Meat Balls With Grape Jelly
Juicy meatballs glazed with sweet grape jelly and spicy chili sauce create a savory-sweet dish perfect for casual gatherings or family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix egg, milk, salt, pepper, bread crumbs, and grated onion in a bowl.
- Let the mixture stand for a few minutes, then add the ground round and combine thoroughly.
- Shape the mixture into small meatballs.
- Brown the meatballs in a skillet until cooked through.
- Remove the meatballs from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the grape jelly and chili sauce to the drippings and heat until combined.
- Return the meatballs to the skillet, coat with the sauce, and heat through before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a flavor twist, consider adding minced garlic or fresh herbs like parsley to the meat mixture. If you're out of bread crumbs, crushed crackers or oats work as great substitutes. To save time, you can use pre-made meatball mixes available at the store. Adjust the sweetness of the sauce by varying the amount of grape jelly to your taste.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these meatballs over a bed of rice or with toothpicks as an appetizer. They pair nicely with sides like mashed potatoes or steamed vegetables. For a fun twist, try them in a sub sandwich topped with cheese. This dish also complements well with a refreshing salad or browse more American recipes for a full meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or sauce to prevent drying out. You can also microwave them in short intervals, covered, until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Meat Balls With Grape Jelly contains roughly 1421 calories, with 31g protein, 244g carbohydrates, and 36g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (88% of the Daily Value), calcium (76% of the Daily Value), and protein (61% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and vitamin D. 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?
Yes, you can freeze the meatballs before or after cooking. If freezing raw, shape them and place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer bag. For cooked meatballs, allow them to cool completely before freezing. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
What can I use instead of chili sauce?
If you don't have chili sauce, you can substitute with a mix of ketchup and hot sauce for a similar flavor profile. Alternatively, barbecue sauce can also provide a different but delicious twist. Adjust the sweetness and spiciness to your preference.
How can I make these meatballs healthier?
To make these meatballs healthier, consider using ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef. You can also add finely chopped vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini to the mix for added nutrition. Opt for whole wheat bread crumbs to increase fiber content.
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).