Back-to-School
Meatball Meal Ideas
Back-to-school season is here, and busy families need meals that are simple, nutritious, and fast.
Anna Gest, Registered Dietitian and Manager of Nutrition Education Programs with the Ohio Beef Council, is sharing smart meal prep strategies along with our Meatball Meal Ideas—a free resource featuring five easy, kid-approved recipes. Each recipe uses beef meatballs as the star ingredient, paired with affordable pantry staples for quick, versatile dinners the whole family will love. Whether you use pre-made or homemade beef meatballs, you’ll have a convenient, high-quality protein ready to go for busy weeknights.
We've made a downloadable ingredients list to make grocery shopping easy too!
Baked Beef Meatballs
Ingredients:
- 1 pound Ground Beef (93% lean or leaner)
- 1 cup finely chopped fresh spinach
- 1/4 cup seasoned dry bread crumbs
- 2 egg whites or 1 whole egg
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
Cooking:
Heat oven to 400°F. Combine Ground Beef, spinach, breadcrumbs, egg whites, water, garlic, salt, and pepper in a large bowl, mixing lightly but thoroughly. Shape into twenty-four 1-inch meatballs. Place on rack in broiler pan sprayed with cooking spray. Bake in 400°F oven 18 to 20 minutes.
Cook’s Tip: For easy clean up, line broiler pan (not rack) with aluminum foil.
Beef Meatball Soup
Ingredients:
- 12 fully-cooked beef meatballs
- 1 can (15 ounces) rinsed and drained Great Northern or pinto beans
- 1 can (14-1/2 ounces) undrained seasoned diced tomatoes
- 1 can (13-3/4 to 14-1/2 ounces) ready-to-serve beef broth
- 2 cups frozen mixed vegetables
- 1 cup water shredded Parmesan cheese
Cooking:
Combine beans, undrained seasoned diced tomatoes, beef broth, frozen mixed vegetables and water in medium saucepan; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer 5 minutes. Add hot cooked meatballs; continue simmering 5 minutes to blend flavors. Serve with shredded Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Beef Meatball Pizza
Ingredients:
- 12 fully-cooked beef meatballs
- 1 1/3 cups pizza/marinara sauce
- 4 Pita bread
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella/Italian cheese
Cooking:
Heat oven to 450°F. Spread pizza or marinara sauce evenly over four 8-inch whole wheat pita breads. Carefully cut hot, cooked meatballs in half; place 12 halves on each pizza. Top evenly with shredded mozzarella cheese or Italian cheese blend. Place on 2 baking sheets. Bake in 450°F oven 8 to 10 minutes or until cheese is melted and crusts are crisp.
Cheesy Beef Meatball Pockets
Use meatballs to recreate a flavorful childhood favorite wrapped in fluffy biscuit dough and served with marinara.
Air Fryer Beef Meatball Taquitos
Two cuisines collide with this air fryer recipe with a twist! Pantry staples- prepared meatballs, cheese and taco seasoning fill this quick fix, kid-friendly snack or appetizer.
Mediterranean Meatball Pitas
Ingredients:
- 12-16 fully-cooked beef meatballs
- 4 flatbreads (naan, lavash or pita)
- Toppings: Chopped tomatoes, chopped cucumber, chopped red onion, chopped fresh parsley, feta cheese, olives, Tzatziki sauce
Cooking:
Place hot cooked meatballs in flatbreads. Garnish with toppings, as desired.
