Sue'S Spicy Meatballs With Sauce

Prep: 15 min Cook: 25 min Serves: 4 Cuisine: American

Juicy, flavorful spicy meatballs simmered in rich tomato sauce, perfect for hearty family dinners or casual gatherings with a touch of heat and comforting flavors.

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Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 lb ground beef
  • 1/2 cup chopped onion
  • 3/4 cup fine dry bread crumbs
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper
  • 1 egg

Instructions

  1. Mix ground beef, chopped onion, bread crumbs, salt, pepper, and egg until well combined.
  2. Shape the mixture into meatballs and brown them in oil in a skillet.
  3. Remove meatballs and drain on paper towels.
  4. Pour spaghetti sauce into the skillet and bring to a simmer.
  5. Add the browned meatballs to the sauce.
  6. Simmer for 20 to 25 minutes until meatballs are cooked through.

Tips & Substitutions

For added flavor, consider mixing in some minced garlic or herbs like parsley or oregano. If you prefer a lighter alternative, you can substitute ground turkey for the beef. When shaping the meatballs, wet your hands to prevent sticking. If you have leftover bread, you can make your own breadcrumbs by toasting and grinding it.

Serving Suggestions

These meatballs are perfect served over spaghetti or alongside garlic bread for a complete meal. They also pair beautifully with a fresh salad or steamed vegetables. For a cozy option, serve them with mashed potatoes or as part of a Meat Casserole (Beef) for a comforting dinner.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover meatballs and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm them in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water to keep them moist. Alternatively, you can microwave them in short intervals, stirring occasionally.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Sue'S Spicy Meatballs With Sauce contains roughly 834 calories, with 14g protein, 158g carbohydrates, and 18g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (31% of the Daily Value), protein (29% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (29% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2396mg per serving (104% of the Daily Value).

834 kcal 42% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 14.4g 29% DV
Total Fat 17.7g 23% DV
Carbs 157.9g 57% DV
Fiber 2g 7% DV
Sugar 2.9g 6% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 2395.6mg 100% DV
Potassium 1055mg 22% DV
Cholesterol 439.8mg 100% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 112.3mcg 12% DV
Vitamin C 26.2mg 29% DV
Calcium 407.9mg 31% DV
Iron 4mg 22% DV
Diet fit Low-fat
Contains Egg Wheat/Gluten

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?

Yes, you can freeze the meatballs before or after cooking. If freezing raw, shape them and place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring to a freezer-safe bag. For cooked meatballs, let them cool completely, then freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

What can I substitute for breadcrumbs?

If you don’t have breadcrumbs, you can use crushed crackers, oats, or even cooked rice as a binder. Each option will add a slightly different texture but will still help hold the meatballs together.

How do I know when the meatballs are fully cooked?

The best way to check if meatballs are fully cooked is to use a meat thermometer. They should reach an internal temperature of 160°F (70°C). Alternatively, cut one open; it should be no longer pink inside and the juices should run clear.

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).

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