Meat Balls(For Spaghetti Dinner Or Meat Ball Sandwich)

Prep: 20 min Cook: 35 min Serves: 4 Cuisine: Italian

Juicy meatballs infused with herbs and garlic, perfect for spaghetti or sandwiches, offering hearty flavors that appeal to family dinners and casual gatherings alike.

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Ingredients

  • 1 lb. ground beef
  • 1 lb. ground pork
  • 3 eggs
  • 3 Tbsp. dry parsley or 5 Tbsp. fresh parsley
  • 1 1/2 tsp. garlic salt or 1 clove minced garlic and 1 tsp. salt
  • 2 Tbsp. finely chopped onion
  • 1/2 tsp. pepper
  • 1/4 tsp. fennel seed, crushed (optional)
  • 4 cups dry or stale French or Italian bread

Instructions

  1. Wet the bread thoroughly, squeeze out water, and crumble fine until it measures about 2 cups.
  2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, beaten eggs, parsley, garlic salt, chopped onion, pepper, fennel seed (if using), and the prepared bread.
  3. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
  4. Shape the mixture into meatballs of desired size.
  5. Fry the meatballs in oil until browned on one side, then turn and brown on the other side.
  6. Add cooked meatballs to spaghetti sauce and simmer for an additional 15 to 20 minutes before serving.

Tips & Substitutions

For extra flavor, consider adding grated Parmesan cheese to the meat mixture. If you don't have fresh parsley, dried herbs like oregano or basil can work as substitutes. You can also replace ground pork with turkey or chicken for a lighter option. Ensure the bread is well-soaked to keep the meatballs moist. If you prefer a spicier kick, add crushed red pepper flakes to the mix.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the meatballs over a bed of spaghetti with Mama's Spaghetti Sauce for a classic Italian dinner. For a hearty sandwich, place them in a sub roll with marinara sauce and melted cheese. Pair with a side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad to balance the meal. These meatballs also make a great addition to Ziti Bake or Lazy Lasagna.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a saucepan with a bit of sauce and warm over low heat until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave them for 1-2 minutes, covering with a damp paper towel to prevent drying out.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Meat Balls(For Spaghetti Dinner Or Meat Ball Sandwich) contains roughly 910 calories, with 66g protein, 15g carbohydrates, and 64g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (132% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (51% of the Daily Value), and iron (38% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and calcium. It also contributes 5g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.

910 kcal 46% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 66.2g 100% DV
Total Fat 63.9g 82% DV
Carbs 14.8g 5% DV
Fiber 5.1g 18% DV
Sugar 5.6g 11% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 317.1mg 14% DV
Potassium 1657mg 35% DV
Cholesterol 246.7mg 82% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 73.9mcg 8% DV
Vitamin C 45.9mg 51% DV
Vitamin D 0.8mcg 4% DV
Calcium 132.2mg 10% DV
Iron 6.9mg 38% DV
Diet fit High-protein Keto-friendly High-fiber
Contains Egg Wheat/Gluten

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 beef and pork?

Yes, ground turkey is a great alternative for a lighter option. It may yield a slightly different texture, but adding a bit more moisture, such as a splash of broth or an extra egg, can help maintain juiciness.

How can I ensure my meatballs stay moist?

To keep meatballs moist, make sure the bread is properly soaked and not too dry. Mixing in eggs will also help bind the ingredients and retain moisture during cooking. Avoid overcooking them, as this can lead to dryness.

What can I serve with meatballs?

Meatballs are versatile and can be served with various sides. Traditional options include spaghetti with marinara sauce, but you can also enjoy them in a meatball sub or alongside a hearty salad. For an Italian twist, pair with Savory Minestrone Soup for a complete meal.

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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