Introduction:
Experience a unique twist on classic meatballs with this Grape Jelly Meatballs recipe! These savory-sweet meatballs are coated in a rich, tangy sauce made from grape jelly and barbecue sauce, creating a perfect balance of flavors. Ideal for parties, potlucks, or just a fun family meal, these meatballs are sure to be a hit!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Simple and Delicious: A surprisingly tasty combination of grape jelly and barbecue sauce.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for gatherings, these meatballs are always a favorite.
- Easy Preparation: Minimal effort with a straightforward cooking process.
- Versatile: Great as an appetizer, main dish, or even a hearty snack.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 egg
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Sauce:
- 1 cup grape jelly
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare the Meatballs:
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, chopped onion, milk, egg, garlic powder, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a lightly greased baking dish.
- Bake the Meatballs:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and lightly browned.
- Prepare the Sauce:
- While the meatballs are baking, combine the grape jelly and barbecue sauce in a medium saucepan. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the grape jelly is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Coat the Meatballs:
- Once the meatballs are done baking, transfer them to a large mixing bowl. Pour the sauce over the meatballs and toss gently to coat them evenly.
- Serve:
- Transfer the coated meatballs to a serving platter or keep them warm in a slow cooker on the “warm” setting until ready to serve.
Tips for Success:
- Consistency: Ensure your meatballs are uniform in size for even cooking.
- Sauce: Adjust the amount of grape jelly or barbecue sauce to suit your taste preferences.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare and freeze the meatballs and sauce separately. Reheat before serving.
Recipe Variations:
- Spicy Version: Add a dash of hot sauce or use a spicy barbecue sauce for a kick.
- Different Meats: Try using ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- Gluten-Free: Substitute gluten-free breadcrumbs to make this dish gluten-free.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve as an appetizer with toothpicks for easy eating at parties.
- Pair with rice, mashed potatoes, or pasta for a complete meal.
- Enjoy with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh green salad.
Freezing and Storage:
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: You can freeze the meatballs before or after cooking. To freeze cooked meatballs, let them cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
- Reheating: Reheat in a saucepan over low heat, in the oven at 350°F (175°C), or in the microwave.
Special Equipment:
- Saucepan: For heating the grape jelly and barbecue sauce.
- Baking Sheet: For baking the meatballs.
FAQ:
- Can I use store-bought meatballs?
Yes, you can use store-bought meatballs and coat them with the grape jelly sauce. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions. - Can I use a slow cooker for this recipe?
Yes, you can cook the meatballs in a slow cooker. Place uncooked meatballs in the slow cooker, pour the sauce over them, and cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours. - Can I make this recipe in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the meatballs and sauce ahead of time. Refrigerate separately and combine before serving.
Preparation Time:
- 15 minutes for preparing the meatball mixture.
Cook Time:
- 20 minutes for baking the meatballs.
Total Time:
- 35 minutes (including prep and cook time).
Nutrition Information (per serving, assuming 4 servings):
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 20g
Grape Jelly Meatballs
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 egg
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Sauce:
- 1 cup grape jelly
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare the Meatballs:
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, chopped onion, milk, egg, garlic powder, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a lightly greased baking dish.
- Bake the Meatballs:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and lightly browned.
- Prepare the Sauce:
- While the meatballs are baking, combine the grape jelly and barbecue sauce in a medium saucepan. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the grape jelly is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Coat the Meatballs:
- Once the meatballs are done baking, transfer them to a large mixing bowl. Pour the sauce over the meatballs and toss gently to coat them evenly.
- Serve:
- Transfer the coated meatballs to a serving platter or keep them warm in a slow cooker on the “warm” setting until ready to serve.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 servings
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Fat: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Protein: 20g
Closing Notes:
Have you tried these Grape Jelly Meatballs? Share your experience in the comments below! Don’t forget to tag us on social media with your delicious meatballs and check back for more tasty and easy recipes.
