Sweet and Savory Cola-Glazed Meatballs
Elevate your next gathering with these delicious Sweet and Savory Cola-Glazed Meatballs! This irresistible recipe combines the rich flavors of ground beef with a tangy cola sauce, creating a dish that's both sweet and savory. Perfect as an appetizer or a main course, these meatballs are sure to impress your friends and family. Serve them at parties, game days, or family dinners, and watch as they disappear in no time. Try it today and enjoy a crowd-pleaser that’s incredibly simple to make and bursting with flavor!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Ground Beef
1 lb (raw, not cooked)
Seasoned Bread Crumbs
1/2 cup (dry)
Egg
1 (lightly beaten)
Water
1 tablespoon (none)
Onion
1/2 small (finely chopped (divided into two portions))
Salt
1/2 teaspoon (divided (1/4 teaspoon for meat mixture, 1/4 teaspoon for sauce))
Black Pepper
1/2 teaspoon (divided (1/4 teaspoon for meat mixture, 1/4 teaspoon for sauce))
Garlic
1 clove (minced)
Ketchup
1 cup (none)
Cola
1 cup (regular, not diet)
Worcestershire Sauce
1 tablespoon (none)
Green Bell Pepper
1/2 medium (finely chopped)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, seasoned bread crumbs, egg, water, half of the finely chopped onion, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. Mix all the ingredients thoroughly until well combined.
3
Shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs, placing them into a greased 9" x 13" baking dish.
4
In another medium bowl, mix together the remaining chopped onion, 1 cup of ketchup, 1 cup of cola (be sure to use regular cola, not diet), 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce, and the finely chopped green bell pepper. Stir until combined.
5
Pour the cola sauce over the meatballs, ensuring they are well coated.
6
Bake in the preheated oven for 50 to 60 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through, the internal temperature reaches at least 160°F (70°C), and the sauce is bubbling.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary protein used in this recipe?
The primary protein used in this recipe is 1 lb of ground beef.
Can I use diet cola for the glaze?
No, it is recommended to use regular cola rather than diet to ensure the correct flavor and consistency for the glaze.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
The oven should be preheated and set to 325°F (165°C).
How long should the meatballs bake?
The meatballs should bake for 50 to 60 minutes until they are cooked through and the sauce is bubbling.
What is the recommended internal temperature for the meatballs?
The internal temperature should reach at least 160°F (70°C) before serving.
What size should I shape the meatballs?
The meat mixture should be shaped into 1-inch meatballs.
What size baking dish is required for this recipe?
A greased 9" x 13" baking dish is ideal for this recipe.
What type of bread crumbs are used in the meatballs?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of seasoned bread crumbs.
Is there an egg in the meatball mixture?
Yes, one egg is used as a binding agent in the meatball mixture.
How is the onion prepared for this recipe?
Half of a small onion should be finely chopped and divided into two portions: one for the meat mixture and one for the sauce.
What ingredients make up the cola glaze?
The glaze is made from 1 cup of ketchup, 1 cup of regular cola, 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce, finely chopped onion, and finely chopped green bell pepper.
Does this recipe include garlic?
Yes, the recipe includes 1 clove of minced garlic.
What flavor profile can I expect from these meatballs?
These meatballs offer a sweet and savory flavor profile thanks to the combination of cola, ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce.
Can I serve these meatballs as an appetizer?
Yes, these are perfect as an appetizer for parties and game days, but they can also be served as a main course.
How do I ensure the meatballs don't stick to the dish?
You should place the meatballs into a greased 9" x 13" baking dish to prevent sticking.
How much Worcestershire sauce is needed?
You will need 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce for the glaze.
Should the green bell pepper be cooked before adding it to the sauce?
No, the green bell pepper should be finely chopped and mixed into the sauce raw; it will cook in the oven with the meatballs.
Is water added to the meat mixture?
Yes, 1 tablespoon of water is added to the meat mixture to help with moisture and binding.
How much salt and pepper is used?
A total of 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper is used, divided between the meat mixture and the sauce.
Is this recipe considered family-friendly?
Yes, it is a crowd-pleaser and is tagged as family-friendly and easy to make.
How many meatballs does this recipe yield?
While it varies by hand-shaping, using 1 lb of beef for 1-inch balls typically yields approximately 15-20 meatballs.
Should the egg be beaten before adding to the meat?
Yes, the recipe suggests the egg should be lightly beaten.
Is this a comfort food recipe?
Yes, it is categorized under comfort food and party food tags.
Can I prepare the sauce in a separate bowl?
Yes, the instructions suggest mixing the sauce ingredients in a medium bowl before pouring it over the meatballs.
What kind of cola should I use?
You should use a regular cola, which provides the necessary sugar for the glaze to caramelize properly.
Do I need to brown the meatballs in a skillet first?
No, this recipe allows you to bake the raw meatballs directly in the oven with the sauce.
How should I serve these meatballs?
They can be served on their own with toothpicks as an appetizer or over rice or noodles for a main course.
Can I use a red bell pepper instead of green?
Yes, you can substitute red, yellow, or orange bell pepper for a slightly sweeter flavor and different color.
What is the preparation time for the ingredients?
Preparation includes chopping the onion and pepper, mincing garlic, and shaping the meatballs, which generally takes 15-20 minutes.
Are there any specific serving size details?
The recipe does not specify a serving size, but 1 lb of beef typically serves 3 to 4 people as a main dish or more as an appetizer.