Here’s my tried-and-true recipe for Savory Meatloaf Meatballs, combining the cozy comfort of traditional meatloaf with the fun, convenient shape of meatballs. Perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, these meatballs are packed with flavor and sure to please everyone at the table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: These meatballs come together quickly, making them a great choice for busy evenings.
- Flavorful and Comforting: The blend of spices and ingredients creates a delightful taste reminiscent of classic meatloaf.
- Versatile Dish: Serve these savory meatloaf meatballs with pasta, in a sub, or on their own for a hearty meal.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the fun shape and satisfying flavors.
- Great for Meal Prep: Make a large batch ahead of time and freeze them for quick meals later.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start making your savory meatloaf meatballs, gather your tools. Having everything ready will streamline the cooking process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Baking sheet
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Knife and cutting board
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowl: Essential for combining all ingredients evenly.
- Baking sheet: Provides a flat surface for even cooking and easy transfer to the oven.
- Measuring cups: Ensures accurate ingredient quantities for consistent results.
Ingredients
For the Meatballs
- 2 pounds ground beef (or substitute with other ground meats, using 80/20 beef mix)
- 1 sleeve finely crushed saltine crackers
- 2 room temperature eggs
- 1 medium yellow onion, minced
- 1 medium green bell pepper, minced
- Generous shakes of garlic powder
- 3 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- Dash of black pepper
- A few shakes of worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 cup canned crushed tomatoes for extra saucy meatballs
For Garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
How to Make Savory Meatloaf Meatballs
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures your savory meatloaf meatballs cook evenly.
Step 2: Prepare the Mixture
In a large mixing bowl:
1. Combine the ground beef, crushed saltine crackers, diced onion, diced bell pepper, eggs, garlic powder, ketchup, brown sugar, onion powder, black pepper, and Worcestershire sauce.
2. Mix all ingredients until well combined but do not overmix as this can make the meatballs tough.
Step 3: Form the Meatballs
Using your hands:
* Shape the mixture into balls about 1.5 inches in diameter.
* Place each formed meatball onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Step 4: Bake the Meatballs
Place the baking sheet in your preheated oven:
* Bake for 50 minutes or until they are cooked through and nicely browned on the outside.
Step 5: Add Sauce (Optional)
If you like saucy meatballs:
* In the last 10 minutes of baking, spoon some canned crushed tomatoes over each meatball before returning them to the oven.
These savory meatloaf meatballs are perfect for any occasion. Enjoy them fresh out of the oven or save some for later!
How to Serve Savory Meatloaf Meatballs
Savory meatloaf meatballs are versatile and can be served in many ways to suit different tastes. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or a casual gathering, these meatballs can adapt to your needs.
Classic Spaghetti and Meatballs
- Serve the savory meatloaf meatballs over a bed of spaghetti topped with marinara sauce for a comforting meal.
Meatball Sub Sandwiches
- Place the meatballs in a toasted sub roll, drizzle with marinara, and sprinkle with cheese for a delicious sandwich option.
Meatball Tacos
- Use the savory meatloaf meatballs as a filling in soft or hard taco shells, topped with your favorite salsa and avocado.
Meatball Salad Bowl
- Add sliced meatballs to a fresh salad mix for a hearty lunch option. Drizzle with ranch or your favorite dressing.
Party Platter
- Arrange the meatballs on a platter surrounded by toothpicks for easy snacking during parties or game days.
Savory Meatloaf Meatball Soup
- Simmer the meatballs in beef broth with vegetables for a warm and satisfying soup that’s perfect for colder days.
How to Perfect Savory Meatloaf Meatballs
Creating the perfect savory meatloaf meatballs requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to help you achieve delicious results.
- Choose quality meat: Select fresh ground beef or your preferred ground meats for better flavor and texture.
- Don’t overmix: Combine ingredients gently to maintain tenderness; overmixing can lead to tough meatballs.
- Let them rest: Allow the mixture to rest before forming balls; this helps flavors meld together.
- Use an ice cream scoop: For uniform size, use an ice cream scoop when portioning out the mixture.
- Bake instead of fry: Baking the meatballs allows for even cooking and less mess than frying.
- Experiment with spices: Feel free to add your favorite herbs or spices to customize the flavor profile of your savory meatloaf meatballs.
Best Side Dishes for Savory Meatloaf Meatballs
Pairing side dishes with savory meatloaf meatballs enhances your meal experience. Here are some delicious options that complement their rich flavors.
