Grape Jelly Meatballs
Small beef meatballs baked and simmered in a sauce of grape jelly and chili sauce until glossy and sticky. The sweet-and-tangy potluck meatball of the American Midwest.
How to Make Grape Jelly Meatballs
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Heat the oven to 200°C / 400°F and line a large baking tray with baking paper.
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Mix the beef, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, garlic powder, salt and pepper in a bowl with your hands until just combined.
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Roll the mixture into 40 balls of about 18 g each and set them on the tray.
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Bake for 15 minutes, until browned and cooked through to 71°C / 160°F.
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Meanwhile, stir the grape jelly, chili sauce, Worcestershire sauce and lemon juice in a large saucepan over medium heat until the jelly melts and the sauce is smooth.
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Add the meatballs and simmer, stirring gently, for 15 minutes, until the sauce is thick and glossy and coats each meatball.
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Serve hot with toothpicks.
Tips for Making Grape Jelly Meatballs
- Bake the meatballs instead of frying them. It is easier, and they brown evenly without needing to be turned.
- Make the meatballs small. Bite-sized balls take up more sauce, and they are easier to eat with a toothpick at a party.
- Keep them warm in a slow cooker on low. The sauce holds up for hours, and they stay glossy.
What to Serve with Grape Jelly Meatballs
- Toothpicks and napkins
- Cheese and crackers
- Vegetable sticks
Storing & Reheating Grape Jelly Meatballs
Keeps in the fridge for up to 4 days and reheats on the hob or in the microwave. Freeze in the sauce for up to 3 months.
Grape Jelly Meatballs FAQ: Common Questions
How long does Grape Jelly Meatballs take to make?
About 55 minutes in total — 20 minutes of preparation and 35 minutes of cooking. The recipe serves 12.
What are the key tips for making Grape Jelly Meatballs?
Bake the meatballs instead of frying them. It is easier, and they brown evenly without needing to be turned. Make the meatballs small. Bite-sized balls take up more sauce, and they are easier to eat with a toothpick at a party. Keep them warm in a slow cooker on low. The sauce holds up for hours, and they stay glossy.
What should I serve with Grape Jelly Meatballs?
Toothpicks and napkins; Cheese and crackers; Vegetable sticks.
Can Grape Jelly Meatballs be made ahead or frozen?
Keeps in the fridge for up to 4 days and reheats on the hob or in the microwave. Freeze in the sauce for up to 3 months.
Is Grape Jelly Meatballs suitable for a special diet?
This recipe is no added sugar. Those labels are checked against the ingredient list, so a dish is only marked when nothing in it contradicts the claim.
How many calories are in Grape Jelly Meatballs?
About 236 kcal per serving, with 13 g protein, 28 g carbohydrate and 8 g fat. The figures are calculated from the ingredient list and are an estimate.
Grape Jelly Meatballs Nutrition
Per serving, calculated from the ingredient list. Treat these as an estimate — brands and cuts vary.
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Written and tested by Turab
One person, one kitchen — no test kitchen, no team. How every recipe on this site is checked before it goes up.