Meat Puffs In Mushroom Sauce
Meat puffs in a savory mushroom sauce combine seasoned ground beef with tender macaroni, creating a hearty, comforting dish perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix ground beef, bread crumbs, chopped onion, beaten eggs, salt, and pepper together.
- Shape the mixture into balls that are not too compact.
- Sprinkle the meat balls with flour.
- Brown the meat balls well in hot fat.
- Remove any fat liquid from the skillet.
- Mix 1/2 cup water with the mushroom soup and pour over the meat puffs.
- Cover and simmer on low heat for about 20 minutes.
- Add cooked macaroni during the last 5 to 10 minutes of simmering.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider using ground turkey instead of beef. If you don't have soft bread crumbs, you can use finely crushed crackers or stale bread. To enhance the flavor, add some minced garlic or herbs like parsley or thyme to the meat mixture. This recipe can also be adapted by incorporating leftover cooked vegetables, similar to Grandma Negus' Ground Beef Patties.
Serving Suggestions
These meat puffs pair beautifully with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a balanced meal. For an extra touch, serve them over a bed of cooked macaroni, allowing the flavors to meld. You can also consider serving with a dollop of sour cream or a tangy dipping sauce for additional flavor. This dish is perfect for family gatherings or casual dinners.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover meat puffs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water to prevent drying out. You can also microwave them for 1-2 minutes, but be careful not to overcook, as this may dry out the meat.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Meat Puffs In Mushroom Sauce contains roughly 738 calories, with 33g protein, 81g carbohydrates, and 32g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (157% of the Daily Value), protein (66% of the Daily Value), and iron (34% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2635mg per serving (115% 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 meat puffs before cooking?
Yes, you can freeze the meat puffs before cooking. Shape them into balls, then place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be cooked directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
What can I use instead of mushroom soup?
If you don't have mushroom soup on hand, you can substitute it with a homemade white sauce mixed with sautéed mushrooms for added flavor. Alternatively, use cream of chicken soup or even a vegetable broth with added mushrooms to create a similar creamy base.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat to the meat puffs, consider mixing in some crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce into the meat mixture. You can also serve them with a spicy dipping sauce or salsa on the side to complement the flavors.
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).