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Step By Step Instructions
Get ready for the easiest and most delicious meatballs that create the perfect sweet and tangy comfort food experience!
Note: Scroll to the recipe card at the bottom for the ingredient quantities and full detailed method!
Step 1 – Prep For Broiling
Preheat your broiler and line a sheet pan with foil, then coat with cooking spray. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup incredibly easy.
Step 2 – Mix The Meatball Mixture
In a large bowl, combine ground beef, eggs, breadcrumbs, finely diced onion, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Stir until just combined – don’t overmix!
Step 3 – Shape The Meatballs
Shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs (about 32 total) and place them on the prepared sheet pan with space between each one for even cooking.
Step 4 – Broil Until Golden
Broil for 8-10 minutes until the meatballs are golden brown on the outside. They don’t need to be fully cooked since they’ll finish in the slow cooker.
Step 5 – Make The Magic Sauce
While meatballs cook, melt the grape jelly in the microwave (30-second increments) or in a saucepan over medium heat until completely smooth.
Step 6 – Combine Sauce Ingredients
Whisk the chili sauce into the melted grape jelly until completely combined. The sauce will look amazing and smell incredible!
Step 7 – Slow Cook To Perfection
Coat your slow cooker with cooking spray, add the browned meatballs, and pour the sauce over top. Toss to coat evenly.
Step 8 – Cook And Serve
Cook on low for 3 hours until meatballs are tender and the sauce has thickened. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Expert Tips
Master these party-perfect meatballs with helpful tips for the best results every time!
1. Don’t skip the broiling step – this creates a beautiful golden crust and prevents the meatballs from falling apart in the slow cooker.
2. Mince onions finely – large chunks can make meatballs fall apart. Grating the onion works great too for even distribution.
3. Use 90% lean beef – this provides the perfect balance of flavor and prevents the sauce from becoming too greasy.
4. Don’t overmix the meat – mix just until ingredients are combined to keep meatballs tender, not tough and dense.
5. Make uniform sizes – 1-inch meatballs cook evenly and are perfect for both appetizers and main course serving.
6. Melt jelly completely – make sure there are no lumps before adding chili sauce for the smoothest, most beautiful glaze.
7. Use Heinz chili sauce – this specific brand gives the best flavor balance. Don’t substitute with hot sauce or ketchup.
8. Make ahead tip – meatballs can be broiled up to 2 days ahead and refrigerated until ready to slow cook.
9. Double batch strategy – make extra meatballs and freeze some for quick future meals.
FAQs
Can I use frozen pre-cooked meatballs instead?
You can, but homemade meatballs taste so much better! If you’re in a hurry, use frozen meatballs but thaw them first and reduce cooking time to 1-2 hours.
What exactly is chili sauce and where do I find it?
Chili sauce is a thick red condiment similar to ketchup but with a mild spicy kick. Find Heinz brand in the condiment aisle near the ketchup.
Can I substitute the grape jelly with something else?
Yes! Apricot jam or cranberry sauce work beautifully. You can also add a little brown sugar for extra sweetness.
How many meatballs does this recipe make?
This recipe makes about 32 one-inch meatballs, which serves 8 people as appetizers (4 meatballs each) or 6 as a main course.
Can I freeze these meatballs?
Absolutely! Freeze the broiled meatballs before adding sauce, or freeze the complete dish. The sauce may thin slightly when thawed – just simmer to thicken.
What size slow cooker do I need?
A 4-quart slow cooker works perfectly for this recipe. Larger sizes work too but may require slightly longer cooking time.
Serving Suggestions
These versatile meatballs work beautifully for both appetizers and main course meals:
As appetizers – serve with toothpicks alongside other party foods like cheese platters and vegetable trays.
Over rice – serve as a main course over fluffy white rice, rice pilaf, or even cauliflower rice for a complete meal.
With mashed potatoes – the sweet and tangy sauce is incredible over creamy garlic mashed potatoes.
Over noodles – egg noodles or even spaghetti make this feel like a fun fusion dinner.
With vegetables – add steamed broccoli, green beans, or roasted carrots for a balanced meal.
Variations To Try
Different meats – try ground turkey or ground chicken for a lighter version with the same amazing flavors.
Spice level – if you’re sensitive to spice, substitute ketchup for chili sauce. For more heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Sauce variations – try apricot jam instead of grape jelly, or add a tablespoon of brown sugar for extra sweetness.
Asian twist – substitute with my homemade sweet and sour sauce recipe for a more traditional Asian flavor profile.
Garnish options – try sliced green onions or chives instead of parsley for different fresh flavors.
Storage And Make-Ahead Tips
. Make ahead – broil meatballs up to 2 days in advance and refrigerate. Add sauce and slow cook when ready to serve.
. Freezing – freeze broiled meatballs for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight and proceed with sauce and slow cooking.
. Leftovers – store in refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in microwave or on stovetop until heated through.
. Doubling recipe – easily double for larger crowds. Use a 6-quart slow cooker and may need an extra hour of cooking time.
Sweet and Sour Meatballs (Slow Cooker)
These Sweet and Sour Meatballs are absolutely irresistible – homemade tender meatballs slow cooked in an incredibly simple two-ingredient sauce that creates the perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors for the ultimate party appetizer or family dinner!
. Course: Appetizer, Main Dish
. Cuisine: American
. Prep Time: 10 minutes
. Cook Time: 3 hours 10 minutes
. Total Time: 3 hours 20 minutes
. Servings: 8
. Calories: 366kcal
Ingredients
2 pounds ground beef (90% lean recommended)
2 eggs
½ cup breadcrumbs
¼ cup onion (finely diced)
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon garlic powder
12 ounce bottle chili sauce (Heinz brand recommended)
1½ cups grape jelly
2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped)
cooking spray
Instructions
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