Chafing Dish Meat Balls
Chafing Dish Meat Balls are a savory, crowd-pleasing appetizer featuring tender meatballs simmered in a tangy chili and grape jelly sauce. The dish offers a delightful blend of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors, making it perfect for parties, gatherings, or casual family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine ground beef, egg, grated onion, and salt in a mixing bowl and form into meatballs.
- Simmer the meatballs in a mixture of chili sauce, grape jelly, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, and mustard until thoroughly cooked and flavors meld.
- Alternatively, use a crock-pot to cook the meatballs on low for several hours.
- Serve hot as an appetizer or main dish.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider adding minced garlic or chopped fresh herbs like parsley or thyme to the meat mixture. If you prefer a sweeter sauce, increase the amount of grape jelly. For a healthier option, substitute ground turkey for the beef. This recipe can also be adapted for meatless meatballs using lentils or chickpeas.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these meatballs as a delightful appetizer with toothpicks or over a bed of rice for a main dish. They pair well with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad. Consider serving them alongside garlic bread or pairing them with Buffalo Bills Chili for a hearty meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. To reheat, place the meatballs in a saucepan with a bit of the sauce over low heat until warmed through, or microwave on medium power in a covered dish to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chafing Dish Meat Balls contains roughly 1289 calories, with 33g protein, 215g carbohydrates, and 35g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (68% of the Daily Value), protein (65% of the Daily Value), and calcium (45% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1297mg per serving (56% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the meatballs and store them uncooked in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Alternatively, cooked meatballs can be frozen in the sauce for up to three months. Just thaw and reheat before serving.
What can I use instead of grape jelly?
If you don't have grape jelly, you can substitute with other fruit preserves like apricot or raspberry. These will give a different flavor profile but still complement the savory elements of the dish.
How can I make these meatballs spicier?
To add spice, mix in some crushed red pepper flakes or hot sauce to the sauce mixture. You can also use spicy mustard instead of regular mustard for an extra kick.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).