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic make an excellent base for soaking up sauce from the meatballs. - Steamed Broccoli
Lightly steamed broccoli adds color and nutrition, balancing out the richness of the savory dish. - Corn on the Cob
Sweet corn makes a fun side that contrasts nicely with the savory flavors of the meatballs. - Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Crispy roasted Brussels sprouts provide a crunchy texture that pairs well with tender meatballs. - Cauliflower Rice
A low-carb alternative that serves as a great base, cauliflower rice soaks up sauces beautifully. - Baked Beans
The sweetness of baked beans complements the savory taste of the meatballs, creating a hearty meal. - Coleslaw
A refreshing coleslaw adds crunch and tanginess, balancing out rich flavors on your plate. - Quinoa Salad
A light quinoa salad with fresh vegetables offers a healthy counterpoint to hearty savory meatloaf meatballs.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making savory meatloaf meatballs can be simple, but a few common mistakes can affect your dish. Here are some pitfalls to avoid.
- Skipping the Binding Agents: Not adding enough eggs or crackers can lead to crumbly meatballs. Make sure you include the right amount for a perfect texture.
- Overmixing the Meat: Mixing too much can make the meatballs tough. Combine the ingredients just until they are incorporated for tender meatballs.
- Ignoring Seasoning: Failing to season properly can result in bland meatballs. Don’t forget to taste your mixture before cooking and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Underestimating Cooking Time: Cooking your savory meatloaf meatballs for too short a time can leave them undercooked. Ensure they reach an internal temperature of 160°F for safe eating.
- Neglecting to Allow Rest Time: Cutting into meatballs right out of the oven can cause juices to escape. Let them rest for a few minutes before serving to keep them juicy.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover savory meatloaf meatballs in an airtight container.
- They will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
- Label and date your containers to keep track of freshness.
Freezing Savory Meatloaf Meatballs
- Place cooled savory meatloaf meatballs in a freezer-safe container or bag.
- They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- Separate layers with parchment paper to avoid sticking together.
Reheating Savory Meatloaf Meatballs
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F and place the meatballs on a baking sheet. Heat for about 15 minutes or until warmed through.
- Microwave: Place the meatballs in a microwave-safe dish, cover, and heat on high for 1-2 minutes, checking frequently.
- Stovetop: In a skillet over medium heat, add a splash of water or sauce and cover. Heat for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different meats for savory meatloaf meatballs?
Yes, you can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or pork for a lighter option while maintaining great flavor.
How do I make savory meatloaf meatballs gluten-free?
You can replace saltine crackers with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers to keep this recipe suitable for those with dietary restrictions.
What sauces pair well with savory meatloaf meatballs?
Many sauces complement these meatballs beautifully, including barbecue sauce, marinara, or even teriyaki sauce for an Asian twist!
Can I cook savory meatloaf meatballs in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Place them in your slow cooker with some sauce and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
Final Thoughts
Savory meatloaf meatballs are not just delicious; they are also versatile and easy to customize. You can experiment with different spices or add vegetables according to your preferences. Whether served with pasta, on sub rolls, or alongside veggies, these tasty bites will surely please everyone at your table. Give this recipe a try and enjoy the comfort of classic flavors in a fun new form!
Savory Meatloaf Meatballs
Savory Meatloaf Meatballs offer a delightful twist on a classic favorite, combining the comforting taste of traditional meatloaf into fun, bite-sized meatballs. Packed with flavors from spices and fresh vegetables, these meatballs are perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings. Whether served over spaghetti, in a hearty sub, or enjoyed as a snack at parties, they’re versatile enough to satisfy everyone. Plus, they’re easy to make and great for meal prep—just whip up a batch and freeze for quick dinners later. Get ready to impress your loved ones with this simple yet delicious recipe!
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 meatballs 1x
Ingredients
- 2 pounds ground beef (or alternative ground meats)
- 1 sleeve finely crushed saltine crackers
- 2 room temperature eggs
- 1 medium yellow onion, minced
- 1 medium green bell pepper, minced
- Generous shakes of garlic powder
- 3 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- Dash of black pepper
- A few shakes of Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 cup canned crushed tomatoes (optional for saucy meatballs)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, saltine crackers, eggs, minced onion and bell pepper, garlic powder, ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and seasonings.
- Mix gently until combined; do not overmix.
- Shape mixture into 1.5-inch balls and place on a lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 50 minutes until browned and cooked through. For saucy meatballs, add crushed tomatoes in the last 10 minutes of baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 176
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 340mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: Use lean ground beef (80/20) for best results. Experiment with spices like Italian herbs or smoked paprika for added flavor. These meatballs can be frozen in batches for easy meal prep.
