Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 lb. ground beef
  • 1 1/2 tsp. salt
  • 1/8 tsp. pepper
  • 1 egg
  • 1 Tbsp. minced onion
  • 1/2 c. soft bread crumbs
  • 1 Tbsp. cooking oil
  • 3 Tbsp. flour
  • 1 (1 lb.) can tomatoes, cut up
  • 1 c. water
  • 1/2 tsp. salt
  • 2 tsp. sugar
  • 1 tsp. basil leaves
  • 3 medium potatoes, pared and diced
  • 4 small carrots, pared and diced
  • 1 medium onion, coarsely chopped
  • 1 stalk celery, sliced

Method

  • Combine ground beef, 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, pepper, egg, onion and bread crumbs in bowl.
  • Mix lightly but well. Form mixture into 1-inch meatballs.
  • Brown meatballs on all sides in hot oil in 10-inch skillet.
  • Remove meatballs as they brown. Place in 2-quart casserole.
  • Pour off fat, reserving 3 tablespoons.
  • Blend flour into reserved fat in skillet. Stir in tomatoes, water, 1/2 teaspoon salt, sugar and basil. Stir well. Add potatoes, carrots, onion and celery.
  • Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer 10 minutes, adding more water if necessary.
  • Pour over meatballs in casserole.
  • Cover. Bake in a 350° oven for 1 hour or until vegetables are tender.
  • Makes 6 servings.