Manhatten Meat Balls
Manhattan Meat Balls combine savory ground meats with a sweet and tangy apricot barbecue glaze, perfect for casual gatherings and family dinners craving hearty, flavorful comfort food.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix together ground beef, ground sausage, bread crumbs, chopped onion, parsley flakes, salt, and eggs.
- Roll the meat mixture into walnut-sized balls and fry in butter until browned and cooked through.
- Drain the meatballs on paper towels.
- Heat together the apricot preserves and barbecue sauce until warm.
- Serve the meatballs with the warm glaze poured over or on the side for dipping.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, substitute half of the ground beef with ground turkey. If you prefer a spicier kick, add some crushed red pepper flakes to the meat mixture. Ensure the meatballs are evenly browned by frying in batches and not overcrowding the pan. You can also use panko breadcrumbs for a crunchier texture.
Serving Suggestions
These meatballs are perfect for game day and pair beautifully with a side of classic coleslaw or a fresh green salad. You can also serve them with toothpicks for easy snacking at parties. Consider pairing them with a hearty Beef Soup With Dumplings for a comforting meal.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Manhatten Meat Balls can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place them in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to keep them moist, covering the pan to steam them gently until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Manhatten Meat Balls contains roughly 1020 calories, with 33g protein, 161g carbohydrates, and 28g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (333% of the Daily Value), iron (117% of the Daily Value), and protein (66% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2810mg per serving (122% 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 bake these meatballs instead of frying?
Yes, you can bake the meatballs at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes on a lined baking sheet. This method reduces the fat content and still yields deliciously juicy meatballs.
What can I use instead of apricot preserves?
If you're not a fan of apricot preserves, you can substitute with peach or mango preserves for a similar sweetness. Alternatively, a homemade sweet and sour sauce can also work well.
Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the meatballs and store them raw in the refrigerator for up to a day before cooking. They can also be frozen for up to three months; just thaw overnight in the fridge before cooking.
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).