New York Meatballs
Savory New York-style meatballs featuring seasoned beef in a rich tomato sauce, perfect for hearty meals, family dinners, or casual sandwiches with spaghetti or French bread.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lb. lean hamburger ⓘ
- 1 medium onion ⓘ
- 1/2 green pepper ⓘ
- 1 (14 oz.) can whole tomatoes ⓘ
- 1/2 can tomato paste ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. lemon pepper ⓘ
- 1/8 tsp. oregano
- 1/8 tsp. ground coriander seed
- 1 bay leaf ⓘ
- 1 can mushrooms ⓘ
- 1 garlic clove ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz.) can tomato sauce
- 1 Tbsp. tomato ketchup ⓘ
- 1 small can tomato juice ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. Italian spices ⓘ
- 1/8 tsp. ground red pepper ⓘ
- 1/8 tsp. garlic salt ⓘ
- 1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
Instructions
- Saute the minced onion, green pepper, mushrooms, and minced tomatoes in a skillet for 30 minutes.
- Add all remaining ingredients, including the cooked and browned hamburger patties, to the skillet.
- Cook on very low heat for 1 hour, allowing flavors to meld.
Tips & Substitutions
For added depth of flavor, consider using fresh herbs like basil or parsley in addition to the dried spices. If you prefer a spicier kick, increase the ground red pepper. For a meatier texture, substitute half of the hamburger with ground turkey or pork. You can also use leftover cooked meats for a unique twist.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the meatballs over spaghetti for a classic Italian-American meal, or pair them with fried rice cakes for a delicious twist. A side of garlic bread and a simple salad can complement the dish well. For a heartier option, consider serving with mashed potatoes or bacon and chives potato salad.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover New York meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of tomato juice if necessary to prevent drying out. Alternatively, microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of New York Meatballs contains roughly 328 calories, with 16g protein, 64g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (295% of the Daily Value), vitamin D (131% of the Daily Value), and iron (83% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 625mg per serving (27% 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! Allow them to cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then warm as directed.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the meatballs and sauce a day in advance. Simply store them in the fridge and reheat on the stove before serving. This allows the flavors to meld even more, making them taste even better the next day.
What can I substitute for the canned tomatoes?
If you prefer fresh tomatoes, you can use about 4-5 medium ripe tomatoes, diced, as a substitute for the canned whole tomatoes. Just be sure to remove the skins, if desired, and cook them longer to achieve the right consistency for the sauce.
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).