Sweet And Sour Meatballs (Cocktail)
Sweet and sour meatballs offer a delightful blend of tangy chili sauce and sweet grape jelly, paired with savory seasoned meatballs. Perfect for parties or family dinners, this dish is easy to prepare and provides a delicious, crowd-pleasing appetizer or main course with a flavorful glaze.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix ground beef, bread crumbs, minced onions, milk, egg, parsley, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Shape the mixture into 1/2 to 1-inch size meatballs.
- Heat shortening or oil in a skillet and cook the meatballs until golden brown.
- Drain excess grease from the meatballs.
- In a crock-pot, combine chili sauce and grape jelly and heat until warm.
- Place the cooked meatballs into the crock-pot with the sauce.
- Simmer on low heat for approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, until heated through and flavors meld.
Tips & Substitutions
For a leaner option, substitute ground turkey for the ground beef. If you don't have dry bread crumbs, crushed crackers or panko can work as a great substitute. To add extra flavor, try incorporating minced garlic or Italian herbs into the meat mixture. Serve these meatballs as a delightful appetizer for your next gathering, alongside other American recipes.
Serving Suggestions
These sweet and sour meatballs can be served as a party appetizer or main dish. Pair them with toothpicks for easy serving at gatherings, or enjoy them over rice or pasta for a hearty meal. They also go well with a side salad to balance the sweetness of the sauce.
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 with a splash of water to keep them moist or microwave them in short intervals, ensuring they heat evenly without drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sweet And Sour Meatballs (Cocktail) contains roughly 1023 calories, with 34g protein, 154g carbohydrates, and 30g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (69% of the Daily Value), iron (54% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (50% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2712mg per serving (118% 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 make these meatballs ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the meatballs in advance and refrigerate them before cooking. Alternatively, you can cook them and then freeze them in the sauce for up to 2 months. Just thaw and reheat when ready to serve.
What can I use instead of grape jelly?
If you don’t have grape jelly, you can substitute it with other fruit preserves like raspberry or apricot for a similar sweet and tangy flavor. Just ensure the substitute is fruit-based to maintain the dish's intended taste.
How can I make these meatballs spicier?
To add some heat, consider mixing in red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce into the meatball mixture or the sauce. You can also serve them with a spicy dipping sauce on the side for those who prefer extra kick.
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).