Meatballs with Grape Jelly and BBQ Sauce Stovetop: A Delicious and Easy Recipe
When it comes to comfort food, few dishes can rival the delightful combination of sweet and savory flavors. One such dish that has been a crowd-pleaser for decades is meatballs with grape jelly and BBQ sauce stovetop. This recipe is not only incredibly tasty but also easy to prepare, making it a perfect choice for busy weeknights, potlucks, or any gathering where you want to impress your guests with minimal effort.
Nutritional Information
While the exact nutritional information can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands used, here’s a general breakdown for a serving of meatballs with grape jelly and BBQ sauce stovetop (serving size: 4 meatballs with sauce):
- Calories: 300-350
- Protein: 15-20g
- Fat: 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: 25-30g
- Sugar: 20-25g
- Fiber: 1-2g
Making Time
The total time to make meatballs with grape jelly and BBQ sauce stovetop is approximately 45 minutes:
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Nutritional Information
To make meatballs with grape jelly and BBQ sauce stovetop, you’ll need the following ingredients
For the Meatballs:
- 1 pound ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
For the Sauce:
- 1 cup grape jelly
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (choose your favorite brand or homemade)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (optional, for extra tanginess)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs
- Mix the Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, chopped onion, minced garlic, salt, pepper, oregano, and basil. Mix until well combined. Be careful not to overwork the meat, as this can make the meatballs tough.
- Form the Meatballs: Use your hands to shape the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter. This recipe should make approximately 24 meatballs.
Step 2: Cook the Meatballs
- Heat the Pan: Place a tablespoon of oil in a large skillet and heat it over medium heat. When the pan is hot, add the meatballs in a single layer, being careful not to pack it too full. They might need to be cooked in batches.
- Brown the Meatballs: Cook, stirring regularly, until the meatballs are browned all over, about 5 to 7 minutes. At this point, they don’t need to be thoroughly cooked. meatballs with grape jelly and bbq sauce stovetop
Step 3: Make the Sauce
- Combine Ingredients: Whisk together the grape jelly, Worcestershire sauce, BBQ sauce, and apple cider vinegar (if using) in a medium-sized bowl.
- Reduce the Heat: Transfer the sauce blend into the skillet containing the browned meatballs. Gently toss the meatballs in the sauce to ensure even coating.
Step 4: Simmer and Serve
- Cook the Meatballs: Lower the heat to a low simmer, cover the skillet, and cook the meatballs for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring from time to time. This enables the meatballs to fully cook and assimilate the sauce’s tastes.
- To check if the meatballs are done, cut one in half to make sure. In the middle, there should be no pink, and the internal temperature should be 165°F (74°C).
- Serve: Plate the meatballs hot, topped with green onions or fresh parsley, if preferred. They are excellent on their own as an appetizer or served over mashed potatoes or rice.meatballs with grape jelly and bbq sauce stovetop
Customization Tips for
meatballs with grape jelly and bbq sauce stovetop
One of the best things about meatballs with grape jelly and BBQ sauce stovetop is how versatile the recipe can be. Here are some ways to customize it:
- Meat Options: For a variation in taste and texture, feel free to use ground chicken, turkey, or a combination of meats.
- Spice Level: Add a pinch of chili flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture for a bit of heat.
- Healthier Version: To make the dish healthier, use whole grain breadcrumbs and lean ground meat.
- Vegetarian Option: Use vegetable broth in place of milk and plant-based ground beef substitutes in place of the meat.
Conclusion
A delicious recipe that will appeal to both children and adults is meatballs with grape jelly and BBQ sauce cooked on the stovetop. Tender meatballs mixed with a sweet and salty sauce make for a filling and cozy dinner. This is a simple, adaptable recipe that works well for any meal. This recipe is a great option whether you’re throwing a party or just need a quick weekday dinner. Savor the flavor of stovetop meatballs with grape jelly and barbecue sauce by giving it a try now!
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Tips for Perfect Meatballs with Grape Jelly and BBQ Sauce Stovetop
To ensure your meatballs with grape jelly and BBQ sauce stovetop turn out perfectly every time, here are some additional tips and tricks:
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh onions, garlic, and herbs will enhance the flavor of your meatballs. Avoid using pre-minced garlic or dried onions if possible.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the meatball ingredients, mix just until everything is incorporated. Overmixing can make the meatballs dense and tough.
- Uniform Size: Make sure your meatballs are of uniform size to ensure even cooking. You can use a small ice cream scoop to help with this.
- Pre-Browning: Browning the meatballs before simmering them in the sauce adds extra flavor and helps to lock in moisture.
- Slow Simmer: Allowing the meatballs to simmer slowly in the sauce helps them to absorb all the wonderful flavors. Don’t rush this step!
- Double the Sauce: If you prefer extra saucy meatballs, you can double the sauce ingredients. This is especially useful if you’re serving the meatballs over rice or pasta and want more sauce to coat the grains or noodles.
- Storage and Reheating: These meatballs store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them on the stovetop or in the microwave. They also freeze well for up to 3 months; simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Serving Suggestions meatballs with grape jelly and bbq sauce stovetop
Meatballs with grape jelly and BBQ sauce stovetop can be served in various ways depending on the occasion:
- Appetizer: Serve them on a platter with toothpicks as a crowd-pleasing appetizer at your next gathering.
- Main Dish: Serve over a bed of rice, mashed potatoes, or noodles for a hearty main dish. They also pair well with steamed vegetables or a fresh salad.
- Sandwiches: Use these meatballs to make delicious meatball subs. Place them in a toasted hoagie roll, top with additional sauce, and sprinkle with cheese.
- Party Food: Keep the meatballs warm in a slow cooker for easy serving at parties and potlucks.
Frequently Asked Questions for
meatballs with grape jelly and bbq sauce stovetop
Q: Can I make these meatballs in advance? A: Yes, you can prepare the meatballs in advance and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking. You can also freeze the uncooked meatballs for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before cooking.
Q: Can I use homemade BBQ sauce and grape jelly? A: Absolutely! Homemade BBQ sauce and grape jelly can add a unique touch to the recipe. Just make sure the jelly is smooth to ensure a consistent sauce texture.
Q: Can I cook these meatballs in a slow cooker? A: Yes, after browning the meatballs, you can transfer them to a slow cooker, pour the sauce over them, and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours.
Q: What if I don’t have grape jelly? A: If you don’t have grape jelly, you can use another type of jelly or jam, such as apple, apricot, or cranberry. Each will give a slightly different flavor profile, but still delicious.
Conclusion
Simmering meatballs with grape jelly and barbecue sauce is a tasty and adaptable recipe that combines the finest elements of savory and sweet flavors. They are great for any meal or occasion, are simple to make, and are adored by everyone. You can ensure that your meatballs turn out flawlessly every time by according to the comprehensive instructions and advice included in this article. Savor this mouthwatering dish, and don’t hesitate to alter it to your preference!
Don’t forget to bookmark this recipe for your upcoming meal planning session and share it with friends and family. Have fun in the kitchen!