Yummy Meat Balls
Savory meatballs with tender ground beef and pork, simmered in a rich tomato sauce, perfect for comforting family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix ground beef, ground pork, minced onion, rice, cracker crumbs, egg, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Shape the mixture into golf ball-sized meatballs and place them in a greased casserole dish.
- Pour the condensed tomato soup diluted with water over the meatballs.
- Bake in a 375°F oven for 1 hour until cooked through and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider incorporating garlic powder or Italian seasoning into the meat mixture. If you don’t have cracker crumbs, you can substitute with breadcrumbs or even crushed cornflakes. To make the dish gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or omit them entirely. You can also swap out the ground beef for ground turkey for a lighter option.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these meatballs over a bed of cooked rice or alongside mashed potatoes for a hearty meal. They pair wonderfully with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced dinner. For a twist, try them with the flavors of Cabbage Meal In One for a satisfying combination.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the meatballs in a baking dish and cover with foil, then warm in a 350°F oven until heated through, about 20 minutes. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions for a quick meal.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Yummy Meat Balls contains roughly 825 calories, with 29g protein, 124g carbohydrates, and 24g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (59% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (38% of the Daily Value), and iron (30% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1250mg per serving (54% 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 freeze the meatballs before baking?
Yes, you can freeze the formed meatballs before baking. Place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. They can be baked directly from frozen; just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time.
What can I use instead of tomato soup?
If you don't have tomato soup, you can substitute it with marinara sauce or a homemade tomato sauce. Adjust the seasoning as needed, particularly if the sauce is less sweet than canned tomato soup.
How can I make these meatballs spicy?
To add some heat, incorporate crushed red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños into the meat mixture. You can also serve them with a spicy dipping sauce or drizzle hot sauce over the top before serving.
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).