State Fair Meatballs
State Fair Meatballs offer tender, flavorful beef balls in a creamy mushroom sauce, perfect for comforting family dinners or casual gatherings with a nostalgic touch.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix together the bread, minced onion, pepper, powdered milk, and salt; then add to the ground beef and combine well.
- Shape the mixture into meatballs.
- Brown the meatballs in margarine in a skillet and then place them in a flat baking dish.
- Mix the golden cream of mushroom soup with ice water and pour over the meatballs.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F for 30 to 45 minutes until cooked through.
Tips & Substitutions
For even more flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of garlic powder or chopped fresh herbs like parsley or thyme to the meatball mixture. If you don’t have powdered milk, you can substitute with an equal amount of regular milk, but reduce the ice water slightly. Keep the meatballs uniform in size for even cooking. For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free bread.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these meatballs over a bed of creamy brown rice for a comforting meal that pairs beautifully with American recipes. A side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad complements the richness of the dish perfectly. For a heartier option, consider serving them with a side of mashed potatoes or crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
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 skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave them in a covered dish, adding a splash of water to keep them moist.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of State Fair Meatballs contains roughly 428 calories, with 21g protein, 21g carbohydrates, and 28g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (43% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1971mg 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 use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey can be used as a leaner alternative to ground beef. Just keep in mind that turkey may require slightly longer cooking times and may need additional seasoning to enhance its flavor.
What can I substitute for cream of mushroom soup?
If you prefer a healthier option, you can make your own cream of mushroom soup using sautéed mushrooms, heavy cream, and spices. Alternatively, a can of cream of chicken soup works well too.
How do I know when the meatballs are done?
To ensure your meatballs are fully cooked, they should reach an internal temperature of 160°F. You can check this using a meat thermometer. Additionally, the meatballs should be firm 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).