Gene'S Meatballs
Sweet and tangy meatballs with grape jelly and chili sauce, perfect for casual gatherings or family dinners, offering a flavorful, easy-to-make dish with optional vegetables.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix grape jelly, chili sauce, and optional chopped onion and bell pepper.
- Put the sauce mixture into a crock-pot.
- Mix bread crumbs into ground beef and form into meatballs.
- Place meatballs into the sauce in the crock-pot and cook on high until browned.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider mixing in some garlic powder or Italian seasoning with the bread crumbs. If you want a bit of heat, add some crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce. You can substitute the grape jelly with apricot jam for a different taste. Using lean ground beef will yield healthier meatballs, but be mindful that they may be drier.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these meatballs over cooked rice or pasta for a hearty meal, or as a tasty appetizer with toothpicks. They pair beautifully with Green Beans And Burger for a balanced dinner. For a more casual setting, serve them on slider buns topped with cheese for a delicious party treat.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover meatballs and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them gently in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of water or extra sauce to prevent drying out. You can also reheat them in the microwave for a quick meal.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Gene'S Meatballs contains roughly 257 calories, with 8g protein, 35g carbohydrates, and 10g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (172% of the Daily Value) and potassium (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and protein. It also contributes 5g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 turkey instead of beef for the meatballs?
Yes, you can substitute ground turkey for the beef in this recipe. Just keep in mind that turkey is leaner, so you may want to add a bit of olive oil or a higher fat content to keep the meatballs moist.
Can I prepare the meatballs in advance?
Absolutely! You can form the meatballs ahead of time and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before cooking. Alternatively, freeze the uncooked meatballs in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer bag for up to 3 months.
What should I do if the sauce is too thick?
If your sauce turns out too thick, simply add a little water or broth to reach your desired consistency. Stir well and let it simmer for a few minutes to combine the flavors. This will help create a saucier meatball dish.
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).