Tangy Meatballs And Franks
Tangy meatballs and hot dogs cooked in a flavorful sauce, perfect for casual gatherings and family dinners, offering a sweet and tangy taste with a hint of spice.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine ground round, chili sauce, Worcestershire sauce, grape jelly, lemon juice, and mustard in a crock-pot.
- Add the diagonally cut hot dogs to the mixture.
- Cook on low until heated through and flavors meld, approximately 2-4 hours.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist on flavor, consider using barbecue sauce in place of chili sauce. You can also substitute ground turkey for ground round for a lighter option. If you prefer a bit of spice, adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chopped jalapeños can enhance the heat. Make sure to stir the ingredients well for even distribution of flavors.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these tangy meatballs and franks in a warm sub roll for a hearty sandwich, or over rice for a complete meal. They pair perfectly with a side of California Green Salad for a refreshing crunch. For a fun twist, serve with toothpicks as a party appetizer alongside Jello Chiffon Cake for dessert.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover meatballs and franks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a saucepan over medium heat until warmed through or microwave in short intervals, stirring frequently. If the sauce thickens, add a splash of water to loosen it up.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Tangy Meatballs And Franks contains roughly 190 calories, with 11g protein, 18g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (48% of the Daily Value) and protein (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 522mg per serving (23% 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 this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the meatball mixture a day in advance. Just combine all the ingredients and store them in the crock-pot insert in the refrigerator. On the day you plan to serve, simply place it in the crock-pot and cook on low for 2-4 hours until heated through.
Is it possible to use different types of meat?
Absolutely! You can use ground turkey or chicken as a lighter alternative to ground round. Additionally, for a unique flavor, try mixing in some Italian sausage or chorizo. Just remember to adjust cooking times if using different meats.
What can I serve as a side dish?
These meatballs and franks go well with various side dishes. Consider serving them with a simple green salad, like California Green Salad, or crispy potato wedges. For a hearty option, baked beans or coleslaw would complement the tangy flavors beautifully.
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).