Classic Meatloaf Meatballs
Ingredients
- 2 lb80/20 ground beef
- 1sleeve saltine crackers
- 2 largeeggs
room temperature
- 1 mediumyellow onion
- 1 mediumgreen bell pepper
- Garlic powder
a couple of hearty shakes
- Black pepper
- Ketchup
approximately 3 tablespoons, for topping the meatballs before baking
- ½ cketchup
- ½ ccanned crushed tomatoes
with their juices
- 1 tbspbrown sugar
- ¼ tsponion powder
- Black pepper
- 1 tspWorcestershire sauce
or
Directions
- 1
Add the ground beef, finely crushed saltine crackers, eggs, minced onion, minced green pepper, garlic powder and black pepper to a large mixing bowl.
- 2
Using clean hands, gently combine the ingredients until evenly distributed. Do not overmix or aggressively knead the meat.
- 3
Divide the mixture into approximately 18 equal portions and gently shape each portion into a large meatball.
- 4
Arrange the meatballs fairly close together in a 9x13-inch baking dish.If time allows, let the shaped meatballs rest for approximately 30 minutes before baking.
- 5
Heat the oven to 375°F.
- 6
Add a small amount of ketchup to the top of each meatball and gently spread it across the top.
- 7
Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for approximately 35 minutes.
- 8
While the meatballs bake, combine the ketchup, crushed tomatoes, brown sugar, onion powder, black pepper and Worcestershire sauce in a bowl and whisk until well combined.
- 9
Carefully remove the foil from the meatballs. Spoon or pour the sauce evenly over and around the meatballs.
- 10
Return the baking dish to the oven uncovered and bake for approximately 15 to 20 additional minutes, or until the sauce is hot and bubbling and the meatballs reach an internal temperature of 160°F.
- 11
Remove the meatballs from the oven and allow them to rest for approximately 10 minutes.
- 12
Serve over mashed potatoes with plenty of sauce from the baking dish spooned over the top.
- 13
Garnish with dried parsley if desired.
Classic Meatloaf Meatballs
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About this Recipe
Craving the comforting, familiar taste of classic meatloaf but in a versatile, bite-sized form? These Classic Meatloaf Meatballs bring that beloved flavor to your table with simplicity and ease, perfect for any night of the week.
This recipe transforms the essence of a hearty meatloaf into perfectly tender meatballs using just a few accessible ingredients. The secret lies in the simple blend of savory ground beef, a classic cracker binder, and aromatic vegetables, ensuring each meatball is incredibly moist and flavorful, never dry or bland.
What you'll experience is a truly satisfying meatball with a rich, savory depth. The finely minced yellow onion and green pepper provide a subtle aromatic backbone, while a touch of ketchup, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce adds that signature sweet and tangy glaze often found in traditional meatloaf. You'll bite into a tender, juicy texture that holds its shape beautifully, making these a delight whether simmered in sauce or served on their own.
Customization & Serving Suggestions
These classic meatballs are incredibly adaptable to your pantry and preferences. While the recipe calls for 80/20 ground beef for optimal flavor and moisture, you can easily substitute other ground meats like pork, turkey, or a combination for a different profile. For those who love an even saucier meatball experience, stirring in the optional 1/2 cup crushed tomatoes will add extra moisture and a brighter, tangy note.
Serve these versatile meatballs tossed with your favorite pasta and a rich marinara, nestled in a toasted sub roll for a hearty sandwich, or as a crowd-pleasing appetizer at your next gathering. They pair wonderfully with a simple green salad or some creamy mashed potatoes.