Super Meatballs

Prep: 15 min Cook: 30 min Serves: 6 Cuisine: American

Sweet and savory meatballs coated in chili sauce and grape jelly create a flavorful, crowd-pleasing dish perfect for casual gatherings or family dinners.

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Ingredients

  • 1 lb. ground beef
  • 1/2 cup bread crumbs
  • 1/3 cup chopped onion
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 egg
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon pepper
  • 1 bottle chili sauce
  • 1 10 oz jar grape jelly

Instructions

  1. Combine ground beef, bread crumbs, chopped onion, milk, Worcestershire sauce, egg, salt, and pepper in a bowl and mix well.
  2. Shape the mixture into meatballs.
  3. Brown the meatballs in a skillet; drain excess fat.
  4. Place the browned meatballs in a casserole dish.
  5. In a separate bowl, mix chili sauce and grape jelly until smooth.
  6. Pour the chili sauce and jelly mixture over the meatballs.
  7. Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 30 minutes.

Tips & Substitutions

For a moister meatball, consider adding grated Parmesan or using ground turkey instead of beef. If you have stale bread, turn it into fresh breadcrumbs for better texture. You can also adjust the chili sauce and grape jelly ratio to suit your taste. If you want a bit of heat, add some red pepper flakes to the sauce. This recipe is perfect for a hearty meal, similar to other American recipes.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these super meatballs over a bed of fluffy rice or pasta for a hearty meal. They pair beautifully with garlic bread and a side salad for a complete dinner. You could also serve them as an appetizer at parties, similar to how you would with Hungry Family Goulash, for a crowd-pleasing dish everyone will enjoy.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a microwave-safe dish and cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture, heating in 30-second intervals until warmed through. Alternatively, reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes for a crispier texture.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Super Meatballs contains roughly 390 calories, with 7g protein, 76g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (32% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1576mg per serving (69% of the Daily Value).

390 kcal 20% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 6.8g 14% DV
Total Fat 7.5g 10% DV
Carbs 75.7g 28% DV
Fiber 1.2g 4% DV
Sugar 6.1g 12% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1576mg 69% DV
Potassium 650.8mg 14% DV
Cholesterol 196.1mg 65% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 71.1mcg 8% DV
Vitamin C 28.7mg 32% DV
Vitamin D 0.1mcg 1% DV
Calcium 224.9mg 17% DV
Iron 2.8mg 16% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal Low-fat
Contains Milk Egg Wheat/Gluten

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, these meatballs freeze exceptionally well. After cooking, let them cool completely, then place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag and they can last for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake directly from frozen or thaw overnight in the fridge.

What can I use instead of grape jelly?

If you don't have grape jelly on hand, you can substitute it with any fruit jelly or jam, such as raspberry or apricot, for a different flavor profile. Alternatively, try using honey or maple syrup mixed with a bit of vinegar for a sweet and tangy sauce that complements the meatballs.

How can I make these meatballs healthier?

To make these meatballs healthier, consider using lean ground beef or ground turkey. You can also add finely chopped vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini into the mixture for added nutrition. Using whole grain bread crumbs can also increase fiber content without sacrificing flavor.

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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