Easy Guide For Perfectly Cooked Meatballs in Grape Jelly and Sweet Chili Sauce

Sharing is caring!

Meatballs are a versatile and beloved dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. One popular method is simmering them in a delectable sauce after browning, creating a mouthwatering combination of flavors and textures. In this blog post, Easy Guide for Perfectly Cooked Meatballs in Grape Jelly and Sweet Chili Sauce, we’ll explore the art of cooking the best meatballs in sauce.

We will specifically focus on a unique and delicious homemade recipe featuring only two ingredients! Grape jelly and sweet chili sauce make a dish that is both sweet and savory. Get ready for a culinary adventure that will elevate your meatball game!

Part 1: How Long to Cook Meatballs in Sauce After Browning

Cooking meatballs to perfection involves a careful balance of time and temperature. After browning the meatballs, it’s crucial to simmer them in the sauce until they reach the desired internal temperature and absorb the flavors of the sauce. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how long to cook meatballs in sauce after browning:

Browning the Meatballs

• Before diving into the simmering sauce, start by browning the meatballs in a skillet over medium heat on the stovetop. This step imparts a rich flavor to the meat and helps the meatballs hold their shape during the simmering process.
• Brown the meatballs on all sides, ensuring they develop a golden-brown crust. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes.

Choosing the Right Sauce

• The choice of sauce plays a crucial role in the final flavor of your meatballs. For a unique and tantalizing twist, we’ll be using a combination of grape jelly and sweet & sour sauce.

Simmering in Sauce

• Once the meatballs are nicely browned, transfer them to a pot or a slow cooker, depending on your preference and available time.
• Pour the grape jelly and sweet chili sauce over the meatballs. The sweet and tangy combination will add complexity and depth to the dish.
• Allow the meatballs to simmer in the sauce over low to medium heat. The simmering time can range from 20 minutes to an hour, depending on your desired texture and flavor. You can also put them in a crock pot on low for several hours.

Checking Internal Temperature

• To ensure the meatballs are cooked thoroughly, use an instant-read thermometer to check their internal temperature. The USDA recommends a minimum internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for ground meat.
• Insert the thermometer into the center of a meatball to get an accurate reading. If the temperature hasn’t reached the desired level, continue simmering until it does.

Testing Texture and Flavor

• Throughout the simmering process, occasionally test the texture and flavor of the meatballs. You want them to be tender, flavorful and well-coated in the sauce.
• Adjust the seasoning if necessary by adding more sweet & sour sauce, salt, or pepper to achieve the perfect balance.

Resting Time

• After achieving the desired internal temperature and flavor, allow the meatballs to rest in the sauce for a few minutes. This helps them absorb any remaining flavors and ensures a juicy and succulent bite.

Part 2: Homemade Meatball Recipe With Grape Jelly and Sweet Chili Sauce

Now that you understand the art of cooking meatballs in sauce, let’s dive into a delightful homemade meatball recipe featuring the intriguing combination of grape jelly and sweet & sour sauce. This recipe makes 32 meatballs (small cookie scoop – 2 tablespoons). 

Ingredients For Homemade Meatballs With Grape Jelly And Sweet Chili Sauce

Here are the simple ingredients to make a delicious dish.

• 1 1/2 pounds ground beef
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 large eggs
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and black pepper to taste (1/2 – 1 teaspoons of each) 
• 1 cup grape jelly
• 1 cup sweet & sour sauce
• 1/2 cup water

Variations Of Ingredients

• Italian seasoning
• Cayenne Pepper for a hot twist
• Cumin
• Coriander
• Mix in ground pork or ground turkey (substitute 1/2 pound of beef)
• Add 1/2 pound of ground Italian sausage for the 1/2 pound of beef

Instructions For Homemade Meatballs with Grape Jelly and Sweet Chili Sauce

1. Prepare the Meatball Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, eggs, chopped parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Gently mix the ingredients until well combined, being careful not to overwork the meat mixture, which can result in tough meatballs.

