Glazed Beef Balls
Juicy glazed beef balls with a sweet and tangy sauce, perfect for hearty family dinners or casual gatherings, offering savory flavors with a hint of sweetness.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat ketchup, water, and apple jelly in a saucepan until the jelly is melted and the mixture is well combined.
- Shape the ground beef mixture into small meatballs.
- Drop the meatballs into the heated sauce.
- Simmer the meatballs in the sauce for about 45 minutes until cooked through.
- Turn the meatballs after 20 minutes for even glazing.
- Serve topped with sour cream if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider incorporating minced garlic or fresh herbs like parsley or thyme into the beef mixture. If you don't have oatmeal, breadcrumbs or crushed crackers can serve as a substitute. Adjust the sweetness of the sauce by using different types of jelly or adding a splash of vinegar for balance. This recipe is a great way to use up leftover meatballs from other dishes, such as Meatballs And Sauce.
Serving Suggestions
Glazed beef balls are excellent served over rice or mashed potatoes, allowing the flavorful sauce to soak in. Pair them with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. They also make a great appetizer at parties, served with toothpicks and extra sauce on the side for dipping.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover glazed beef balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simmer them gently on the stove in the sauce, or microwave in short intervals until heated through. For best results, avoid reheating in the oven as it may dry them out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Glazed Beef Balls contains roughly 593 calories, with 16g protein, 118g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (160% of the Daily Value), iron (110% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (69% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2648mg per serving (115% 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 glazed beef balls ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the meatballs and sauce ahead of time. Shape the meatballs and store them in the refrigerator. The sauce can also be made in advance and stored separately. When ready to serve, simply combine and simmer them together until heated through.
What can I use instead of apple jelly?
If apple jelly isn't available, you can substitute it with grape jelly or even a fruit preserves of your choice. The key is to maintain the sweet and tangy balance, so consider adjusting the ketchup or adding a little vinegar if using a less sweet jelly.
How do I know when the meatballs are fully cooked?
The meatballs are fully cooked when they reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). You can also cut one open to check that it's no longer pink in the center. Simmering them in the sauce for the recommended time should ensure they are cooked through.
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).