Sweet And Sour Swedish Meat Balls
Sweet and tangy Swedish meatballs glazed with grape jelly and barbecue sauce, ideal for comforting dinners or entertaining guests with bold flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Soak bread crumbs in milk for 5 minutes.
- Combine crumb mixture with ground chuck, beaten eggs, chopped onion, salt, allspice, and nutmeg.
- Shape mixture into balls about an inch in diameter.
- Heat shortening in a skillet and brown the meatballs.
- Place browned meatballs in a slow cooker or cooker pot.
- Add grape jelly, barbecue sauce, dill weed, and pepper to the meatballs.
- Cook on low for 4 hours until heated through and flavors meld.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider substituting ground turkey for ground chuck. You can also replace the grape jelly with a homemade sweet and sour sauce using pineapple juice and brown sugar. To save time, prepare the meatballs in advance and freeze them. When ready to cook, simply thaw and add to the slow cooker with the sauces.
Serving Suggestions
These Sweet and Sour Swedish Meatballs are perfect as a party appetizer or served over egg noodles for a hearty meal. They pair beautifully with a fresh salad or steamed vegetables. For a delightful contrast, consider serving them with a side of Dream Frozen Fruit Salad to balance the flavors.
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 short bursts until warmed through. Alternatively, reheat in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sweet And Sour Swedish Meat Balls contains roughly 1833 calories, with 27g protein, 144g carbohydrates, and 130g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (94% of the Daily Value), iron (71% of the Daily Value), and protein (53% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2448mg per serving (106% 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 in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the meatballs ahead of time. Shape them and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before cooking, or freeze them for up to three months. Just make sure to adjust cooking times if cooking from frozen.
What can I use instead of grape jelly?
If you prefer, you can substitute grape jelly with cranberry sauce or apple jelly for a different flavor profile. Both alternatives will still provide a sweet and tangy balance to the barbecue sauce.
Are these meatballs suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! These meatballs store well and make for a great meal prep option. You can portion them out with your favorite sides, like rice or steamed vegetables, for easy lunches throughout the week.
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).