Spanish Meat Balls
Spanish Meat Balls are a hearty and flavorful dish, perfect for family gatherings or a cozy dinner. With a blend of spices, tender ground meat, and a rich tomato soup sauce, these meatballs are both satisfying and comforting. Ideal for those who enjoy robust flavors and a touch of warmth in their meals.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix well the ground meat, cubed bread, grated onion, uncooked rice, chili powder, allspice, eggs, and salt; shape into small balls.
- Put the meatballs into a large greased casserole.
- Heat the tomato soup, water, and remaining chili powder; pour over the meatballs.
- Bake, covered, at 375° for 2 hours.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the ground meat. If you don't have chili powder, a dash of paprika and cumin can add a similar warmth. To ensure the meatballs stay moist, consider soaking the bread in a little milk before adding it to the mixture. Also, try adding some finely chopped parsley for an extra burst of flavor.
Serving Suggestions
These meatballs are delicious served over rice or pasta. Pair them with a side of crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce. A fresh green salad or steamed vegetables can balance the richness of the dish. For a comforting dessert, consider serving Etta'S Hungarian Coffee Cake to finish the meal on a sweet note.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover meatballs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, adding a splash of water to keep them moist.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spanish Meat Balls contains roughly 505 calories, with 16g protein, 85g carbohydrates, and 14g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (121% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (37% of the Daily Value), and iron (34% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1929mg per serving (84% 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 brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, you can substitute brown rice for white rice, but keep in mind that it will require a longer cooking time. Make sure to adjust the liquid in the recipe accordingly, as brown rice absorbs more. Pre-cooking the brown rice before mixing it in can also help ensure everything cooks evenly.
What can I use instead of tomato soup?
If you don't have tomato soup on hand, a good substitute is a homemade mixture of crushed tomatoes, vegetable broth, and a bit of sugar for sweetness. You can also use marinara sauce for a richer flavor, but adjust the seasoning accordingly since marinara can be more seasoned than plain tomato soup.
Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the meatballs and even bake them ahead of time. Store them in the refrigerator for a day or two before serving, or freeze them after baking. Just reheat in the oven or on the stovetop with the sauce to save time on your meal day.
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).