Sweet and Sour Meatballs
These homemade sweet and sour meatballs are a delightful combination of savory and tangy flavors, slow-cooked to perfection in a rich, two-ingredient sauce. This recipe is ideal as a main dish or an appetizer, guaranteed to impress.
Ingredients
- Ground Beef 90% lean: Provides a flavorful and moist base for the meatballs.
- Eggs: Help bind the mixture for perfectly shaped meatballs.
- Breadcrumbs: Ensure a cohesive texture and hold the ingredients together.
- Onion finely diced: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor.
- Garlic Powder: Introduces a mild savory undertone.
- Salt and Pepper: Season the meatballs with a balanced flavor.
- Chili Sauce: Forms the tangy base for the sauce.
- Grape Jelly: Adds a sweet glossy finish to the dish.
- Parsley chopped: A fresh garnish for presentation and flavor enhancement.
- Cooking Spray: Prevents sticking during preparation.
Instructions
- Preheat the broiler and line a baking sheet with aluminum foil. Apply a light coat of cooking spray to the foil to prevent sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, eggs, breadcrumbs, onion, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until the ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Form the meat mixture into 1-inch meatballs, ensuring uniform size for even cooking. Arrange the meatballs on the prepared baking sheet.
- Place the tray under the broiler and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the meatballs develop a golden-brown crust.
- While the meatballs broil, prepare the sauce. Heat the grape jelly in a microwave-safe bowl, using 30-second intervals, or melt it in a saucepan over medium heat until fully liquefied.
- Stir the chili sauce into the melted jelly and whisk until smooth, creating a well-blended, glossy sauce.
- Lightly spray the interior of a slow cooker with cooking spray. Add the broiled meatballs, then pour the prepared sauce over them. Gently toss to ensure the meatballs are fully coated.
- Cook on the low setting for approximately 3 hours. Once done, sprinkle the meatballs with chopped parsley for a fresh, vibrant finish. Serve warm.
Notes
Adjust the size of the meatballs according to preference, keeping in mind that smaller sizes cook faster.