Grape Meat Balls
Sweet and savory grape meatballs feature a tangy chili sauce glaze, perfect for entertaining or casual family dinners, offering flavorful bites with a hint of citrus and fruitiness.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix together hamburger, chopped onion, finely chopped crackers, salt, pepper, egg, and milk.
- Roll the mixture into small meatballs.
- Brown the meatballs in hot oil.
- Drain the meatballs and set aside.
- In a boiler, mix chili sauce, grape jelly, and lemon slice, then bring to a boil.
- Add the meatballs to the sauce and simmer for 30 to 45 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist, try using ground turkey or chicken instead of hamburger for a lighter option. If you don't have crackers, breadcrumbs can work as a substitute. Adjust the sweetness by varying the amount of grape jelly based on your taste preference. Remember to keep an eye on the meatballs while browning to prevent burning. This dish pairs well with American recipes like Green Beans And Mushroom Casserole.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the grape meatballs over a bed of rice or alongside mashed potatoes for a hearty meal. They also pair wonderfully with a fresh salad or steamed vegetables. For a fun twist, consider using them in a sub sandwich or as an appetizer for a party. Garnish with fresh herbs to elevate the presentation.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a saucepan over low heat with a bit of sauce until warmed through. Alternatively, you can microwave them in short intervals, ensuring they don’t dry out. Freezing is also an option; just ensure they are cooled completely before freezing.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Grape Meat Balls contains roughly 855 calories, with 20g protein, 156g carbohydrates, and 20g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (71% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (60% of the Daily Value), and protein (39% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2418mg per serving (105% 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 the meatballs ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the meatballs in advance and refrigerate or freeze them before cooking. If frozen, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before cooking. This allows the flavors to meld, making them even more delicious when cooked.
Is there a vegetarian alternative to this recipe?
For a vegetarian version, substitute the hamburger with a mixture of lentils or black beans, and use a flax egg instead of a regular egg. You can also add finely chopped vegetables to enhance the flavor. Adjust the spices to maintain the taste.
What can I serve with grape meatballs?
Grape meatballs are versatile and can be served with a variety of sides. Consider pairing them with rice, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad. They also work well as a hearty filling for sliders or as part of a buffet spread at gatherings.
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).