Get ready for a flavor explosion that will transform your ordinary dinner into an extraordinary culinary adventure! These Smoked Grape Jelly Meatballs are not just another recipe – they're a perfect blend of sweet, savory, and smoky goodness that will have your guests begging for seconds. Imagine tender, juicy meatballs glazed with a mouthwatering combination of grape jelly and barbecue sauce that creates an irresistible coating that's both unexpected and absolutely delicious.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 1 hrs
Total Time: 1 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup chopped onion
- 1 egg
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup grape jelly
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure that your meatballs cook evenly and develop a nice crust.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 lb of ground beef, 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup of chopped onion, 1 egg, 1/2 tsp of salt, and 1/2 tsp of black pepper. Use your hands or a fork to mix the ingredients until they are well combined but be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatballs tough.
- Once the mixture is combined, shape it into meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter. You should be able to make approximately 24 meatballs with this mixture.
- Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased to prevent sticking. Make sure to leave some space between each meatball for even cooking.
- In a separate bowl, combine 1 cup of grape jelly and 1 cup of barbecue sauce. Stir the mixture until the grape jelly is completely dissolved into the barbecue sauce, creating a smooth glaze.
- Pour the grape jelly and barbecue sauce mixture evenly over the meatballs on the baking sheet, ensuring each meatball is well coated with the sauce.
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and reach an internal temperature of 160°F (70°C).
- Once cooked, remove the meatballs from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. This will help the sauce thicken slightly.
- Serve the smoked grape jelly meatballs warm as an appetizer or main dish. They pair well with toothpicks for easy serving and can be enjoyed with additional barbecue sauce on the side if desired.
Tips
- Keep your hands slightly damp when forming meatballs to prevent the mixture from sticking to your fingers.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a touch of minced garlic or grated Parmesan cheese to the meat mixture.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure your meatballs reach the perfect internal temperature of 160°F (70°C).
- If you want a glossier finish, brush an extra layer of the grape jelly and barbecue sauce mixture during the last 5 minutes of baking.
- For make-ahead convenience, you can prepare the meatballs and sauce a day in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake.
- Experiment with different types of barbecue sauce to customize the flavor profile to your liking.
- These meatballs are perfect for meal prep and can be easily reheated in the oven or microwave.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 18g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 85mg
