Griffin'S Grape Jelly Meatballs
Griffin's Grape Jelly Meatballs combine savory flavors with a sweet grape jelly glaze, creating tender meatballs perfect for parties or family dinners. The rich, tangy sauce pairs beautifully with the juicy meatballs, making this dish a crowd-pleaser that balances comfort and a hint of sweetness.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix ground beef, bread crumbs, minced onion, milk, egg, parsley, salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce in a large bowl.
- Gently shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs.
- Melt shortening in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Brown the meatballs in the skillet until they are cooked through.
- Remove the meatballs from the skillet and drain excess fat.
- In the same skillet, heat chili sauce and grape jelly until the jelly is melted, stirring constantly.
- Add the meatballs to the skillet and stir until they are coated with the sauce.
- Simmer the meatballs in the sauce for 30 minutes before serving hot.
Tips & Substitutions
For a flavorful twist, consider adding crushed garlic or a dash of hot sauce to the meatball mixture. If you're short on time, you can use store-bought meatballs instead of making your own. For a gluten-free option, substitute the dry bread crumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or cooked quinoa. These meatballs are also great for a Sandwich For A Crowd, served on slider buns.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the meatballs hot, drizzled with the sweet and tangy sauce, over a bed of rice or alongside crusty bread to soak up the sauce. They pair wonderfully with a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables. For a hearty meal, consider serving them with mashed potatoes or as part of a One Pan Meal with assorted veggies.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover meatballs should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place them in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out. Alternatively, you can microwave them in a covered dish for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through for even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Griffin'S Grape Jelly Meatballs contains roughly 329 calories, with 5g protein, 42g carbohydrates, and 16g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (34% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2159mg per serving (94% 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 ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the meatballs and cook them in advance. Once cooked, let them cool and store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before reheating. You can also freeze the uncooked meatballs for up to 3 months and cook them straight from the freezer, adjusting the cooking time as needed.
What can I substitute for Griffin Grape Jelly?
If you don't have Griffin Grape Jelly, you can use any grape jelly or even a fruit preserve, such as raspberry or apricot, for a different flavor profile. Just ensure the consistency is similar to maintain the sauce's texture. This will give your meatballs a unique twist while still keeping them sweet and savory.
Are there any vegetarian alternatives for this recipe?
For a vegetarian version, you can use plant-based ground meat or lentils mixed with breadcrumbs and egg replacer. Substitute the chili sauce with a vegan equivalent and use fruit preserves that are free from animal products. This way, you can enjoy a similar flavor profile while accommodating dietary preferences.
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).