Party Meatballs

Prep: 15 min Cook: 30 min Serves: 8 Cuisine: American

Party Meatballs are a crowd-pleasing appetizer featuring tender meatballs cooked in a sweet and tangy chili jelly sauce. The savory hamburger combined with savory onion soup mix pairs perfectly with the glossy chili and grape jelly glaze, making it ideal for gatherings and celebrations.

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Ingredients

  • 2 1/2 lb hamburger
  • 1 package Lipton onion soup mix
  • 2 bottles Heinz chili sauce
  • 1 large jar grape jelly
  • 1 onion

Instructions

  1. In a bowl, mix hamburger with onion soup mix.
  2. Form into meatballs and fry until done.
  3. While frying meatballs, put chili sauce and grape jelly in a crock-pot with 1 chopped onion and let cook.
  4. When meatballs are done, place them in the crock-pot with the sauce and serve.

Tips & Substitutions

For added flavor, consider mixing in some minced garlic or chopped fresh herbs into the meatball mixture. If you want a healthier option, swap half of the hamburger with ground turkey or chicken. You can also use a homemade onion soup mix to control the sodium level. For a spicier kick, add a dash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture.

Serving Suggestions

These meatballs are perfect for parties and pair beautifully with toothpicks for easy serving. Consider serving them alongside a fresh salad or some crusty bread to soak up the sauce. For a complete meal, you can serve them over rice or pasta. They also complement dishes like Kim'S Ham And Hash Brown Omelet for a brunch spread.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a saucepan over medium heat with a splash of water or additional sauce to keep them moist. You can also reheat them in the microwave, covered, for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Party Meatballs contains roughly 316 calories, with 7g protein, 41g carbohydrates, and 15g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (109% of the Daily Value) and potassium (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 507mg per serving (22% of the Daily Value).

316 kcal 16% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 6.6g 13% DV
Total Fat 15g 19% DV
Carbs 41.1g 15% DV
Fiber 4.9g 18% DV
Sugar 8.1g 16% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 507.3mg 22% DV
Potassium 946mg 20% DV
Cholesterol 5.9mg 2% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 42.6mcg 5% DV
Vitamin C 98mg 100% DV
Calcium 51.9mg 4% DV
Iron 2mg 11% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal

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 the meatballs?

Yes, you can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or even ground pork for the hamburger. Each will bring a different flavor and texture, so feel free to experiment based on your preferences.

How can I make the meatballs in advance?

You can prepare the meatballs a day ahead and refrigerate them before frying. Alternatively, you can freeze the uncooked meatballs. Just thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before frying and adding to the sauce.

What can I serve with Party Meatballs?

Party Meatballs are versatile; they can be served as appetizers or as a main dish. They pair well with sides like mashed potatoes, rice, or a vegetable medley. For a fun twist, serve them in slider buns for a casual meal.

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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