Get ready to transform your ordinary dinner into an extraordinary culinary adventure with these mind-blowing Grape Jelly and Chili Sauce Meatballs! Imagine a dish that perfectly balances sweet, tangy, and savory flavors in every single bite. These aren't just meatballs - they're a flavor explosion that will have your family and guests begging for seconds (and the recipe)! Whether you're looking for a crowd-pleasing appetizer or a unique main course, this recipe is about to become your new secret weapon in the kitchen.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup onion, finely chopped
- 1 egg
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup grape jelly
- 1 cup chili sauce
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure that your meatballs cook evenly and thoroughly.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 lb of ground beef, 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup of finely chopped onion, and 1 egg. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste. Use your hands or a spoon to mix the ingredients until they are well combined, but be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatballs tough.
- Once the mixture is well combined, shape it into meatballs that are about 1 inch in diameter. You should be able to make approximately 24 meatballs from this mixture.
- Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased to prevent sticking. Make sure to space them out evenly so they can cook properly.
- Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until they are browned and cooked through. You can check their doneness by cutting one open; it should no longer be pink in the center.
- While the meatballs are baking, prepare the sauce. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine 1 cup of grape jelly and 1 cup of chili sauce. Stir the mixture until the grape jelly is fully melted and the two ingredients are well blended. Allow the sauce to simmer for a few minutes to enhance the flavors.
- Once the meatballs are done baking, remove them from the oven and transfer them to the saucepan with the grape jelly and chili sauce. Gently stir to coat the meatballs in the sauce.
- Let the meatballs simmer in the sauce for an additional 5-10 minutes, allowing them to absorb the flavors and heat through. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- After simmering, remove the meatballs from the heat. Serve them warm, either on their own or with toothpicks as an appetizer. They can also be served over rice or with bread for a more substantial meal.
- Enjoy your delicious meatballs with grape jelly and chili sauce, a sweet and tangy dish that is sure to be a hit!
Tips
- For the most tender meatballs, avoid overmixing the meat mixture. Mix just until ingredients are combined to prevent tough meatballs.
- Use a cookie scoop or wet hands to create evenly sized meatballs, which ensures consistent cooking.
- If you want to reduce fat, you can use lean ground beef or even ground turkey as a substitute.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of garlic powder or dried herbs to the meat mixture.
- The sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator, making meal prep even easier.
- If the sauce seems too thick, you can thin it out with a little water or beef broth.
- These meatballs freeze beautifully - make a double batch and save some for later!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 85mg
