Our Favorite Meatballs

Prep: 15 min Cook: 30 min Serves: 4 Cuisine: American

Juicy homemade meatballs with savory onion flavor, perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, easily customizable and sure to satisfy meat lovers of all ages.

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Ingredients

  • 2 lb. ground chuck
  • 1 pkg. crushed crackers
  • 2 pkg. Lipton onion soup mix
  • 2 eggs
  • salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Mix all ingredients together and form into small balls.
  2. Place the meatballs into a 9 x 13-inch pan sprayed with Pam.
  3. Bake in a 375°F oven for about 30 minutes or until the meatballs are brown.
  4. Remove the meatballs from the pan and drop them into the Meatball Sauce.

Tips & Substitutions

For added flavor, consider incorporating chopped fresh herbs like parsley or basil. If you don't have crackers, breadcrumbs or even crushed cornflakes work well as a substitute. For a twist, try using ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. Ensure to mix the ingredients gently to keep the meatballs tender.

Serving Suggestions

These meatballs are perfect served with spaghetti and marinara sauce, or on a sub roll with melted cheese for a meatball sandwich. A side of Flaky Biscuits is a delightful addition, providing a buttery contrast. For a lighter meal, serve with a fresh salad or roasted vegetables.

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 little sauce and cover with foil, heating in a 350°F oven until warmed through. You can also microwave them for quicker reheating, but be careful not to overcook.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Our Favorite Meatballs contains roughly 806 calories, with 19g protein, 124g carbohydrates, and 27g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (39% of the Daily Value), iron (31% of the Daily Value), and calcium (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1875mg per serving (82% of the Daily Value).

806 kcal 40% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 19.3g 39% DV
Total Fat 26.7g 34% DV
Carbs 123.9g 45% DV
Fiber 2.1g 8% DV
Sugar 0.1g

Electrolytes

Sodium 1875.3mg 82% DV
Potassium 783.5mg 17% DV
Cholesterol 295.6mg 99% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 85.6mcg 10% DV
Vitamin C 1.5mg 2% DV
Vitamin D 0mcg
Calcium 338.6mg 26% DV
Iron 5.5mg 31% DV
Diet fit Low-fat
Contains Egg Wheat/Gluten

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 before cooking?

Yes, you can freeze the uncooked meatballs. Place them on a baking sheet in a single layer until frozen, then transfer to a freezer bag. They can be cooked directly from frozen; just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

What can I use instead of Lipton onion soup mix?

If you prefer a homemade option, mix onion powder, garlic powder, and dried parsley with salt and pepper to taste. This will provide a similar flavor without the processed ingredients. You can also find vegetarian recipes that use vegetable broth powder as a base.

How do I know when the meatballs are done?

The meatballs are done when they are browned on the outside and reach an internal temperature of 160°F. You can use a meat thermometer to check this. Another sign is when they are firm to the touch and no longer pink in the center.

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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