Hostess Meatballs
Hostess Meatballs are flavorful, tender meatballs infused with onion, garlic, and cereal, coated in a tangy chili sauce with a hint of lemon and blackberry jelly, perfect for parties or family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix ground beef, minced onion, garlic, salt, cereal, beaten eggs, and pepper together.
- Shape the mixture into bite-sized meatballs.
- Cook the meatballs as desired (baking, frying, or simmering in sauce).
- Prepare the chili sauce by combining chili sauce, lemon juice, and blackberry jelly.
- Serve the meatballs coated in the sauce or with the sauce on the side.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider incorporating Worcestershire sauce into the meat mixture. If you don't have corn cereal, crushed crackers or breadcrumbs work well as substitutes. Adjust the garlic to your taste; fresh minced garlic can provide a stronger flavor than powder. Mixing in some grated parmesan can enhance the meatballs, similar to techniques used in World'S Best Meat Loaf.
Serving Suggestions
These meatballs are fantastic served as an appetizer or main dish. Pair them with garlic bread and a fresh salad for a complete meal. They also go well with mashed potatoes or rice, absorbing the delicious sauce. For a fun twist, serve them in mini slider buns as a party treat, similar to Barbecued Buns.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To freeze, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes or until warmed through for the best texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Hostess Meatballs contains roughly 493 calories, with 10g protein, 85g carbohydrates, and 14g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (42% of the Daily Value) and protein (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 897mg per serving (39% 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 use turkey or chicken instead of beef for the meatballs?
Yes, turkey or chicken can be substituted for ground beef in this recipe. Keep in mind that poultry has less fat, so you might want to add some olive oil or breadcrumbs to keep the meatballs moist.
What can I use if I don’t have blackberry jelly?
If you don't have blackberry jelly, grape or raspberry jelly can be used as a substitute, as they provide a similar sweetness and flavor profile. Alternatively, a combination of brown sugar and fruit preserves can also work well.
How can I make these meatballs spicier?
To add some heat to your meatballs, consider mixing in crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce into the meat mixture. You could also serve them with a spicy dipping sauce on the side to complement the sweetness of the chili sauce.
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).