๐ฉโ๐ณ Aunt Mabel’s Party Meatballs ๐
Aunt Mabel’s Party Meatballs are a classic and delightful dish that has been a hit at gatherings and parties for generations. These tasty meatballs are easy to prepare, making them a popular choice for any occasion.
๐ History:
The origin of meatballs is somewhat obscure, with variations found in many cuisines around the world. However, the concept of shaping ground meat into small, round balls dates back centuries. Meatballs were likely first created as a way to use up leftover meat and add flavor to what might have been less desirable cuts. Over time, different cultures have put their own unique twists on meatball recipes. Aunt Mabel’s Party Meatballs, like any great family recipe, likely has its roots in a cherished family tradition.
๐ฅ Components:
To make Aunt Mabel’s Party Meatballs, you’ll need the following components:
For the Meatballs:
- 1 pound ground beef or a mix of beef and pork.
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese.
- 1/4 cup milk.
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onions.
- 1/4 cup finely chopped parsley.
- 1 egg.
- 1 teaspoon salt.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper.
For the Sauce:
- 2 cups tomato sauce (store-bought or homemade).
- 1/4 cup ketchup.
- 1/4 cup brown sugar.
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce.
- 1 teaspoon vinegar.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder.
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder.
๐ฉโ๐ณ Preparation Steps:
Here’s how to prepare Aunt Mabel’s Party Meatballs:
1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350ยฐF (175ยฐC).
2. Make the Meatballs:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground meat, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, milk, onions, parsley, egg, salt, and pepper.
- Mix everything together until well combined.
- Shape the mixture into small, round meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.
3. Prepare the Sauce:
- In a separate saucepan, combine the tomato sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, vinegar, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Cook the sauce over medium heat, stirring until it’s well blended and heated through.
4. Bake the Meatballs:
- Place the meatballs on a baking sheet or in a baking dish.
- Pour the sauce over the meatballs, ensuring they are evenly coated.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil.
5. Cooking Time:
- Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for about 30-40 minutes. Check them to make sure they are cooked through and no longer pink in the center.
6. Serve:
- Once the meatballs are cooked, serve them hot, garnished with fresh parsley or grated Parmesan cheese.
โฒ๏ธ Time Needed:
Preparation time for Aunt Mabel’s Party Meatballs is roughly 20 minutes, while the baking time is about 30-40 minutes. So, in total, you can have this delicious dish ready in about an hour.
These meatballs are perfect for parties and gatherings and are sure to be a crowd-pleaser with their savory meat and sweet, tangy sauce. Enjoy! ๐๐ฝ๏ธ๐
๐ฝ๏ธ Aunt Mabel’s Party Meatballs Nutrition Facts and Health Information ๐
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
- Serving Size: 4 meatballs with sauce.
- Calories: Approximately 320 kcal.
- Total Fat: 14g.
- Saturated Fat: 5g.
- Cholesterol: 100mg.
- Sodium: 760mg.
- Total Carbohydrates: 21g.
- Dietary Fiber: 2g.
- Sugars: 12g.
- Protein: 26g.
Health Information:
Aunt Mabel’s Party Meatballs can be a tasty addition to your menu, but it’s important to be aware of the nutrition and health aspects:
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Protein: These meatballs are a good source of protein, providing about 26 grams per serving. Protein is essential for muscle growth and repair.
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Calories: While they are relatively high in calories, meatballs can be part of a balanced diet. Keep portion sizes in mind, especially if you’re watching your calorie intake.
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Saturated Fat: The meatballs have some saturated fat due to the ground meat and cheese. Moderation is key, as excessive saturated fat intake can be linked to heart health concerns.
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Sodium: The sauce can be high in sodium. If you’re on a low-sodium diet, consider using low-sodium tomato sauce and reducing the amount of salt in the meatball mixture.
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Carbohydrates: Meatballs are not a significant source of carbohydrates, but the sauce does contain some sugars due to the brown sugar and ketchup.
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Fiber: While not particularly high in fiber, you can increase the fiber content by serving them with whole-grain pasta or alongside a side of vegetables.
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Nutrient Variations: You can make these meatballs healthier by using leaner ground meat or adding vegetables to the meatball mixture. This can increase fiber and micronutrient content.
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Portion Control: Be mindful of portion sizes to manage calorie intake, especially at parties and gatherings.
Remember that the nutrition content can vary depending on the specific ingredients and proportions used in your recipe. It’s always a good idea to adjust the recipe to align with your dietary preferences and nutritional goals. Enjoy Aunt Mabel’s Party Meatballs in moderation as part of a balanced diet. ๐ฝ๏ธ๐ฅ๐ฉโ๐ณ๐
