Rosie’s Sweet and Sour Meatballs is a unique recipe that promises a delightful twist on the classic sweet and sour meatball dish, originating from a cherished source—Rosie’s ex-mother-in-law. This recipe, categorized under Stew, combines elements of European culinary influences with practicality for a Weeknight meal, making it both versatile and appealing to a wide range of tastes.
Recipe Overview
Name: Rosie’s Sweet and Sour Meatballs
Cook Time: 8 hours
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 8 hours 30 minutes
Description: A nostalgic recipe that delivers sweet and tangy flavors in every bite, passed down from Rosie’s ex-mother-in-law.
Keywords: Meat, European, Weeknight
Ingredients
- 3 eggs
- 1 cabbage
- 3 cups chili sauce
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup oatmeal
- 1 packet onion soup mix
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 719
- Total Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 12.2g
- Cholesterol: 380.2mg
- Sodium: 1139.9mg
- Carbohydrates: 25.6g
- Fiber: 6.9g
- Sugars: 10.5g
- Protein: 75.8g
Recipe Instructions
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Prepare the Meatballs:
- In a large bowl, combine ground chuck, eggs, oatmeal, and onion soup mix packet. Mix thoroughly until well blended.
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Form and Brown the Meatballs:
- Shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the meatballs on all sides until well-browned, using a slotted spoon to remove them from the skillet once done. Alternatively, you can bake the meatballs in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes until browned.
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Layer in the Crockpot:
- In a crockpot (slow cooker), layer the browned meatballs and cabbage. End with a layer of cabbage on top.
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Add Sauce and Cook:
- Pour the chili sauce evenly over the meatballs and cabbage. Do not stir.
- Add water evenly over the chili sauce and meatball mixture.
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Slow Cook:
- Cover the crockpot and cook on low heat for at least 8 hours, allowing the flavors to meld together and the meatballs to become tender.
Cooking Tips and Variations
- Enhance Flavors: For added depth, consider adding a splash of vinegar or a sprinkle of brown sugar to the chili sauce mixture before pouring it over the meatballs.
- Serve With: This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed rice or mashed potatoes, absorbing the delicious sweet and sour sauce.
- Make Ahead: Prepare the meatballs and sauce mixture the night before, refrigerate overnight, and simply assemble in the crockpot in the morning for a hassle-free dinner.
- Adjust Spices: Tailor the heat level by adjusting the amount of chili sauce or adding a touch of crushed red pepper flakes for extra spice.
Review
Given its unique blend of ingredients and the slow-cooking method, Rosie’s Sweet and Sour Meatballs promises a hearty and satisfying meal that’s perfect for family dinners or gatherings. The recipe’s simplicity combined with its rich flavors makes it a standout choice for anyone looking to add a touch of nostalgia and comfort to their dining table.
This recipe not only honors the culinary tradition of Rosie’s ex-mother-in-law but also invites home cooks to experiment with flavors and techniques that make every meal memorable.
