Sweet-N-Spicy Meat Balls
Sweet-N-Spicy Meat Balls are flavorful, tender meatballs coated in a glossy chili-jelly sauce, perfect for parties or family dinners with a delightful balance of sweet and spicy flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix ground beef, bread crumbs, chopped onions, milk, parsley, salt, Worcestershire sauce, pepper, and egg in a bowl until well combined.
- Shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs.
- In a large skillet, melt the shortening over medium heat and cook the meatballs until browned on all sides.
- Remove the meatballs from the skillet and drain excess fat.
- In the same skillet, heat chili sauce and grape jelly, stirring until the jelly is melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Add the cooked meatballs to the sauce, stirring to coat them evenly.
- Reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 30 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.
- Serve hot, garnished if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a healthier option, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for ground beef. If you don’t have bread crumbs, crushed crackers or oats can work well. For added flavor, consider mixing in some minced garlic or a dash of hot sauce. Remember to keep the meatballs uniform in size for even cooking, and allow the sauce to simmer longer for a richer flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Sweet-N-Spicy Meatballs over fluffy rice or alongside mashed potatoes for a comforting meal. They pair beautifully with a crisp salad or roasted vegetables. For a fun twist, try them as a filling in sliders or serve them as an appetizer at your next gathering. Browse more American recipes for additional inspiration.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water to prevent drying out, or microwave them in a covered dish for 1-2 minutes until heated through. They also freeze well for up to 3 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sweet-N-Spicy Meat Balls contains roughly 729 calories, with 13g protein, 112g carbohydrates, and 26g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (48% of the Daily Value), iron (27% of the Daily Value), and protein (26% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2405mg per serving (105% 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 the meatballs ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the meat mixture and shape the meatballs a day in advance. Store them in the refrigerator until you're ready to cook. This not only saves time but also allows the flavors to meld together for a tastier result.
What can I substitute for grape jelly?
If you don't have grape jelly, you can use any fruit jelly or jam, such as raspberry or apricot, which will provide a similar sweetness and flavor. Just ensure the jelly is smooth for easy incorporation into the sauce.
How can I make these meatballs spicier?
To add heat, consider incorporating red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños into the meat mixture. You could also use a spicy chili sauce instead of regular chili sauce in the recipe. Adjust according to your taste preference for the perfect 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).