Gop Meatballs
Sweet and savory meatballs with grape jelly and chile sauce, perfect for casual gatherings or weeknight dinners, offering a delightful blend of flavors and tender texture.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients except the jelly and chile sauce in a mixing bowl.
- Form the mixture into walnut-sized meatballs.
- Brown the meatballs in a skillet or bake in the oven until cooked through.
- Drain the meatballs well.
- In a saucepan, heat the grape jelly and chile sauce over medium heat and simmer, stirring occasionally.
- Add the cooked meatballs to the sauce and simmer for about 30 minutes before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For enhanced flavor, consider adding minced garlic or fresh herbs like parsley to the meatball mixture. If you're out of Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce can be a good substitute. You can also use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter option. Ensure to drain the meatballs thoroughly to avoid excess grease in the sauce.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Gop meatballs as an appetizer with toothpicks or over rice for a hearty main dish. They pair beautifully with Easy Fruit Salad Supreme for a refreshing contrast. For a complete meal, consider offering a side of steamed vegetables or a simple green salad. These meatballs also make a great filling for sandwiches.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Gop meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the meatballs individually on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag. To reheat, microwave or warm them gently in a saucepan with some extra sauce to keep them moist.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Gop Meatballs contains roughly 263 calories, with 10g protein, 42g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (28% of the Daily Value) and vitamin C (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2437mg per serving (106% 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 in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the meatballs a day ahead and store them in the fridge before cooking. You can also freeze them uncooked and bake them directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
What type of meat works best for this recipe?
Ground beef is traditional, but you can use any ground meat you prefer, such as turkey, pork, or even a blend. Each option will provide a slightly different flavor and texture to the meatballs.
How can I adjust the sweetness of the sauce?
If you prefer a less sweet sauce, you can reduce the amount of grape jelly or substitute part of it with a tangy ingredient like apple cider vinegar. Taste and adjust the sweetness as needed while simmering.
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).