Near East Meatballs
Juicy meatballs simmered in a savory onion soup sauce with rice, perfect for comforting family dinners or gatherings. Flavored with parsley for freshness.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine ground beef, bread crumbs, milk, and salt in a bowl.
- Shape the mixture into 18 meatballs.
- Brown the meatballs in shortening in a skillet.
- Pour in onion soup mix and water; bring to a boil.
- Stir in rice and cover the skillet.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes or until rice is tender, stirring often.
- Garnish with minced parsley before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider mixing in some spices like cumin or coriander with the meat mixture. If you don't have bread crumbs, crushed crackers or cooked quinoa can be a good substitute. You can also use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter option. Make sure to shape the meatballs evenly for consistent cooking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these meatballs over a bed of rice or with warm naan for a delicious meal. They pair wonderfully with a fresh salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced dinner. For a comfort food twist, consider serving alongside Michigan 'Go Blue Stew' for a hearty feast.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover meatballs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to keep them moist, or microwave them in a covered dish with a little moisture for about 1-2 minutes until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Near East Meatballs contains roughly 860 calories, with 10g protein, 20g carbohydrates, and 84g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (25% of the Daily Value) and protein (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 672mg per serving (29% 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 freeze the meatballs?
Yes, these meatballs freeze well! After cooking, let them cool completely, then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be stored for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat as directed.
What can I use instead of onion soup mix?
If you don't have onion soup mix, you can create a homemade version by combining 1 tablespoon of dried onion flakes, 1 teaspoon of beef bouillon granules, and a pinch of garlic powder. This will give you a similar flavor profile without the packaging.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with a mix of cooked lentils and finely chopped mushrooms or a plant-based ground meat alternative. You can also use vegetable broth instead of water for added flavor. Adjust the cooking times as necessary for the substituted ingredients.
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).