Mother'S Old Fashioned Homemade Meatballs

Prep: 20 min Cook: 120 min Serves: 6 Cuisine: American

Mother's Old Fashioned Homemade Meatballs are hearty, flavorful, and comforting. Juicy meatballs are baked in a savory tomato soup sauce, making them perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings. The blend of beef, sausage, rice, and spices creates a nostalgic, satisfying dish loved by all ages.

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Ingredients

  • 2 lb. ground beef
  • 1 lb. ground sausage
  • 1 bell pepper, diced
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 cup instant rice
  • 1 can tomato sauce
  • 1/2 tsp. garlic powder
  • 1 tsp. sage
  • 1/3 tsp. pepper
  • 1/8 tsp. salt
  • 2 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 Tbsp. prepared mustard
  • 2 cans tomato soup

Instructions

  1. Mix all ingredients (except tomato soup) together and form into balls.
  2. Place meatballs in a deep baking dish.
  3. Spoon over them the tomato soup (do not dilute).
  4. Bake at 325°F for 2 hours.

Tips & Substitutions

For added flavor, consider substituting the ground beef with a blend of ground turkey and beef. If you don’t have instant rice, regular rice can be used but may require pre-cooking. To enhance moisture, add a splash of beef broth. Keep the meatballs uniform in size for even cooking, and use a spoon to gently mix the ingredients without overworking the meat.

Serving Suggestions

These meatballs pair beautifully with spaghetti or served over mashed potatoes for a hearty meal. Consider adding a side of garlic bread and a fresh salad, like a 5 Layer Salad, to round out the dinner. For a comforting twist, serve them alongside Beef On Noodles Or Rice for a satisfying family feast.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a baking dish with a bit of tomato sauce and cover with foil. Heat at 350°F for about 20 minutes or until warmed through. You can also microwave them in individual servings for a quick meal.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Mother'S Old Fashioned Homemade Meatballs contains roughly 353 calories, with 10g protein, 63g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (307% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (70% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (34% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1475mg per serving (64% of the Daily Value).

353 kcal 18% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 9.9g 20% DV
Total Fat 8.9g 11% DV
Carbs 63.4g 23% DV
Fiber 9.6g 34% DV
Sugar 20.9g 42% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1475.3mg 64% DV
Potassium 1263.1mg 27% DV
Cholesterol 58.3mg 19% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 629.3mcg 70% DV
Vitamin C 276.2mg 100% DV
Calcium 107.5mg 8% DV
Iron 5.6mg 31% DV
Diet fit High-fiber Under 400 cal Low-fat
Contains Egg

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?

Yes, you can use ground turkey, chicken, or pork as alternatives to beef and sausage. Each will impart its own flavor, so adjust seasonings accordingly to maintain the dish's taste profile.

What can I serve with these meatballs?

These meatballs are versatile and can be served with various sides. Popular choices include pasta, rice, or a simple green salad. For a comforting option, try pairing them with mashed potatoes or a hearty vegetable soup.

Can I freeze the meatballs?

Absolutely! You can freeze uncooked or cooked meatballs. For uncooked, form them into balls, place on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer to a freezer bag. For cooked, let them cool completely before storing. They can be reheated directly from frozen.

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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