Meatball Dinner
A hearty meatball dinner featuring flavorful seasoned meatballs simmered in a savory tomato-based sauce, perfect for family dinners and comfort food lovers.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 3 slices bread ⓘ
- 1/2 cup milk ⓘ
- 1 egg ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons grated onion ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons chopped parsley ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons hot shortening ⓘ
- flour ⓘ
- 2 cups tomato juice ⓘ
- 1 cup water ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped carrots ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped celery ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
Instructions
- Soften bread slices in milk.
- Add beaten egg to the bread and milk mixture.
- Mix ground beef with grated onion, chopped parsley, salt, pepper, and the bread mixture.
- Form the mixture into 18 meatballs and roll each in flour.
- Brown the meatballs in hot shortening and drain.
- In a pot, combine tomato juice, water, chopped carrots, chopped celery, Worcestershire sauce, and salt.
- Add the browned meatballs to the sauce.
- Cover and simmer for 45 minutes.
- Serve hot with rice, potatoes, or noodles.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter option, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef. If you don’t have fresh parsley, dried parsley works as a substitute, but use half the amount. To enhance flavor, consider adding garlic powder or Italian seasoning to the meat mixture. For a fun twist, try serving these meatballs in a meatball sub or alongside a salad with a tangy vinaigrette.
Serving Suggestions
These meatballs are delicious served over rice, mashed potatoes, or noodles for a hearty meal. Consider pairing them with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh green salad for added nutrition. They also make a great filling for a sandwich, perfect for a casual lunch or dinner. For a complete meal, serve with crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the meatballs and sauce in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through, about 10-15 minutes. Alternatively, you can microwave them in a covered dish for about 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway for even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Meatball Dinner contains roughly 791 calories, with 36g protein, 125g carbohydrates, and 23g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (166% of the Daily Value), and potassium (106% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1276mg per serving (55% 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 ahead of time. Form them and place them on a baking sheet, then freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a zip-top bag and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to cook, you can add them directly to the sauce while it simmers, just be sure to adjust the cooking time as needed.
What can I substitute for tomato juice?
If you don't have tomato juice, you can use crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce diluted with a bit of water. Alternatively, vegetable broth can be used for a different flavor profile, adding a touch of tomato paste for richness. Just remember to adjust the seasoning accordingly to maintain the desired taste.
How do I know when the meatballs are cooked through?
To ensure that the meatballs are fully cooked, check that they reach an internal temperature of 160°F (70°C) using a meat thermometer. If you don't have one, cut a meatball in half; it should be no longer pink in the center and the juices should run clear. Cooking them in the sauce will also help keep them moist and flavorful.
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).