Sweet And Sour Meatballs(Makes About 4 Dozen)
Sweet and tangy meatballs with apricot preserves and lemon flavor, perfect for casual gatherings or family dinners with a delightful balance of savory and fruity tastes.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine ground beef, bread crumbs, egg, and 2 teaspoons bouillon; shape into 1 1/4-inch meatballs.
- In a large skillet, brown the meatballs. Remove from pan and pour off excess fat.
- In the same skillet, combine apricot preserves, lemon juice, and remaining 2 teaspoons bouillon.
- Cook and stir over low heat for 15 minutes.
- Add the browned meatballs to the skillet and simmer uncovered for 10 minutes.
- Refrigerate leftovers.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider substituting the bouillon with homemade beef stock for a richer taste. If you're looking for a healthier option, ground turkey or chicken can be used instead of lean ground beef. For a gluten-free version, swap bread crumbs with crushed gluten-free crackers or oats. Be sure to monitor the browning of meatballs closely to achieve a nice golden crust without overcooking them.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these sweet and sour meatballs over a bed of fluffy rice or with toothpicks as an appetizer for gatherings. They pair wonderfully with steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a balanced meal. For a comforting twist, consider serving them alongside Easy Meat And Potato Casserole for a hearty dinner option.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover sweet and sour meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the meatballs in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of water or sauce to keep them moist, covering the pan to warm them through evenly. Alternatively, they can be reheated in the microwave for a quick option.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sweet And Sour Meatballs(Makes About 4 Dozen) contains roughly 1 calories, with 0g protein, 0g carbohydrates, and 0g fat.
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?
Absolutely! You can prepare the meatballs in advance and freeze them before cooking. Once formed, place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready to cook, simply thaw and follow the recipe steps for browning and simmering in the sauce.
What can I use instead of apricot preserves?
If you don't have apricot preserves on hand, peach or orange marmalade can serve as excellent substitutes, offering a similar sweet and tangy flavor. You can also use homemade fruit compote or even a mix of honey and citrus juice for a different but tasty alternative.
How do I know when the meatballs are fully cooked?
To ensure that the meatballs are fully cooked, use a meat thermometer to check that they reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). Alternatively, you can cut one meatball in half; it should be no longer pink inside and the juices should run clear.
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).