth and cream for a rich sauce. This will provide a fresher flavor to the dish.
How do I know when the meatballs are fully cooked?
The meatballs are fully cooked when they reach an internal temperature of 160°F. Use a meat thermometer to check. They should also be nicely browned on the outside and firm to the touch, ensuring they are safe to eat and delicious.
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).