Meatballs With Tomato Juice Gravy Recipe
Description:
Indulge in a comforting and flavorful meal that’s perfect for a cozy family dinner. This recipe holds a special place, passed down from generations, cherished by the family for its deliciousness. Prepare to delight your loved ones with these succulent meatballs in a rich tomato juice gravy, a favorite of many!
- Preparation Time: 30 minutes
- Cooking Time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour and 50 minutes
- Servings: 8
- Yield: 16 meatballs
Ingredients:
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 1 1/2 lbs | Ground beef |
| 1/2 lb | Ground sausage |
| 1 tsp | Salt |
| 1/2 tsp | Pepper |
| 1 tsp | Chili powder |
| 1 | Onion, finely chopped |
| 6 | Crackers, crushed |
| 1 | Egg, beaten |
| 1 cup | Tomato juice |
| 1 tbsp | Cornstarch |
Instructions:
-
Prepare Meatball Mixture:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, ground sausage, salt, pepper, chili powder, finely chopped onion, crushed crackers, beaten egg, and 1 cup of tomato juice.
- Mix the ingredients thoroughly until well combined, ensuring even distribution of flavors.
-
Shape Meatballs:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Shape the meat mixture into balls, each about the size of walnuts, and place them evenly spaced on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or greased lightly with cooking spray.
-
Bake Meatballs:
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the meatballs for about 30 minutes.
- After 30 minutes, carefully turn the meatballs to ensure even cooking, and continue baking for an additional 20 minutes or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
-
Prepare Tomato Juice Gravy:
- Once the meatballs are done, you have the option to drain excess drippings from the baking sheet. However, leaving some drippings can add extra flavor to the gravy.
- In a small saucepan, mix the remaining tomato juice with cornstarch, a little chili powder for added kick, and a portion of the drippings from the baking pan.
- Warm the sauce mixture slightly, either on the stovetop or in the microwave, until it’s heated through.
-
Thicken Gravy and Serve:
- Pour the tomato juice gravy over the baked meatballs, ensuring they are evenly coated.
- Return the baking sheet to the oven and continue baking until the gravy thickens and becomes bubbly.
- Once the gravy reaches the desired consistency and the meatballs are hot, remove them from the oven.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
- Serve the meatballs with tomato juice gravy hot, either as a main course accompanied by your favorite sides like mashed potatoes or rice, or as a hearty appetizer for gatherings.
- Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley for a pop of color and added freshness.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 315.4
- Total Fat: 21.2g
- Saturated Fat: 7.8g
- Cholesterol: 101.5mg
- Sodium: 893.9mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 8.6g
- Dietary Fiber: 0.9g
- Sugar: 4.8g
- Protein: 22.2g
Indulge in the heartwarming flavors of these tender meatballs enveloped in a luscious tomato juice gravy, a recipe that’s sure to become a beloved favorite in your household. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a leisurely weekend meal, these meatballs are a delicious and satisfying option for any occasion! 🍽️🍅
