Eileen'S Meat Balls
Sweet and tangy meatballs glazed in chili sauce and grape jelly, perfect for parties or casual gatherings, offering bold flavors and easy preparation.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix ground beef, egg, and enough bread crumbs to hold together, then form into bite-sized balls.
- Brown the meatballs on all sides in a skillet or oven.
- Combine chili sauce, grape jelly, lemon juice, and brown sugar thoroughly in a saucepan and heat until smooth.
- Add the browned meatballs into the sauce and heat through.
- Serve in a chafing dish or warm serving dish.
Tips & Substitutions
For the best texture, use fresh breadcrumbs made from crusty bread instead of store-bought. If you're looking for a gluten-free option, substitute the breadcrumbs with ground oats or gluten-free breadcrumbs. To add extra flavor, consider mixing in some grated Parmesan cheese or minced garlic. These meatballs can also be made ahead of time and frozen before cooking for a quick meal later.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these meatballs as an appetizer with toothpicks or over rice for a satisfying main dish. They pair beautifully with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal. You can also use them in a sub sandwich topped with cheese for a delicious twist. For more hearty options, consider browsing other beef recipes to complement your meal.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover meatballs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a saucepan with a bit of sauce over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Alternatively, you can microwave them for 1-2 minutes, ensuring they heat evenly by stirring halfway through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Eileen'S Meat Balls contains roughly 981 calories, with 21g protein, 180g carbohydrates, and 22g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (41% of the Daily Value), calcium (27% of the Daily Value), and iron (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C.
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 use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, you can substitute ground turkey for the lean ground beef. The flavor will be slightly different, but the overall texture and cooking method remain the same. Just ensure the turkey is cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F for safety.
What if I don't have chili sauce?
If you don't have chili sauce, you can create a substitute using ketchup mixed with a bit of hot sauce to achieve a similar flavor profile. Alternatively, BBQ sauce can also work in a pinch, giving a different but delicious taste to the meatballs.
Can these meatballs be made in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the meatballs ahead of time and freeze them before cooking. Just make sure to freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag. They can be cooked directly from frozen, just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
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).