Meat Balls In Sauce
Juicy meatballs simmered in a sweet and tangy barbecue sauce with apple jelly and brown sugar, perfect for casual dinners or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix ground beef, bread crumbs, salt, pepper, and chili powder in a bowl.
- Add beaten eggs and mix well.
- Form the mixture into small meatballs and flatten slightly.
- Brown the meatballs in a skillet.
- Return all meatballs to the skillet after browning.
- Combine barbecue sauce, apple jelly, brown sugar, and water in a bowl.
- Pour the sauce mixture over the meatballs in the skillet.
- Simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally and watching to prevent burning.
Tips & Substitutions
For a flavorful twist, consider adding minced garlic or finely chopped onions to the meatball mixture. If you prefer a lighter option, ground turkey or chicken can be substituted for ground beef. Adjust the amount of chili powder based on your heat preference. To ensure meatballs hold together, make sure not to overmix the meat when forming them.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the meatballs over cooked rice or pasta to soak up the flavorful sauce. They also pair well with a crisp salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. For a hearty dish, consider serving alongside garlic bread or mashed potatoes. This recipe is also a great appetizer when served with toothpicks.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water to prevent drying out, or microwave them until warmed through. For longer storage, freeze the meatballs in sauce for up to 3 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Meat Balls In Sauce contains roughly 378 calories, with 17g protein, 58g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (35% of the Daily Value), protein (34% of the Daily Value), and iron (29% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2783mg per serving (121% 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?
Yes, you can prepare the meatballs in advance. Form them and place them on a baking sheet, then cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before cooking. Alternatively, you can freeze them uncooked and cook them directly from frozen, adjusting the cooking time as needed.
What can I use instead of barbecue sauce?
If you don't have barbecue sauce on hand, you can use a combination of ketchup and Worcestershire sauce as a substitute. For a different flavor profile, try using teriyaki sauce or a homemade tomato-based sauce for a unique twist on this dish.
How do I know when the meatballs are cooked through?
The best way to check if meatballs are cooked through is to use a meat thermometer; they should reach an internal temperature of 160°F. Alternatively, cut one open to ensure there is no pink meat inside and the juices run clear.
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).