Meatballs With Tomatoes And Green Peppers
Savory meatballs simmered in a tangy tomato and green pepper sauce, perfect for family dinners and full of bold flavors that complement rice or noodles.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix lean ground beef, oats, garlic powder, pepper, and salt. Shape into 3/4 inch meatballs.
- Place meatballs in a pan with canned tomatoes and chopped onions.
- Blend together soy sauce, cornstarch, sugar, and water to create a sauce mixture.
- Add the sauce mixture to the pan and heat over medium-low heat until boiling.
- Reduce heat and cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add chopped green pepper and cook for an additional 10 minutes or until meatballs are cooked through.
- Serve hot over rice or noodles.
Tips & Substitutions
For a healthier option, substitute ground turkey or chicken for the lean ground beef. You can also use quinoa or breadcrumbs instead of oats. If you're short on time, pre-made meatballs can be used, but adjust the cooking time accordingly. For added flavor, consider incorporating Italian herbs or crushed red pepper into the meat mixture.
Serving Suggestions
These meatballs pair beautifully with rice or noodles, which soak up the delicious sauce. Serve with a side of steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. For a heartier option, consider serving alongside garlic bread or a fresh salad. You can also browse more beef recipes to find additional dishes that complement this one.
Storage & Reheating
Store 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 warmed through. Alternatively, you can microwave them in a covered dish, adding a splash of water to keep them moist.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Meatballs With Tomatoes And Green Peppers contains roughly 611 calories, with 27g protein, 57g carbohydrates, and 32g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (61% of the Daily Value), protein (53% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2114mg per serving (92% 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 these meatballs ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the meatballs in advance and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before cooking. You can also freeze uncooked meatballs for up to 3 months. Just thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before cooking.
What can I use instead of canned tomatoes?
If you prefer fresh tomatoes, you can use about 2 pounds of chopped ripe tomatoes. Alternatively, crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce can be used for a smoother texture. Adjust the seasoning as necessary to achieve the desired flavor.
How do I know when the meatballs are fully cooked?
The meatballs are fully cooked when they reach an internal temperature of 160°F. You can check this by inserting a meat thermometer into the center of a meatball. They should also be firm to the touch and no longer pink inside.
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).