Craving a party snack that’s quick to prepare, surprisingly healthy, and bursting with flavor? Look no further! Awesome Sauce Party Meatballs are your answer. These aren’t your average frozen meatballs; we’re talking tender, juicy meatballs smothered in a vibrant, homemade Awesome Sauce. As a harried parent, I know how precious time is! These meatballs let me serve a crowd-pleasing dish without spending hours in the kitchen – and I feel good about what my family is eating.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
My grandmother, bless her heart, was a wizard in the kitchen. Her meatballs were legendary at every family gathering. They were always the centerpiece of every party. Awesome Sauce Party Meatballs are my attempt to capture that same warmth and deliciousness, but with a modern twist that fits my busy lifestyle.
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
- 1 pound ground beef (lean)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (whole wheat)
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Awesome Sauce:
- 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar (lightly packed)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making the Recipe
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, gently mix all meatball ingredients until just combined. Do not overmix!
- Roll the mixture into small, 1-inch meatballs.
- Arrange meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until cooked through.
- While meatballs are baking, prepare the Awesome Sauce.
- In a saucepan, whisk together all Awesome Sauce ingredients.
- Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
- Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes, or until slightly thickened.
- Once the meatballs are cooked, transfer them to the saucepan with the Awesome Sauce.
- Gently stir to coat each meatball evenly.
- Simmer for another 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Expert Tips for Best Results
For the juiciest meatballs, avoid overmixing the meat mixture. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour or breadcrumbs, resulting in tougher meatballs. Lightly combine the ingredients until just evenly distributed. Using lean ground beef will help keep the meatballs healthy without sacrificing flavor; however, using a slightly higher fat content (85/15) can enhance the tenderness. Be cautious not to overcrowd the baking sheet when baking the meatballs, as this can cause them to steam instead of brown. If necessary, bake in batches. Also, pre-baking reduces the fat content compared to pan frying. Homemade breadcrumbs add more flavor: simply toast some stale bread slices and pulse in a food processor. Feel free to customize the level of sweetness by adjusting the brown sugar amount to your preferences.
Serving Suggestions
Awesome Sauce Party Meatballs are incredibly versatile and can be served in countless ways. For a party, offer them as a classic appetizer served straight from a slow cooker or chafing dish to keep them warm. Provide toothpicks or small skewers for easy snacking. For a more substantial meal, serve the meatballs over a bed of fluffy mashed potatoes, creamy polenta, or your favorite pasta. A side of steamed broccoli, green beans, or a simple green salad adds a healthy touch, balancing the richness of the meatballs. Consider offering different toppings like sesame seeds, and chopped green onions. If you’re serving a larger group, you can keep the meatballs warm in a crock-pot, ensuring they’re ready whenever your guests are.
Conclusion
Awesome Sauce Party Meatballs offer the perfect balance of convenience, health, and deliciousness. They’re quick to make for a weeknight dinner or scaled up for any party or gathering. These meatballs are more than just a recipe; they’re a potential crowd-pleaser that simplifies mealtime without compromising on taste or nutrition. Whether you’re looking for a new go-to appetizer or a family-friendly main course, this recipe delivers. Embrace the ease and flavors of Awesome Sauce Party Meatballs and you’ll discover just how much you can do with a few simple ingredients and a little bit of time.
Awesome Sauce Party Meatballs
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, gently mix all meatball ingredients until just combined. Do not overmix!
- Roll the mixture into small, 1-inch meatballs.
- Arrange meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until cooked through.
- While meatballs are baking, prepare the Awesome Sauce.
- In a saucepan, whisk together all Awesome Sauce ingredients.
- Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
- Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes, or until slightly thickened.
- Once the meatballs are cooked, transfer them to the saucepan with the Awesome Sauce.
- Gently stir to coat each meatball evenly.
- Simmer for another 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
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