Chafing Dish Meatballs
Sweet and savory meatballs glazed with chili sauce and currant jelly, offering a delightful combination of tangy and rich flavors. Perfect for entertaining or casual gatherings, these meatballs are easy to prepare and serve hot from a chafing dish, appealing to meat lovers and those seeking comforting, flavorful dishes.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix ground beef, bread crumbs, minced onion, milk, egg, parsley, salt, Worcestershire sauce, and other ingredients until well combined.
- Shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs.
- Melt shortening in a skillet over medium heat.
- Brown the meatballs in the skillet.
- Remove the meatballs from the skillet and drain excess fat.
- In the same skillet, heat chili sauce and currant jelly until the jelly is melted, stirring constantly.
- Add the browned meatballs to the sauce and stir until coated.
- Simmer the meatballs in the sauce for 30 minutes.
- Serve hot in a chafing dish.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider adding minced garlic or a dash of hot sauce to the meatball mixture. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. If you don’t have currant jelly, grape or raspberry jelly can work as a substitute. Make sure to brown the meatballs well for a richer taste, and don’t skip the simmering step to allow the flavors to meld.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these meatballs hot in a chafing dish for gatherings, making them a perfect appetizer or main dish. They pair excellently with crusty bread, rice, or mashed potatoes. For a complete meal, consider serving with a fresh salad or steamed vegetables. These meatballs also work great as part of a One Pan Meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or sauce to keep them moist, and cover to steam for a few minutes. Alternatively, you can microwave them in a covered dish until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chafing Dish Meatballs contains roughly 513 calories, with 8g protein, 77g carbohydrates, and 20g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (23% of the Daily Value) and vitamin C (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1627mg per serving (71% 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 freeze the meatballs after cooking?
Yes, you can freeze the cooked meatballs in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer bag once frozen. They will last up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then heat in a skillet or microwave.
What can I substitute for Worcestershire sauce?
If you don’t have Worcestershire sauce, you can use soy sauce as a substitute for a similar umami flavor. Alternatively, a mixture of vinegar and soy sauce can replicate its tangy taste. Adjust the amount based on your preference.
How can I make these meatballs spicier?
To add some heat, you can mix in red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper into the meatball mixture. For even more flavor, consider incorporating diced jalapeños or a splash of your favorite hot sauce into the chili sauce while cooking.
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).