Meatballs Napoli
Juicy meatballs simmered in savory tomato sauce with green beans, served over rice and topped with Parmesan cheese for a hearty, flavorful meal perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 1 c. soft margarine ⓘ
- 1/3 c. finely chopped onion
- 1/3 c. finely chopped celery
- 1 egg ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. garlic salt ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 1 tsp. Italian seasoning ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 1 (15 1/2 oz.) jar spaghetti sauce ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. cornstarch ⓘ
- 1 c. beef broth ⓘ
- 1 (16 oz.) can green beans, drained ⓘ
- 3 c. hot cooked rice ⓘ
- Parmesan cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine ground beef, bread crumbs, finely chopped onion, finely chopped celery, egg, garlic salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and 3 tablespoons spaghetti sauce in a bowl; mix thoroughly.
- Form the mixture into 12 meatballs.
- Place the meatballs on a greased shallow baking dish.
- Bake at 375°F for 20 minutes.
- Meanwhile, blend cornstarch with beef broth and the remaining spaghetti sauce.
- Add green beans to the sauce and simmer for about 2 minutes.
- Pour the sauce with green beans over the baked meatballs.
- Continue baking for about 10 minutes longer.
- Serve the meatballs and sauce over hot cooked rice.
- Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider using ground turkey instead of beef. You can substitute the soft margarine with olive oil for a healthier fat option. If you don't have Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce can work as a replacement. To enhance the flavor, consider adding fresh herbs like basil or parsley. Remember to mix the meatball ingredients gently to avoid tough meatballs.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the meatballs over a bed of hot cooked rice, which absorbs the delicious sauce. For a complete meal, pair with a side of Italian Vegetable Soup or a fresh green salad. You can also sprinkle additional Parmesan cheese on top before serving for extra flavor. This dish pairs beautifully with B'S Lasagna for a hearty Italian feast.
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 microwave-safe dish and heat in 30-second increments, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. You can also reheat them on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of beef broth if the sauce has thickened.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Meatballs Napoli contains roughly 876 calories, with 32g protein, 124g carbohydrates, and 28g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (65% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (39% of the Daily Value), and iron (37% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 686mg per serving (30% 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. After forming them, place them on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready to cook, bake from frozen, adding extra cooking time as needed.
What can I use instead of beef broth?
You can substitute beef broth with chicken broth or vegetable broth for a different flavor. In a pinch, water can also work, but it may lack depth. Adding a splash of soy sauce can help enhance the flavor if using water.
How can I adjust the spice level of the meatballs?
To adjust the spice level, consider adding red pepper flakes to the meatball mixture for a kick. Alternatively, you can serve the meatballs with a side of hot sauce for those who enjoy extra heat, allowing each person to customize their 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).