Delectable Baked Meatballs with Dual Sauce Delights
Indulge in this straightforward meatball recipe featuring just four main ingredients, yet it opens the door to a culinary journey with two luscious sauce options. Inspired by Kraft’s “What's Cooking” magazine, these meatballs are enriched with a hint of garlic and aromatic Italian seasoning. By baking on a rack, excess fat is reduced, making them a healthier yet delicious choice. Perfect for freezing, they offer a quick solution for weeknight meals or entertaining guests. Whether you opt for a rich tomato-basil cream sauce or a comforting creamy brown gravy, these meatballs promise satisfaction in every bite.
8
Servings
375
Calories
4
Ingredients
Ingredients
Ground beef, extra lean
2 lbs (none)
Stove Top stuffing mix
120 g (none)
Water
1 cup (none)
Eggs
2 (beaten)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Prepare two large baking pans by lining them with foil and spraying them with cooking oil. If you are using racks for baking, spray them as well.
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, Stove Top stuffing mix, water, and eggs. Mix until all ingredients are well incorporated.
3
Form the mixture into 32 evenly-sized meatballs, approximately 1.5 inches in diameter.
4
Place the meatballs on the prepared baking pan or racks. Bake in the preheated oven for 16 to 18 minutes, or until the meatballs reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
5
For the Tomato-Basil Cream Sauce: In a large skillet, combine 1.5 cups of pasta sauce, 1/4 cup of light cream cheese spread, and 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh basil. Cook over medium-low heat for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally until the sauce is heated through. Gently add 16 hot meatballs and coat them evenly with the sauce. Sprinkle 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese just before serving.
6
For the Creamy Brown Gravy: In a large skillet, mix 1 cup of beef gravy with 1/4 cup of light cream cheese spread and 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley. Follow the same method as for the Tomato-Basil Sauce, omitting the Parmesan cheese.
Nutrition Information
22.5g
Fat
18.75g
Carbs
25g
Protein
1g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main recipe name?
The recipe is for Delectable Baked Meatballs with Dual Sauce Delights.
How many main ingredients are required for the meatballs?
There are four main ingredients: extra lean ground beef, Stove Top stuffing mix, water, and eggs.
What type of ground beef should be used?
The recipe calls for 2 lbs of extra lean ground beef.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit or 200 degrees Celsius.
How should the baking pans be prepared?
Line two large baking pans with foil and spray them with cooking oil.
Why is baking on a rack recommended?
Baking on a rack helps reduce excess fat, making the meatballs a healthier choice.
How many meatballs does this recipe yield?
The recipe makes approximately 32 evenly-sized meatballs.
What is the ideal size for each meatball?
Each meatball should be approximately 1.5 inches in diameter.
How long do the meatballs need to bake?
Bake them for 16 to 18 minutes.
What internal temperature should the meatballs reach?
The meatballs should reach an internal temperature of 160 degrees Fahrenheit or 71 degrees Celsius.
What are the two sauce options provided?
The two options are a Tomato-Basil Cream Sauce and a Creamy Brown Gravy.
What ingredients are in the Tomato-Basil Cream Sauce?
It consists of pasta sauce, light cream cheese spread, fresh basil, and Parmesan cheese.
How do you prepare the Creamy Brown Gravy?
Mix beef gravy with light cream cheese spread and chopped fresh parsley in a large skillet.
How much cream cheese spread is used in the sauces?
Each sauce option uses 1/4 cup of light cream cheese spread.
How many meatballs are coated in one batch of sauce?
The sauce instructions are designed to coat 16 hot meatballs.
What is the serving size for this recipe?
The recipe yields 8 servings.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains 375 calories.
What is the protein content per serving?
There are 25 grams of protein per serving.
How much fat is in each serving?
Each serving contains 22.5 grams of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 18.75 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Can these meatballs be frozen?
Yes, they are perfect for freezing and offer a quick solution for future meals.
What seasonings are suggested for the meatballs?
The meatballs are enriched with a hint of garlic and aromatic Italian seasoning.
What type of stuffing mix is specified?
The recipe uses 120 grams of Stove Top stuffing mix.
What herb is used in the Tomato-Basil sauce?
Two tablespoons of chopped fresh basil are used.
What herb is used in the Creamy Brown Gravy?
Two tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley are used.
How long should the sauce be heated in the skillet?
Cook the sauce over medium-low heat for approximately 3 minutes.
Is Parmesan cheese used in both sauces?
No, Parmesan cheese is only used as a sprinkle for the Tomato-Basil Cream Sauce.
What was the inspiration for this recipe?
This recipe was inspired by Kraft's 'What's Cooking' magazine.
How much water is added to the meatball mixture?
The mixture requires 1 cup of water.
How much fiber is in each serving?
Each serving provides 1 gram of fiber.