Oven Easy Meatballs
Oven baked meatballs with savory Manwich sauce deliver a comforting, flavorful meal perfect for weeknights and gatherings, appealing to meat lovers and families alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine ground beef, soft bread crumbs, egg, salt, and 1/3 cup Manwich sauce in a bowl.
- Form the mixture into 1-inch meatballs.
- Arrange the meatballs in a shallow baking pan.
- Bake at 450°F for 15 minutes.
- Drain excess fat from the pan.
- Pour remaining Manwich sauce mixed with water over the meatballs.
- Bake for an additional 15 minutes, turning and basting often.
Tips & Substitutions
For a flavor boost, try adding minced garlic or chopped onions to the meat mixture. If you don't have soft bread crumbs, you can use crushed crackers or stale bread soaked in milk. Ensure the meatballs are uniform in size for even cooking. For a twist, substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option, which can be found in many American recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these meatballs on a bed of spaghetti or alongside a hearty portion of Ring-A-Ding Beans for a comforting meal. They also pair well with crusty bread for dipping into the sauce. Consider a light salad or steamed vegetables as a refreshing side to balance the dish's richness.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover meatballs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place them in a baking dish with a splash of water or sauce, cover with foil, and warm in a 350°F oven for about 15-20 minutes. You can also microwave them in short bursts, checking often to avoid overcooking.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Oven Easy Meatballs contains roughly 729 calories, with 17g protein, 142g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (34% of the Daily Value), iron (30% of the Daily Value), and calcium (29% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1970mg per serving (86% 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 before cooking?
Yes, you can freeze the uncooked meatballs. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. 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 Manwich sauce?
If you don’t have Manwich sauce, a mix of ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and a bit of brown sugar can create a similar flavor profile. Alternatively, homemade barbecue sauce can also enhance the meatballs’ taste.
How can I make these meatballs spicier?
To add some heat, incorporate red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños into the meat mixture. You could also use a spicy barbecue sauce in place of the Manwich sauce for a zesty kick that complements the beef.
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).