Delicious Homemade Meatballs with Sweet and Tangy Sauce
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: Approximately 8-10 servings (adjustable)
Category: Meat
Description
When my very good friend Connie brought these meatballs to my house during a tough time β when my husband’s grandmother passed away β they became an instant hit! The rich, savory flavor of the meatballs combined with the sweet and tangy sauce created a comforting meal that warmed our hearts. Since then, I’ve made them at every family gathering, and they’re always a crowd favorite. Theyβll be making an appearance at our Fourth of July cookout, too! Yummy and easy to make, these meatballs are perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Ground Beef | 3 pounds |
| Eggs | 2 large |
| Quick Oats | 2 cups |
| Milk | 1 cup |
| Chili Powder | 1/2 tablespoon |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon |
| Black Pepper | 1 teaspoon |
| Onion (finely chopped) | 1 medium |
| Brown Sugar | 1 tablespoon |
| Ketchup | 1 cup |
| Chili Powder | 1 tablespoon |
| Mustard (yellow) | 1 tablespoon |
| Salt | 1/2 teaspoon |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 535.2 kcal |
| Total Fat | 24.5 g |
| Saturated Fat | 9.1 g |
| Cholesterol | 133.2 mg |
| Sodium | 1412.5 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 48.2 g |
| Fiber | 2.9 g |
| Sugars | 33 g |
| Protein | 31.6 g |
Instructions
For the Meatballs:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, eggs, quick oats, milk, chili powder, salt, pepper, and finely chopped onion.
- Use your hands or a spoon to mix all the ingredients together until well incorporated. The mixture should be moist but firm enough to hold its shape when formed into balls.
- Shape the mixture into meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter, and arrange them in a single layer in a 13×9-inch baking pan.
- Preheat your oven to 350Β°F (175Β°C).
For the Sauce:
- In a separate bowl, mix together the brown sugar, ketchup, chili powder, mustard, and salt.
- Pour this sauce mixture evenly over the meatballs in the baking pan, making sure each meatball is coated with the sauce.
Cooking the Meatballs:
- Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake the meatballs uncovered for about 1 hour. This allows the meatballs to cook through and the sauce to thicken, creating a savory, flavorful coating.
- After about 30 minutes of cooking, you may want to check the meatballs to drain off any excess grease that might have accumulated in the pan. This will help keep the sauce rich and flavorful without becoming greasy.
- Continue baking until the meatballs are cooked through and golden brown, spooning additional sauce over the meatballs as needed.
- Once done, remove the pan from the oven, and let the meatballs rest for a few minutes before serving.
Serving Suggestions
These savory, tangy meatballs pair wonderfully with a side of mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a fresh garden salad. They also make a delicious addition to any party spread or buffet, perfect for dipping with extra sauce on the side. For a fun twist, serve them as mini sandwiches or slider buns at your next BBQ or cookout. Enjoy these meatballs with family, friends, and loved ones β and watch them disappear in no time!
Tips & Variations:
- For a milder flavor: Reduce the amount of chili powder in the sauce or meatball mixture.
- For a spicier kick: Add some crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce for an extra burst of heat.
- Make it ahead: You can prepare the meatballs and sauce the day before, cover them, and refrigerate until ready to bake. Just pop them in the oven when youβre ready to cook!
- Freezing option: These meatballs freeze well! Prepare the meatballs, bake them, and once cooled, store them in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Simply reheat them in the oven before serving.
These meatballs are guaranteed to be a hit at any gathering, bringing comfort and flavor with every bite. Whether you’re preparing them for a special occasion like a holiday cookout or just looking for a family-friendly meal, this recipe is sure to please.
