Hey there! Craving a dinner that’s both incredibly easy and bursting with flavor? Let me introduce you to Easy Grape Jelly Meatballs. We’re talking tender, juicy meatballs swimming in a sweet and tangy sauce that’s ready in minutes. This isn’t just food; it’s a family favourite. Quick enough for a weeknight, healthy enough to feel good about, and flavorful enough to make everyone happy. Trust me, it’s a game-changer. I made it for my daughter for a picnic in the park and she love it!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
Growing up, my grandmother always had a knack for turning simple ingredients into something extraordinary. I remember summer afternoons spent in her kitchen, the air thick with the sweet aroma of simmering grape jelly and savory spices. This Easy Grape Jelly Meatballs recipe is a modern twist on her classic, evoking those cherished memories while fitting perfectly into today’s fast-paced lifestyle. It’s more than just a meal; it’s a taste of home, no matter where you are.
Ingredients
Make sure you have everything ready!
- Meatballs:
- 1 pound ground beef or turkey
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Sauce:
- 1 (12 ounce) bottle chili sauce
- 1 (10 ounce) jar grape jelly
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon prepared mustard
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making the Recipe
Follow the steps below and you will be ok!
- Prepare the Meatballs: In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
- Shape the Meatballs: Roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs.
- Cook the Meatballs: You can cook the meatballs in a skillet over medium heat until browned on all sides, or bake them in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, or use an air fryer.
- Make the Sauce: In a saucepan, whisk together the chili sauce, grape jelly, Worcestershire sauce, and mustard.
- Combine and Simmer: Add the cooked meatballs to the saucepan with the sauce. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened and the meatballs are heated through.
Expert Tips for Best Results
For perfectly tender and flavorful Easy Grape Jelly Meatballs, don’t overmix the meatball mixture; gentle handling ensures a lighter texture. Browning the meatballs before simmering in the sauce adds depth of flavor – just be sure not to cook them completely through at this stage. If you prefer a smoother sauce, use a blender or immersion blender to eliminate any jelly chunks. To customize the sweetness, adjust the amount of grape jelly to your liking. For a spicier kick, add a dash of hot sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce. Finally, allowing the meatballs to simmer in the sauce for a longer period gives the flavors time to meld, resulting in an even richer taste experience. Remember, the best recipes are often the ones you tweak to make your own!
Serving Suggestions
Easy Grape Jelly Meatballs are incredibly versatile and pair well with a variety of sides. Serve them as a delectable appetizer at your next gathering using toothpicks or small skewers for easy grabbing. For a satisfying main course, present them over a bed of fluffy rice, creamy mashed potatoes, or even cauliflower rice for a lighter option. Steamed green beans, roasted broccoli, or a crisp garden salad make excellent vegetable accompaniments. Consider placing them in slider buns for miniature sandwiches, perfect for kids and adults alike. Don’t forget a sprinkle of fresh parsley or green onions for added visual appeal. The sweet and savory combination of these meatballs also complements cornbread or biscuits beautifully. Feel free to get creative and serve them with polenta or quinoa for a more unique and nutritious meal.
Conclusion
Easy Grape Jelly Meatballs is more than just a recipe; it’s a gateway to simple, comforting, and flavorful meals. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner, a crowd-pleasing appetizer, or a nostalgic reminder of home, these meatballs deliver on all fronts. Its ease of preparation makes it accessible to cooks of all levels, and the customizable nature of the recipe allows you to tailor it to your specific tastes. The beauty of this dish lies in its ability to transform basic ingredients into something truly special, proving that delicious food doesn’t have to be complicated. So, go ahead and gather your ingredients, get in the kitchen, and experience the joy of creating a meal that will bring smiles to faces and warmth to hearts. This is what food is all about: creating memories with loved-ones.
Easy Grape Jelly Meatballs
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
- Roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs.
- You can cook the meatballs in a skillet over medium heat until browned on all sides, or bake them in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, or use an air fryer.
- In a saucepan, whisk together the chili sauce, grape jelly, Worcestershire sauce, and mustard.
- Add the cooked meatballs to the saucepan with the sauce. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened and the meatballs are heated through.
Notes
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