Saucy Meat Ball Casserole
A hearty casserole featuring tender meatballs in a creamy mushroom and celery sauce, topped with cheesy biscuits—perfect for comforting family dinners or special gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. ground beef
- 1/4 lb. pork sausage ⓘ
- 1/2 cup dry bread crumbs ⓘ
- 1 2/3 cups evaporated milk ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons chopped onions ⓘ
- 1/8 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 1 (10 1/2 oz.) can cream of mushroom soup ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon parsley ⓘ
- 1 (10 1/2 oz.) can cream of celery soup ⓘ
- 1 1/3 cups flour ⓘ
- 3 teaspoons baking powder ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/3 cup oleo ⓘ
- 1 egg ⓘ
- 1/2 lb. shredded Cheddar cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine ground beef, pork sausage, bread crumbs, 1/3 cup evaporated milk, chopped onions, and pepper in a bowl.
- Mix well until ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Shape the mixture into meatballs using tablespoons and brown them in a skillet.
- Cover the skillet and cook the meatballs for 10 minutes until cooked through.
- Place the cooked meatballs in a 2 1/2-quart casserole dish.
- In a separate bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, cream of celery soup, 1 cup evaporated milk, and water; heat until steaming.
- Pour the hot soup mixture over the meatballs in the casserole.
- Prepare biscuit topping: combine flour, baking powder, salt, oleo (melted), and egg to make biscuit dough.
- Drop spoonfuls of biscuit dough over the casserole.
- Bake until biscuits are golden brown and the casserole is bubbling.
Tips & Substitutions
For a leaner option, substitute ground turkey for the beef and sausage. If you don't have evaporated milk, regular milk can work in a pinch, but reduce the water in the soup mixture. Adding Italian seasoning to the meat mixture can enhance flavor. For a spicy kick, consider mixing in some crushed red pepper flakes.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole is hearty and pairs beautifully with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. You can serve it with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. For a comforting twist, try serving alongside mashed potatoes or a warm bowl of Pam'S Mega Soup to complement the flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions on medium power, stirring occasionally, until hot.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Saucy Meat Ball Casserole contains roughly 486 calories, with 17g protein, 74g carbohydrates, and 16g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (98% of the Daily Value), iron (77% of the Daily Value), and calcium (41% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2032mg per serving (88% 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 Saucy Meat Ball Casserole?
Yes, you can freeze the casserole before baking. Assemble it as directed, then cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then bake as instructed. This helps maintain the texture of the biscuits.
What can I use instead of cream of mushroom soup?
If you don't have cream of mushroom soup, you can substitute it with cream of chicken or make a homemade version using sautéed mushrooms, heavy cream, and broth. This will keep the casserole creamy while offering a different flavor profile.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, replace the ground beef and pork sausage with a plant-based meat substitute or lentils. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth in the soup mixture, and ensure your biscuit topping is made with non-dairy butter if needed.
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).