Tangy Grape & Chili Meatball Delight
These Tangy Grape & Chili Meatballs are not just a dish; they are a delightful fusion of savory and sweet flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. Combining the richness of ground beef with a sweet and tangy sauce made from grape jelly and chili sauce, these meatballs are perfect for parties, game days, or simply as a crowd-pleasing dinner option. The versatility of this recipe allows you to serve them as an appetizer or over rice for a fulfilling meal. Share them with family and friends and enjoy the compliments that will roll in!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Ground Beef
1 lb (raw, minced)
Soft Breadcrumbs
1/2 cup (fresh)
Onion
1/4 cup (finely diced)
Egg
1 (lightly beaten)
Garlic Clove
1 (chopped)
Water
2 tablespoons (none)
Salt
to taste (none)
Pepper
to taste (none)
Grape Jelly
2/3 cup (none)
Chili Sauce
2/3 cup (or 1/2 cup ketchup with hot pepper sauce to taste)
Vegetable Oil
1 tablespoon (for frying)
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, finely diced onion, beaten egg, garlic, water, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix until all ingredients are well incorporated.
2
Shape the mixture into 20-24 evenly sized meatballs, ensuring they are round and compact.
3
Heat the vegetable oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Once hot, add the meatballs in batches, avoiding overcrowding the pan.
4
Brown the meatballs for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure an even brown color on all sides.
5
Once browned, reduce the heat to low and cover the pan, allowing the meatballs to cook through for an additional 5-7 minutes.
6
Remove the meatballs from the pan and set aside on a plate, draining off any excess grease.
7
In the same pan, combine the grape jelly and chili sauce (or the ketchup and hot pepper sauce mixture) over low heat, stirring until the jelly is melted and the sauce has thickened.
8
Return the meatballs to the pan, spooning the sauce over them, and let simmer for another 5 minutes to absorb the flavors.
9
Serve the meatballs warm, drizzled with the sweet and tangy sauce.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Tangy Grape & Chili Meatball Delight?
It is a savory and sweet dish featuring ground beef meatballs glazed in a sauce made from grape jelly and chili sauce.
What type of meat is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of raw, minced ground beef.
How many meatballs does this recipe make?
You can shape the mixture into approximately 20 to 24 evenly sized meatballs.
What ingredients are needed for the meatball mixture?
The mixture includes ground beef, soft breadcrumbs, finely diced onion, a beaten egg, garlic, water, salt, and pepper.
How much grape jelly is required?
You will need 2/3 cup of grape jelly for the sauce.
Can I substitute the chili sauce?
Yes, you can use 1/2 cup of ketchup mixed with hot pepper sauce to taste as a substitute for the chili sauce.
What type of breadcrumbs should I use?
The recipe recommends 1/2 cup of fresh soft breadcrumbs.
How long should I brown the meatballs?
Brown the meatballs for about 5 to 7 minutes in a frying pan, turning them occasionally.
Do I need to cook the meatballs after browning?
Yes, after browning, reduce the heat and cover the pan for an additional 5 to 7 minutes to ensure they are cooked through.
What is the purpose of adding water to the meat mixture?
Adding 2 tablespoons of water helps keep the meatball mixture moist and easy to incorporate.
How is the sauce prepared?
The sauce is made by melting grape jelly and chili sauce together in a pan over low heat until thickened.
Can these meatballs be served as an appetizer?
Yes, they are highly versatile and work perfectly as a party appetizer.
Are these meatballs suitable for a main course?
Absolutely, they can be served over rice for a fulfilling dinner option.
Should I drain the grease from the pan?
Yes, after cooking the meatballs, you should drain off any excess grease before preparing the sauce.
How long do the meatballs simmer in the sauce?
The meatballs should simmer in the sauce for about 5 minutes to fully absorb the flavors.
What oil should I use for frying?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil.
Is this recipe considered easy?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe suitable for beginners and busy schedules.
Can I use fresh garlic?
Yes, the recipe specifically calls for 1 chopped garlic clove.
What flavor profile can I expect?
Expect a delightful fusion of savory beef with a sweet and tangy glaze.
How should I prepare the onion?
The onion should be finely diced before being mixed into the beef.
Can I make this dish for game days?
Yes, it is described as a crowd-pleasing option ideal for game days and social gatherings.
What size should the meatballs be?
They should be shaped into round, compact balls small enough to produce 20-24 units from 1 lb of beef.
Can I adjust the spiciness of the sauce?
Yes, if using the ketchup substitute, you can add hot pepper sauce to your specific taste preference.
Why is an egg added to the meat?
The egg acts as a binder to hold the meatballs together while they cook.
Is it okay to overcrowd the frying pan?
No, you should add the meatballs in batches to avoid overcrowding, which ensures even browning.
How should the meatballs be served?
They should be served warm, drizzled with the extra sweet and tangy sauce.
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
While the recipe specifies beef, ground turkey is a common substitute that would work with these flavors.
Do I need to season the meat?
Yes, salt and pepper should be added to the mixture to taste.
What is the total number of ingredients?
There are 11 ingredients required for this recipe.
How do I ensure the meatballs are cooked through?
By covering the pan and allowing them to steam for 5 to 7 minutes after the initial browning phase.