Oven Meat Balls
Oven-baked meatballs with savory spices, rice, and a flavorful tomato sauce, perfect for comforting family dinners or casual gatherings. These hearty meatballs are easy to make and delicious.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef, salt, pepper, garlic powder, oregano, grated onion, rice, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Shape the mixture into approximately 1-inch meatballs and place them in a 1 1/2-quart casserole dish.
- In a separate bowl, mix the tomato soup with water.
- Pour the tomato mixture over the meatballs in the casserole dish.
- Cover the dish with a lid or aluminum foil.
- Bake for 1 1/2 hours or until the rice is thoroughly cooked and meatballs are tender.
Tips & Substitutions
For added moisture and flavor, consider mixing in some grated zucchini or finely chopped bell peppers to the meat mixture. If you don't have Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce can be a great substitute. Adjust the spices to your taste; adding a pinch of red pepper flakes can give it a nice kick. For a healthier option, use ground turkey instead of beef, which is common in American recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these meatballs over a bed of cooked rice or pasta to soak up the delicious sauce. A side of steamed vegetables, such as green beans or broccoli, complements this dish well. For a heartier meal, pair it with a slice of crusty bread or a fresh salad. These meatballs also go well with recipes like Peas And Hash Casserole.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the meatballs and sauce in a microwave-safe dish, cover, and heat on medium power for about 2-3 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Oven Meat Balls contains roughly 563 calories, with 20g protein, 141g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (270% of the Daily Value), iron (222% of the Daily Value), and calcium (154% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2006mg per serving (87% 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 use a different type of meat for the meatballs?
Yes, you can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or even pork for the ground beef. Each will bring a unique flavor to the dish. Just make sure to adjust cooking times if using a leaner meat to ensure they stay moist.
How do I know when the meatballs are done cooking?
The meatballs are done when they reach an internal temperature of 160°F (70°C). Additionally, the rice should be tender and fluffy. You can cut one meatball in half to check for doneness and ensure the rice is fully cooked.
Can I freeze the meatballs for later use?
Absolutely! You can freeze the meatballs before or after cooking. If freezing uncooked, shape them and place them in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag. For cooked meatballs, store them in an airtight container. They can last up to 3 months in the freezer.
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).