Sweet and Spicy Meatballs in Grape Jelly Sauce
Indulge in these delectable Sweet and Spicy Meatballs, combining the savory flavor of ground beef with a delightful mix of grape jelly and chili sauce. Perfect for game days, parties, or as a comforting family dinner, these meatballs are irresistibly tender and coated in a mouthwatering glaze. The sweetness of the grape jelly contrasts beautifully with the subtle heat from the chili sauce, creating a unique flavor sensation that will have everyone coming back for more. Serve them warm with frilly toothpicks for easy snacking or alongside rice for a hearty meal. Enjoy the perfect blend of sweet, savory, and spicy with every bite!
6
Servings
300
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
ground beef
1 lb (fresh, raw)
fine dry breadcrumbs
1/2 cup (plain)
minced onion
1/2 cup (fresh)
milk
1/4 cup (regular)
large eggs
2 (beaten)
salt
1 teaspoon (table salt)
Worcestershire sauce
1/2 teaspoon (bottle)
pepper
1/4 teaspoon (black)
vegetable oil
1/4 cup (for frying)
grape jelly
1 (12 ounce) jar (jarred)
chili sauce
1 (12 ounce) bottle (bottled)
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, fine dry breadcrumbs, minced onion, milk, beaten eggs, salt, Worcestershire sauce, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined.
2
Shape the mixture into 36 one-inch meatballs, ensuring even size for uniform cooking.
3
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs in batches, cooking for 10 to 15 minutes or until they are browned on all sides. Transfer the browned meatballs to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
4
In the same skillet, combine the grape jelly and chili sauce. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the mixture is well combined and begins to bubble, approximately 3 minutes.
5
Gently place the cooked or thawed meatballs into the skillet, ensuring each meatball is coated with the sauce. Cover the skillet and let simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is bubbly and the meatballs are fully cooked through.
6
Transfer the glazed meatballs to a chafing dish or slow cooker to keep warm. Serve immediately with decorative toothpicks for easy serving.
Nutrition Information
18g
Fat
14g
Carbs
17g
Protein
0g
Fiber
9g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Sweet and Spicy Meatballs in Grape Jelly Sauce?
They are tender ground beef meatballs coated in a unique glaze made from grape jelly and chili sauce, offering a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes 6 servings.
What are the primary ingredients for the meatballs?
The meatballs consist of ground beef, fine dry breadcrumbs, minced onion, milk, beaten eggs, salt, Worcestershire sauce, and pepper.
How many meatballs should I shape from the mixture?
You should shape the mixture into 36 one-inch meatballs.
What type of oil is used for frying the meatballs?
Vegetable oil is used to brown the meatballs in a skillet.
How long does it take to brown the meatballs?
The meatballs should be cooked for 10 to 15 minutes until they are browned on all sides.
What is the sauce made of?
The sauce is a simple combination of one 12-ounce jar of grape jelly and one 12-ounce bottle of chili sauce.
How long do the meatballs need to simmer in the sauce?
The meatballs should simmer in the sauce for about 10 minutes until the sauce is bubbly and they are fully cooked.
Can I serve these as an appetizer?
Yes, they are perfect as an appetizer, especially when served with decorative toothpicks.
Are these meatballs suitable for a family dinner?
Absolutely, they can be served alongside rice or potatoes for a hearty and comforting meal.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 300 calories.
How much protein is in each serving?
There are 17 grams of protein per serving.
Is there a lot of sugar in this recipe?
Each serving contains 9 grams of sugar, primarily from the grape jelly and chili sauce.
What is the fat content?
There are 18 grams of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 14 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Can I use frozen meatballs instead of making them fresh?
Yes, you can use thawed pre-made meatballs and follow the instructions for simmering them in the sauce.
What can I use if I do not have grape jelly?
Apricot preserves or cranberry sauce are common substitutes that provide a similar sweet profile.
How do I keep the meatballs warm for a party?
You can transfer the finished glazed meatballs to a chafing dish or a slow cooker on the warm setting.
Do I need to drain the meatballs after browning?
Yes, it is recommended to drain them on paper towels to remove excess oil before adding them to the sauce.
Is the chili sauce very spicy?
The chili sauce provides a subtle heat that is balanced by the sweetness of the jelly, making it mild enough for most palates.
Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare and brown the meatballs in advance, then simmer them in the sauce just before serving.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Can I freeze these meatballs?
Yes, the cooked meatballs in sauce freeze well for future meals.
What kind of breadcrumbs should I use?
Fine dry breadcrumbs work best to ensure a smooth texture for the meatballs.
Why is milk added to the meatballs?
Milk helps to hydrate the breadcrumbs and keep the meatballs moist and tender during cooking.
What is the role of eggs in this recipe?
The beaten eggs act as a binder to hold the meat and other ingredients together.
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey can be substituted for ground beef for a leaner option.
How do I ensure the meatballs are uniform in size?
Using a small cookie scoop or measuring the portions can help ensure they are all roughly one inch in size.
What gives the meatballs their savory depth?
The combination of Worcestershire sauce, minced onions, and pepper provides a deep savory flavor.
How much fiber is in this dish?
This recipe contains 0 grams of fiber per serving.