Joy'S Appetizer Meatballs
Joy's Appetizer Meatballs are savory, flavorful bites featuring ground beef, herbs, and a sweet-savory jelly glaze, perfect for parties or casual gatherings. They are easy to prepare and crowd-pleasing.
Ingredients
- 2 lb Lean Ground Beef
- 2 Eggs Lightly Beaten
- 1 tsp Dried Basil ⓘ
- 1 tsp Salt ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp Pepper Sauce ⓘ
- 1/2 cup Dry Bread Crumbs ⓘ
- 1/4 cup Onion chopped fine
- 2 tsp Worcestershire Sauce ⓘ
- 1 tsp Italian Seasoning ⓘ
- 12 oz Grape Jelly
- 2 Tbsp Grated Parmesan Cheese ⓘ
- 1 tsp Ketchup ⓘ
- 14 oz Bottle Hot or Regular Ketchup ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp Cornstarch ⓘ
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine ground beef, eggs, dried basil, salt, pepper sauce, bread crumbs, chopped onion, Worcestershire sauce, and Italian seasoning.
- Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them on a rack in a shallow roasting pan.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes until cooked through.
- Remove meatballs from oven and drain on a rack.
- In the roasting pan, combine ketchup and cornstarch, stirring to blend.
- Add grape jelly, ketchup, and cornstarch mixture to the pan, stirring to combine.
- Return meatballs to the pan, coating them with the sauce.
- Bake at 300°F (150°C) for 30-35 minutes until heated through and sauce is thickened.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider adding minced garlic or finely chopped bell peppers to the meat mixture. If you're out of Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce can work as a substitute. To make the meatballs more moist, use a combination of ground beef and ground pork. If you prefer a sweeter sauce, increase the amount of grape jelly. For a quicker option, you can browse more American recipes that use similar ingredients.
Serving Suggestions
These meatballs make a fantastic appetizer for parties or game days. Serve them on toothpicks with a side of extra sauce for dipping. Pair with a fresh salad or crusty bread for a complete meal. They also go well with pasta for a heartier dish, making them a versatile choice that complements many sides, like the ones found in Mostaccioli Chili Casserole.
Storage & Reheating
Store 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 and heat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes. Alternatively, you can reheat them in the microwave, but be cautious not to overcook them as they can become tough.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Joy'S Appetizer Meatballs contains roughly 340 calories, with 11g protein, 57g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (22% of the Daily Value) and iron (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1755mg per serving (76% 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 meatballs ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the meatballs and bake them a day in advance. Simply cool them completely, then store them in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, heat them in the sauce as per the recipe instructions. This not only saves time but also allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
What can I use instead of grape jelly?
If you don't have grape jelly on hand, you can substitute it with other fruit preserves like apricot or raspberry for a different flavor profile. You can also use barbecue sauce for a tangy twist. Just keep in mind that each substitution will alter the taste slightly, so adjust other seasonings as needed.
Can I freeze the meatballs?
Yes, these meatballs freeze well! After cooking, allow them to cool, then place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze. Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be stored for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw them in the refrigerator and reheat as directed.
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).