Meatball Special
A hearty, comforting meatball dish with savory tomato sauce, vegetables, and tender meatballs, perfect for family dinners and satisfying cravings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine ground beef, bread crumbs, egg, 1/4 cup tomato sauce, salt, pepper, and chopped onion in a bowl.
- Mix well until ingredients are thoroughly combined.
- Form the mixture into meatballs of desired size.
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add meatballs to the skillet and brown them on all sides.
- Add 3 cups water, remaining tomato sauce, dry onion soup mix, sliced carrots, potato chunks, and frozen peas to the skillet.
- Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 1 hour.
Tips & Substitutions
For an extra flavor boost, add minced garlic or Italian herbs to the meatball mixture. If you prefer a healthier option, ground turkey or chicken can be substituted for the beef. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free bread crumbs. Make sure to brown the meatballs well for added depth of flavor, similar to what you would do in recipes like Barbecued Short Ribs.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the meatballs over a bed of rice or alongside crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. This dish pairs beautifully with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. For a casual gathering, consider serving it as a main dish at a Super Bowl Party Chili-themed event, where guests can enjoy hearty flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Allow leftovers to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw frozen portions in the refrigerator overnight and then warm them gently on the stove or in the microwave until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Meatball Special contains roughly 1388 calories, with 31g protein, 152g carbohydrates, and 74g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (91% of the Daily Value), protein (61% of the Daily Value), and potassium (61% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2407mg per serving (105% 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 and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before cooking. Alternatively, you can freeze the uncooked meatballs and cook them directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
What can I substitute for tomato sauce?
If you don't have tomato sauce, crushed tomatoes or diced tomatoes can be used as a substitute. For a different flavor profile, try using marinara sauce or even a homemade tomato sauce if you have the ingredients on hand.
How can I adjust the spice level?
To adjust the spice level, you can add red pepper flakes or hot sauce to the tomato sauce mixture. For a milder flavor, reduce the amount of pepper used in the meatball mixture. Taste as you go to ensure it meets your preference.
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).