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Awesome Sauce Party Meatballs

Awesome Sauce Party Meatballs

Quick to make, surprisingly healthy, and bursting with flavor, Awesome Sauce Party Meatballs are the perfect party appetizer that everyone will love!
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 24 meatballs
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Meatballs:
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 large egg lightly beaten
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Awesome Sauce:
  • 1 cup ketchup
  • 1/2 cup grape jelly
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar

Equipment

  • Large Bowl
  • Baking Sheet
  • Parchment Paper
  • Saucepan

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
  3. Mix gently until just combined. Do not overmix.
  4. Roll mixture into small, bite-sized meatballs (about 1 inch in diameter).
  5. Place meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  6. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until meatballs are cooked through and browned.
  7. While meatballs are baking, prepare the Awesome Sauce. In a saucepan, combine ketchup, grape jelly, brown sugar, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and apple cider vinegar.
  8. Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the jelly is melted and the sauce is smooth.
  9. Once meatballs are cooked, transfer them to the saucepan with the Awesome Sauce.
  10. Simmer for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the meatballs are fully coated in the sauce.
  11. Serve hot and enjoy!

Notes

For the juiciest meatballs, use a blend of ground beef and ground pork. Avoid overmixing the meat mixture; overmixing can lead to tough meatballs. A gentle hand will result in a tender texture. To ensure even cooking, make sure all the meatballs are roughly the same size. Lining the baking sheet with parchment paper prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. Don't skip the simmering step! Simmering the cooked meatballs in the sauce allows them to absorb the flavors fully, resulting in a richer taste. You can also prepare the meatballs ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if they're cold.