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Meatballs with Grape Jelly and Chili Sauce

A warm, sticky, slightly sweet and tangy dish featuring meatballs coated in a delicious grape jelly and chili sauce, perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Appetizer, Main Course, Party Food
Cuisine: American
Calories: 200
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Meatball Ingredients
  • 1 pound ground beef (85/15) or mix half beef and half pork Use lean turkey for a healthy option.
  • 1 large egg, beaten Binds the meatballs.
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs Panko for a lighter texture or gluten-free crumbs if needed.
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped onion Sweetens the meatball; swap with shallot for subtlety.
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced Fresh garlic for depth.
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese Optional, adds umami.
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce Or soy sauce for a gluten-free pantry swap.
  • to taste na Salt and black pepper
Sauce Ingredients
  • 1 cup grape jelly Surprisingly sweet base; can use raspberry jam if needed.
  • 3/4 cup chili sauce Classic or sweet chili for extra kick.
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar Brightens the sauce.
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes Optional for heat.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a large bowl, combine ground meat, beaten egg, breadcrumbs, chopped onion, garlic, Parmesan (if using), Worcestershire sauce, a pinch of salt, and black pepper. Mix until just combined.
  2. Scoop about one tablespoon of mixture and roll into small meatballs (about 1 inch). You should get roughly 24–28 meatballs.
Cooking
  1. Heat 1–2 tablespoons of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add meatballs in a single layer, turning occasionally until golden on all sides (about 6–8 minutes). Transfer to a plate.
  2. In the same skillet, lower heat to medium and add grape jelly and chili sauce. Stir until the jelly melts into the chili sauce.
  3. Add apple cider vinegar and red pepper flakes, stirring until the sauce thickens.
  4. Return the meatballs to the skillet, spooning sauce over them to coat. Reduce heat and simmer for 6–8 minutes.
  5. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt or vinegar if needed. Serve hot.

Notes

If the sauce gets too thick, loosen with a tablespoon of water or chicken stock.