Meat Loaf Balls

Prep: 20 min Cook: 90 min Serves: 16 Cuisine: American

Juicy meat loaf balls packed with savory flavors, ideal for family dinners or gatherings. They combine seasoned beef with peppers, onions, and a tangy tomato sauce for a comforting meal.

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Ingredients

  • 2 lb. hamburger
  • 3 to 4 slices bread
  • 1 tsp. salt
  • 1 tsp. pepper
  • 2 medium size onions
  • 2 medium size peppers
  • 2/3 cup catsup
  • 1 (15 1/2 oz.) jar Ragu spaghetti sauce

Instructions

  1. Mix hamburger, bread, salt, pepper, onions, green peppers, and catsup together.
  2. Form the mixture into medium-sized balls and place them in a baking pan.
  3. Pour Ragu spaghetti sauce over the meat balls.
  4. Bake in a 350°F oven for 1 hour and 30 minutes.

Tips & Substitutions

For added flavor, consider mixing in grated Parmesan or Italian herbs to the meat mixture. If you don't have catsup, a homemade mix of tomato paste, vinegar, and sugar can work as a substitute. You can also use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. Be sure to finely chop the onions and peppers to ensure even distribution throughout the meatballs.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these meatloaf balls with a side of mashed potatoes or a fresh green salad for a complete meal. They also pair beautifully with the Hot And Creamy Veg Dip as an appetizer. For a comforting dinner, consider serving them over pasta or alongside crusty bread 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 the meatloaf balls in a baking dish, cover with foil, and bake at 350°F for about 20 minutes or until warmed through. For quicker reheating, you can microwave them in short intervals until hot.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Meat Loaf Balls contains roughly 266 calories, with 5g protein, 41g carbohydrates, and 10g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (19% of the Daily Value) and protein (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 726mg per serving (32% of the Daily Value).

266 kcal 13% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 5.2g 10% DV
Total Fat 9.6g 12% DV
Carbs 40.6g 15% DV
Fiber 1.9g 7% DV
Sugar 1.3g 3% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 726.2mg 32% DV
Potassium 182mg 4% DV
Cholesterol 28.7mg 10% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 64.9mcg 7% DV
Vitamin C 17.1mg 19% DV
Calcium 31.2mg 2% DV
Iron 1.4mg 8% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal
Contains 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 freeze the meatloaf balls?

Yes, you can freeze the uncooked meatloaf balls before baking. Just arrange them on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready to cook, bake from frozen, adding extra time as needed.

What can I serve with meatloaf balls?

Meatloaf balls pair well with classic sides like mashed potatoes or steamed vegetables. You can also serve them on a sub roll with cheese for a meatball sandwich, or alongside a simple side salad for a lighter meal.

How do I know when the meatloaf balls are done?

The meatloaf balls are cooked through when they reach an internal temperature of 160°F. Use a meat thermometer for accuracy. They should also be browned on the outside and no longer pink in the center.

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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