Olive Meatballs
Juicy meatballs filled with green olives and seasoned bread crumbs, perfect for appetizer or main dish, offering savory flavors with a hint of tang from pizza sauce.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine the beaten egg, bread crumbs, pizza sauce, chopped onion, salt, and pepper.
- Add the ground beef and mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Shape about 1 tablespoon of the meat mixture around each olive to form round meatballs.
- Place the meatballs in a 13 x 9 x 2-inch baking dish.
- Bake in a 375°F (190°C) oven for about 20 minutes until cooked through and browned.
- Serve warm.
Tips & Substitutions
For added moisture, consider mixing in a tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce or using Italian seasoned bread crumbs instead of plain. If you prefer a spicier kick, add red pepper flakes to the meat mixture. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. Be sure to use pimiento-stuffed olives for a burst of flavor, but green olives can work in a pinch.
Serving Suggestions
These meatballs make a great appetizer or main dish. Serve them with a side of pasta tossed in marinara sauce or alongside a fresh salad for a light meal. They also pair beautifully with Mom'S Famous Chili(Fast And Easy) for a hearty spread. Garnish with fresh parsley for an elegant touch.
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 baking dish, cover with foil, and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 15 minutes. Alternatively, you can microwave them on medium power in short intervals until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Olive Meatballs contains roughly 2184 calories, with 72g protein, 393g carbohydrates, and 33g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (143% of the Daily Value), iron (141% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (84% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% 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 raw for up to 24 hours. Alternatively, you can bake them and store the cooked meatballs in the fridge. Just reheat them before serving.
What can I use instead of pizza sauce?
If you don't have pizza sauce, marinara or spaghetti sauce can be used as a substitute. You can also blend canned tomatoes with Italian herbs for a homemade version.
Can I freeze the meatballs?
Absolutely! You can freeze uncooked meatballs for up to 3 months. Just arrange them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer bag. Cook from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
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).