Meatballs With Grape Sauce
Juicy meatballs simmered in a sweet and tangy grape sauce, perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests with bold flavors and easy preparation.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix ground beef, eggs, bread crumbs, water, and garlic salt until well combined.
- Shape the mixture into medium-sized meatballs.
- In a large skillet, combine chili sauce, grape jelly, and lemon juice; mix well.
- Add the meatballs to the skillet, cover, and cook over low heat for 45 minutes until the meatballs are cooked through.
- Serve the meatballs with the sauce.
Tips & Substitutions
For even more flavor, consider adding chopped onions or bell peppers to the meatball mixture. If you're short on time, you can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken. If you prefer a spicier sauce, add a few dashes of hot sauce or cayenne pepper to the chili sauce mixture. This recipe is a great way to use up leftover grape jelly from other American recipes.
Serving Suggestions
These meatballs with grape sauce are perfect served over rice or alongside mashed potatoes for a comforting meal. Pair them with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables to balance the richness. For a fun twist, use them as a filling for sliders or serve with toothpicks at parties. They also make a great pairing with Special Spaghetti.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover meatballs and grape sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water to prevent sticking, or microwave them for 1-2 minutes until heated through. They also freeze well for up to 2 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Meatballs With Grape Sauce contains roughly 246 calories, with 7g protein, 46g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is a good source of protein (14% of the Daily Value) and iron (13% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1517mg per serving (66% 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 use a different type of meat for these meatballs?
Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based meat alternative. Adjust the cooking time slightly as leaner meats may require less time to cook through.
How can I make the sauce thicker?
To thicken the sauce, you can simmer it uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes to reduce it. Alternatively, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with cold water, then stir it into the sauce while it's cooking.
Can I prepare the meatballs in advance?
Absolutely! You can shape the meatballs and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before cooking. For longer storage, freeze them raw on a baking sheet, then transfer to a container once frozen. Cook from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
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).