Making meatballs today I'm open to suggestions as a novice cook

[dem in texas]

46. Here's my Recipe, It has stood the test of time

What I do when I make this recipe is split the meat mixture. Half I make into a meatloaf to eat that day and the other half make into meat balls. This makes a firm texture that holds together well. I bake the meatballs in a half-sheet pan and they brown nicely. Sometimes the meat gives off too much liquid and has to be poured off during the baking process. I freeze the meatballs and later make Swedish meatballs or spaghetti and meatballs.

Mom's Meatloaf
3 pieces white bread torn in pieces 1 envelope Dry Onion Soup Mix
A little milk 1 egg, beaten
1 1/2 pounds lean ground beef or ground sirloin 1/4 cup catsup
1 small onion, chopped fine 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
2 stalks celery chopped fine 1 teaspoon black pepper

Topping
Catsup
Green Bell pepper (optional)

Place bread in small bowl and cover with milk, let soak 10 minutes.

Place meat, onion, celery, onion soup mix, egg, catsup, Worcestershire sauce and pepper in large bowl. Remove bread from milk, squeezing out the milk. Add bread to meat mixture. Using hands, mix well.

Spray a baking dish with Pam. Form meat mixture into loaf and place in dish.
Cover top with catsup and using table knife spread over loaf, like icing a cake.

Cut bell pepper into lengthwise slices and lay on top of catsup across the top of the meat loaf.

Cover pan with foil and bake in 325 degree oven for about 1 - 1 1/4 hour. Remove foil and if a lot of liquid has cooked out of meat loaf, pour off. Return to oven and bake until browned, about 20 - 25 minutes more.

Swedish Meatballs
Gary - This meat mixture can be made in to your favorite dish, Swedish meat balls,

Make meat mixture and form into walnut sized meatballs. Place in shallow baking pan that is sprayed with Pam. Bake in 375 degree oven about 25 to 30 minutes, watch meat balls and turn once when bottoms are brown. Bake until browned all over.

Finish the dish.

In a skillet, add regular size can of cream of mushroom soup. Add about 1 1/2 cups milk, Mix well to remove lumps. Season with Worcestershire sauce, pepper and 1 or 2 teaspoons nutmeg (the secret ingredient). Cook on medium heat and stir well, add the meat balls and let the mixture simmer about 5-10 minutes. If too dry, add a little more milk. A few spoons of sour cream adds richness to the gravy. Serve with rice or noodles

Italian Meatballs - Add 1/2 dry parmesan cheese If have some on hand, will chop about 1/4 cup pepperoni slices very fine and add to meat mixture making sure to mix well.