Meatballs, Cocktail Hot Dogs And Sausages In Sauce

Prep: 20 min Cook: 30 min Serves: 8 Cuisine: American

A hearty, flavorful dish featuring tender meatballs and savory sausages simmered in a tangy, sweet, and slightly spicy sauce, ideal for casual gatherings and family dinners.

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Ingredients

  • 2 lb. ground beef
  • 2 lb. cocktail hot dogs or sausages
  • 1/2 lb. butter
  • 1 cup vinegar
  • 1/2 medium onion, chopped
  • 1/2 teaspoon sugar
  • 1 cup ketchup
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1 teaspoon mustard
  • 1/2 lemon juice
  • garlic powder

Instructions

  1. Combine vinegar, butter, chopped onion, sugar, ketchup, water, mustard, lemon juice, and garlic powder to make the sauce.
  2. Make ground beef into meatballs; cook, drain, or use pre-made meatballs.
  3. Add hot dogs or sausages and meatballs to the sauce.
  4. Simmer all ingredients in a saucepan, crock-pot on low, or microwave until heated through.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider adding Worcestershire sauce or a splash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the meatballs if you prefer a leaner option. If you have leftover sauce, it can also be used as a dip for appetizers, similar to what you might find in American recipes.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these meatballs and cocktail hot dogs over a bed of rice or alongside mashed potatoes for a comforting meal. They also pair well with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. Consider serving with a side salad for a balanced plate or as part of a party platter.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through, or use a microwave in short intervals, stirring in between to ensure even heating.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Meatballs, Cocktail Hot Dogs And Sausages In Sauce contains roughly 347 calories, with 7g protein, 59g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (48% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and iron. It also contributes 6g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.

347 kcal 17% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 7.1g 14% DV
Total Fat 8.4g 11% DV
Carbs 59.4g 22% DV
Fiber 5.8g 21% DV
Sugar 19.8g 40% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 218.6mg 10% DV
Potassium 537.6mg 11% DV
Cholesterol 12.5mg 4% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 34.6mcg 4% DV
Vitamin C 43.4mg 48% DV
Vitamin D 0mcg
Calcium 80.2mg 6% DV
Iron 2.3mg 13% DV
Diet fit High-fiber Under 400 cal Low-fat
Contains Milk

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 this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the sauce and meatballs a day in advance. Simply store the sauce and meatballs separately in the refrigerator, then combine and heat them just before serving. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

Can I use different types of meat?

Absolutely! You can mix and match by using ground pork, chicken, or turkey for the meatballs, or even use plant-based sausages for a vegetarian version. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.

Is it possible to make this dish in a slow cooker?

Yes, this recipe is perfect for a slow cooker. After preparing the sauce, add all ingredients to the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours. This method allows the flavors to develop even further, making it a great option for gatherings.

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).

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