Meatballs To Can

Prep: 45 min Cook: 60 min Cuisine: American

Savory homemade meatballs baked and canned in creamy mushroom soup, ideal for hearty meals or convenient storage, appealing to those who enjoy comforting, flavorful dishes.

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Ingredients

  • 30 lb. hamburger
  • 1 1/2 lb. crackers
  • 5 c. onions
  • 5 c. celery
  • salt and pepper
  • 4 oz. Worcestershire sauce
  • 24 eggs
  • 5 c. milk
  • 10 cans cream of mushroom soup

Instructions

  1. Make meatballs using hamburger, crackers, onions, celery, salt, pepper, Worcestershire sauce, eggs, and milk.
  2. Place meatballs on a cookie sheet and bake until cooked through.
  3. Heat cream of mushroom soup with water until warm.
  4. Pour the soup mixture over the baked meatballs in cans.
  5. Seal the cans and process in a pressure canner according to safe canning guidelines.

Tips & Substitutions

For a lighter version, consider using ground turkey instead of hamburger. If you don't have crackers, breadcrumbs can be a suitable substitute. Ensure your meatballs are evenly sized for consistent cooking. Adding herbs like parsley or Italian seasoning can enhance the flavor. If you prefer, you can skip the canning process and freeze the meatballs instead for later use.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these meatballs over a bed of rice or pasta for a hearty meal, pairing with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad. They also complement dishes like Rice Dressing(Aka Dirty Rice) for a satisfying, comforting dinner. For a fun twist, consider serving them in a sub roll topped with cheese, creating a meatball sandwich.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover canned meatballs in a cool, dark place. Once opened, transfer any unused meatballs to an airtight container and refrigerate, consuming within 3-4 days. To reheat, gently warm them in a saucepan on the stove or in the microwave until heated through, adding a splash of water to keep them moist.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Meatballs To Can contains roughly 4335 calories, with 106g protein, 549g carbohydrates, and 192g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (212% of the Daily Value), iron (210% of the Daily Value), and calcium (136% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% of the Daily Value).

4335 kcal 100% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 106.1g 100% DV
Total Fat 192.2g 100% DV
Carbs 549.2g 100% DV
Fiber 21.7g 78% DV
Sugar 28.3g 57% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 3000mg 100% DV
Potassium 3199.5mg 68% DV
Cholesterol 600mg 100% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 345.2mcg 38% DV
Vitamin C 27.4mg 30% DV
Vitamin D 0.5mcg 2% DV
Calcium 1768.6mg 100% DV
Iron 37.8mg 100% DV
Diet fit High-protein High-fiber
Contains Milk Egg Wheat/Gluten

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 use a different type of meat for the meatballs?

Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even pork can be used to make the meatballs. Each type of meat will impart a different flavor and texture, so feel free to experiment based on your preference.

What can I do if my meatballs are too dry?

If your meatballs turn out dry, consider adding more moisture during preparation, such as an extra egg or some more milk. Cooking them in the cream of mushroom soup also helps to keep them moist while adding flavor.

How long can I store these canned meatballs?

Canned meatballs can generally be stored for up to a year if kept in a cool, dark place. Always check for signs of spoilage before consuming, and once opened, consume within a few days to ensure quality and safety.

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).

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