Top-Stove Beans And Meat Balls
Savory meatballs and baked beans come together in a hearty, comforting dish with a hint of sweetness and tang, perfect for casual family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine ground beef, evaporated milk, bread crumbs, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Shape mixture into meatballs.
- Heat hot shortening in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add sliced onions and cook until softened.
- Add meatballs to the skillet and brown on all sides.
- Pour in baked beans and add salt and catsup.
- Cover and cook for a few minutes, until heated through and flavors meld.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using diced bell peppers or garlic in the meatball mixture. If you prefer a lighter version, substitute ground turkey for the beef. You can also use panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch. If you like a bit of heat, add a dash of hot sauce to the beans or meat mixture. This recipe is versatile and can be adjusted to your taste.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Top-Stove Beans and Meat Balls over a bed of rice or alongside crusty bread for a hearty meal. A fresh salad or steamed vegetables make perfect side dishes. For a comforting twist, consider pairing it with Aunt Beth'S Brown Rice or a simple coleslaw to balance the flavors. This dish is great for family gatherings or casual weeknight dinners.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, let the dish cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. When reheating, use a microwave or stovetop, adding a splash of water if it appears dry. Stir well to ensure even heating. This dish also freezes well for up to 3 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Top-Stove Beans And Meat Balls contains roughly 616 calories, with 14g protein, 23g carbohydrates, and 54g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (106% of the Daily Value) and protein (28% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2142mg per serving (93% 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 make the meatballs ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the meatballs in advance and refrigerate them for a few hours or overnight. This allows the flavors to meld together. You can also freeze the uncooked meatballs and cook them directly from the freezer; just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
What can I use instead of baked beans?
If you don't have baked beans, you can substitute with canned white beans or kidney beans mixed with a bit of barbecue sauce for sweetness. This change will alter the flavor slightly but still provide a hearty base for the dish.
Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
Absolutely! Adding vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or carrots can enhance the nutrition and flavor of the dish. Sauté them with the onions before adding the meatballs to ensure they cook evenly.
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).