Meatball Chop Suey
Meatball Chop Suey is a hearty and flavorful dish that combines tender meatballs with a savory broth and crisp vegetables. The umami from soy sauce and the richness of beef bouillon make it a comforting meal perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
- 2 lb. ground beef
- 1/2 c. bread crumbs ⓘ
- 1 c. milk ⓘ
- 2/3 c. onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1 egg ⓘ
- 1 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/8 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. lard or drippings ⓘ
- 2 beef bouillon cubes ⓘ
- 3 c. hot water ⓘ
- 1/4 c. soy sauce
- 2 c. celery, cut in 1/2-inch strips ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. cornstarch ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. cold water ⓘ
- 2 c. bean sprouts, drained ⓘ
- 1 c. mushroom stems (4 oz.) ⓘ
Instructions
- Mix ground beef, bread crumbs, milk, 2 tablespoons onion, egg, salt, and pepper.
- Shape the mixture into 24 meatballs and brown them in lard or drippings.
- Pour off the drippings.
- Dissolve bouillon cubes in hot water; add the bouillon, remaining onion, soy sauce, and celery to the meatballs.
- Cover tightly and cook slowly for 15 minutes.
- Remove the meatballs.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider adding minced garlic or ginger to the meatball mixture. If you want a lighter version, ground turkey can be used instead of beef. You can also substitute fresh vegetables like bell peppers or carrots for the celery. If you prefer a thicker sauce, increase the cornstarch slightly until you reach your desired consistency. This dish is reminiscent of classic American recipes, making it a comforting meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Meatball Chop Suey over steamed rice or noodles for a hearty meal. You can garnish with sliced green onions or sesame seeds for an added touch. This dish pairs beautifully with a simple side salad or steamed vegetables to balance the flavors. For a more substantial meal, consider serving it alongside a dish like Vegetable Beef Soup.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Meatball Chop Suey in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a saucepan over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out. Stir occasionally until heated through. For longer storage, freeze in portions for up to 3 months, thawing overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Meatball Chop Suey contains roughly 1298 calories, with 22g protein, 258g carbohydrates, and 18g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (58% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (51% of the Daily Value), and protein (45% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% 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 make the meatballs ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the meatballs in advance. Shape them and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before cooking. This allows the flavors to meld. If you want to freeze them, lay them on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring to a freezer bag. They can then be cooked from frozen, just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
What can I substitute for lard or drippings?
If you prefer not to use lard or drippings, you can substitute with vegetable oil, olive oil, or even butter. Each option will provide a different flavor profile but will still yield delicious results. If you're looking for a healthier alternative, use a non-stick cooking spray to brown the meatballs.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat, consider incorporating red pepper flakes or sriracha into the sauce. You can also mix diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce into the meatball mixture. Adjust the spice level to your preference, but start with small amounts to avoid overwhelming the dish.
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).