Swish Meat Balls

Prep: 120 min Cook: 20 min Serves: 4 Cuisine: American

Savory swish meatballs combine ground beef, onions, bread crumbs, and herbs, baked to perfection—perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings with rich, comforting flavors.

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Ingredients

  • 1 lb. ground beef
  • 1/2 c. onion
  • 3/4 c. bread crumbs
  • 1 Tbsp. parsley
  • 2 tsp. salt
  • 1/8 tsp. pepper
  • 1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 egg
  • 1/2 c. milk

Instructions

  1. Mix together ground beef, onion, bread crumbs, parsley, salt, pepper, Worcestershire sauce, egg, and milk. Cover and refrigerate for 2 hours.
  2. Make balls from the mixture and place them on a cookie sheet.
  3. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20 to 25 minutes.
  4. Drain the meatballs on paper towels before serving.

Tips & Substitutions

For added flavor, consider using Italian seasoned bread crumbs or adding a pinch of garlic powder to the mixture. If you're looking for a lighter option, ground turkey or chicken can be substituted for ground beef. Additionally, fresh herbs like basil or oregano can enhance the taste, similar to what you'd find in classic American recipes.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these meatballs with spaghetti and marinara sauce for a classic pairing, or alongside a fresh salad for a lighter meal. They also work well in a meatball sub with melted cheese. For a comforting twist, consider serving with a side of Easy Hobo Stew for a complete dinner experience.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave them, but be cautious to avoid drying them out.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Swish Meat Balls contains roughly 633 calories, with 12g protein, 117g carbohydrates, and 14g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (37% of the Daily Value), iron (32% of the Daily Value), and calcium (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2428mg per serving (106% of the Daily Value).

633 kcal 32% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 11.7g 23% DV
Total Fat 14.4g 18% DV
Carbs 117.4g 43% DV
Fiber 3.3g 12% DV
Sugar 5.4g 11% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 2427.6mg 100% DV
Potassium 1090.3mg 23% DV
Cholesterol 292.8mg 98% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 81.9mcg 9% DV
Vitamin C 33.6mg 37% DV
Vitamin D 0mcg
Calcium 310.3mg 24% DV
Iron 5.8mg 32% DV
Diet fit Low-fat
Contains Milk 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 uncooked meatballs. After shaping them, place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer them to a freezer bag. They can be cooked straight from frozen; just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

What can I use instead of Worcestershire sauce?

If you don't have Worcestershire sauce, a mixture of soy sauce and a splash of vinegar can work as a substitute. Alternatively, you could use a homemade version with soy sauce, ketchup, and a bit of hot sauce to mimic the flavor profile.

How do I know when the meatballs are done?

The meatballs are done when they reach an internal temperature of 160°F (70°C). You can also cut one open to check that it's no longer pink inside. Baking them for 20 to 25 minutes at 350°F (175°C) usually ensures they are cooked through.

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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