Grape Jelly Meatballs
Indulge in the deliciousness of grape jelly meatballs—a perfect blend of sweetness and savoriness that makes them an ideal appetizer or main dish. These tender meatballs are coated in a rich grape jelly sauce that tantalizes your taste buds. Perfect for gatherings, game days, or family dinners, they are sure to be a hit with everyone! Let’s dive into this easy and quick recipe that will impress your guests and satisfy your cravings.
Ingredients
– 1 pound ground beef
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
– 1/4 cup chopped onion
– 1/4 cup milk
– 1 egg
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon pepper
– 1 cup grape jelly
– 1 cup barbecue sauce
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe yields approximately 4 servings. Preparation time is about 15 minutes, and cooking time is around 30 minutes.
Nutritional Value
Each serving (about 4 meatballs) contains approximately:
– Calories: 250
– Protein: 15g
– Carbohydrates: 30g
– Fat: 10g
This nutritional information is based on one serving.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
1. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, chopped onion, milk, egg, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Mix the ingredients until well combined.
3. Form the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.
4. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
5. Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes.
7. While the meatballs are baking, combine grape jelly and barbecue sauce in a saucepan.
8. Heat the sauce over medium heat until the jelly melts and the mixture is smooth.
9. Once the meatballs are done, transfer them to a slow cooker or a serving dish.
10. Pour the grape jelly mixture over the meatballs, mixing gently to coat them evenly.
Alternative Ingredients
For a healthier option, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef. Additionally, use whole-grain breadcrumbs and low-sugar grape jelly to reduce calories and sugar content.
Serving and Pairings
Grape jelly meatballs pair beautifully with rice, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad. They also make a great snack or appetizer served with toothpicks for easy eating at parties.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a microwave-safe dish and heat until warm. You can also freeze the meatballs for up to 3 months; just thaw and reheat before serving.
Cooking Mistakes
– Avoid overcrowding the baking sheet; it can cause uneven cooking.
– Don’t skip browning the meatballs for better flavor.
– Ensure the meatballs are cooked through (internal temp of 160°F).
– Use a non-stick spray or parchment paper to prevent sticking.
– Adjust the sweetness of the sauce to your taste.
Helpful Tips
– For extra flavor, add chopped herbs like parsley or cilantro to the meat mixture.
– Experiment with different sauces, like sweet chili or teriyaki.
– Use a cookie scoop for even-sized meatballs.
– Serve with a sprinkle of sesame seeds for added crunch.
FAQs
What can I serve with grape jelly meatballs?
Grape jelly meatballs are versatile and can be served with rice, mashed potatoes, or even as a topping for sliders. They also pair well with fresh salads or roasted vegetables.
Can I make grape jelly meatballs ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the meatballs and the sauce ahead of time. Store them separately in the refrigerator and combine them before serving.
Are there vegetarian options for this recipe?
Absolutely! You can use plant-based meat alternatives or make meatballs using lentils and mushrooms for a delicious vegetarian version.
How do I adjust the sweetness of the sauce?
You can reduce the amount of grape jelly or add more barbecue sauce to balance the sweetness to your liking.
Can I cook these meatballs in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can cook the meatballs in a slow cooker. Just combine them with the sauce and cook on low for 4-6 hours or until heated through.
Conclusion
Grape jelly meatballs are a delightful dish that combines sweet and savory flavors, making them a favorite for any occasion. Easy to prepare and incredibly tasty, they are perfect for gatherings, family dinners, or even just a cozy night in. Give this recipe a try, and you won’t be disappointed!
Grape Jelly Meatballs
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup chopped onion
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1 cup grape jelly
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, chopped onion, milk, egg, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Mix the ingredients until well combined.
- Form the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes.
- While the meatballs are baking, combine grape jelly and barbecue sauce in a saucepan.
- Heat the sauce over medium heat until the jelly melts and the mixture is smooth.
- Once the meatballs are done, transfer them to a slow cooker or a serving dish.
- Pour the grape jelly mixture over the meatballs, mixing gently to coat them evenly.
