Manhattan Meatballs
Manhattan Meatballs are savory pork and beef balls baked in a sweet and tangy apricot barbecue sauce. Perfect for casual dinners or gatherings, their flavorful combination of meat, herbs, and fruity glaze appeals to all ages and pairs well with rice, pasta, or vegetables.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine ground pork, ground hamburger, bread crumbs, eggs, chopped onion, chopped parsley, and salt; mix lightly.
- Shape the mixture into medium-sized meatballs.
- Brown the meatballs in margarine in a skillet.
- Place the browned meatballs into a casserole dish.
- Combine apricot preserves and barbecue sauce in a bowl.
- Pour the sauce mixture over the meatballs in the casserole.
- Cover the dish with a lid or aluminum foil.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 1 hour until cooked through and heated.
Tips & Substitutions
For a flavorful twist, consider adding minced garlic or Italian seasoning to the meatball mixture. If you don’t have soft bread crumbs, you can use crushed crackers or panko as a substitute. To lighten the dish, try using ground turkey instead of pork and hamburger. Ensure the meatballs are evenly sized for consistent cooking.
Serving Suggestions
These Manhattan Meatballs are delicious served over rice or noodles. Pair them with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. They also work well as an appetizer at parties; simply serve with toothpicks. For a comforting side, consider making Fresno Potato Casserole to complement the dish.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover meatballs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place them in a microwave-safe dish and cover with a damp paper towel, heating in short intervals until warmed through. Alternatively, you can reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water to keep them moist.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Manhattan Meatballs contains roughly 1546 calories, with 54g protein, 214g carbohydrates, and 52g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (108% of the Daily Value), iron (72% of the Daily Value), and calcium (46% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% 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 before cooking?
Yes, you can freeze the uncooked meatballs. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. When ready to cook, bake them directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
What can I use instead of apricot preserves?
If apricot preserves are not available, peach or orange marmalade can be a tasty alternative. They will provide a similar sweetness and balance to the barbecue sauce. Experiment with different flavors to find your favorite combination.
How can I make this dish spicier?
For a kick of heat, add some red pepper flakes or hot sauce to the sauce mixture. You can also incorporate diced jalapeños into the meatball mixture for an extra spicy flavor. Adjust the amount to suit your heat preference.
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).