Jay Jay'S Meat Balls
Juicy meatballs glazed with a tangy sweet and sour sauce, perfect for casual gatherings or family dinners, offering bold flavors and hearty comfort.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix crackers, hamburger, and onion together and form into balls.
- Combine vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and brown sugar to make the sauce.
- Pour the sauce over the meatballs before baking.
- Bake at 400°F until the meatballs are browned and cooked through.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider substituting ground turkey for hamburger. You can also use crushed whole grain crackers instead of regular crackers for added nutrition. If you're short on time, pre-made barbecue sauce can be used instead of making the sauce from scratch. Experiment with adding herbs like parsley or Italian seasoning for extra flavor.
Serving Suggestions
These meatballs are perfect served with a side of mashed potatoes or rice to soak up the flavorful sauce. They also pair beautifully with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables. For a fun twist, serve them in a sub roll topped with cheese for a meatball sandwich, or alongside the Ranch Bacon And Cheddar Cheese Dip for a hearty appetizer.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a baking dish covered with foil in a preheated oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes. You can also microwave them, but be sure to cover them to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Jay Jay'S Meat Balls contains roughly 1417 calories, with 26g protein, 186g carbohydrates, and 63g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (70% of the Daily Value), protein (53% of the Daily Value), and calcium (32% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1398mg per serving (61% 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 freeze the meatballs after baking?
Yes, you can freeze the meatballs after baking. Allow them to cool completely, then place them in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored for up to 3 months. Reheat directly from frozen, adding extra time as needed.
What can I use instead of brown sugar?
If you don't have brown sugar, you can substitute it with an equal amount of white sugar mixed with a tablespoon of molasses. This will replicate the flavor and moisture of brown sugar. Alternatively, coconut sugar or honey can also work, but adjust the quantity to taste since they may alter the sweetness and texture of the sauce.
Can I add vegetables to the meatball mixture?
Absolutely! Chopped bell peppers, grated carrots, or finely diced zucchini can be added to the meat mixture for added moisture and nutrition. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time slightly if you add a significant amount of vegetables, as they can change the consistency of the meatballs.
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).