2. Shape the Meatballs: Scoop out portions of the meat mixture and roll them into bite-sized meatballs. Aim for consistency in size to ensure even cooking.

3. Brown the Meatballs: In a skillet or frying pan over medium heat, brown meatballs on all sides until they develop a golden-brown crust. This should take about 8-10 minutes.

4. Prepare the Sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together the grape jelly and sweet & sour sauce until well combined. This creates a unique and flavorful sauce that will elevate the meatballs.

5. Simmer the Meatballs in Sauce: Transfer the browned meatballs to a large pot or slow cooker, then pour the grape jelly and sweet & sour sauce mixture over them.

6. Simmer to Perfection: Allow the meatballs to simmer in the sauce over low to medium heat. Adjust the heat as needed and simmer for 20 minutes to an hour, depending on your desired texture and flavor.

7. Check Internal Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the meatballs. Ensure they reach at least 165°F (74°C).

8. Adjust Seasoning and Flavor: Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as necessary. You can add more sweet & sour sauce, salt, or pepper to achieve the perfect balance of flavors.

9. Let Them Rest: Once the meatballs are cooked to perfection, let them rest in the sauce for a few minutes. This allows them to absorb the delicious flavors.

10. Serve and Enjoy: Plate the meatballs with a generous ladle of the grape jelly and sweet & sour sauce. Garnish with additional chopped parsley if desired.

Notes:

-When browning the meatballs in the skillet, let them cook undisturbed until they release easily from the bottom of the pan. You can use a little olive oil so they don’t stick, but they will move on their own if you are patient. 

-Easy meatballs can also be browned in a hot oven. Place them on a lined baking sheet tray and bake meatballs at 400 degrees for 20 minutes check the temperature often after that. 

-Size and shape will dictate how many meatballs you make and how long they cook. Feel free to make large meatballs – increase the cooking time.

-Go ahead and make Italian-style meatballs with ground pork, ground turkey meatballs, or ground chicken meatballs.  

How To Store And Reheat Easy Guide For Perfectly Cooked Meatballs in Grape Jelly and Sweet Chili Sauce

Store any leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can freeze cooked or raw meatballs to be used later for 9 months to one year in the freezer. The best way to store them is to flash-freeze them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper in a single layer. Then transfer frozen meatballs to a freezer storage bag or container. I generally double this type of recipe (same with this meatloaf recipe) so I can have an easy second meal of them. 

What To Serve With Easy Guide For Perfectly Cooked Meatballs in Grape Jelly and Sweet Chili Sauce

These flavorful meatballs are the perfect dish for gatherings, birthday parties, Superbowl or any game day, Sunday snacks, work potlucks, and bring as a dish to pass.  Meatballs are perfect for busy weeknights and relaxed weekends. 

You can also serve these meatballs with:

• Add them to a charcuterie board
• Swedish meatballs
• Add to a tomato sauce recipe and serve over spaghetti or zucchini noodles
• Meatball subs on these one-hour buns
• Add to this Polish tomato soup
• Serve with red cabbage salad
• Place them over top of mashed potatoes
• With garlic bread and a side salad
• On a bed of saffron rice
• With dirty rice
• On top of pasta Alfredo

Wrapping Up

Cooking meatballs in a sauce is an art that requires attention to detail and a willingness to experiment with flavors. The grape jelly and sweet chili sauce in this homemade recipe add a unique twist to the classic meatball, creating a dish that’s both savory and sweet. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer, a main course, or a party snack, these meatballs are sure to be a hit at your table and for your whole family. So, roll up your sleeves, gather the ingredients, and embark on a culinary journey that will delight your taste buds and impress your guests!

My family enjoys a diverse dinner menu and these meatballs are so fun and flavorful. Homemade meatballs have the best flavor but you can always use frozen with the sauce ingredients. 

Cheers, 

Sarah

Recipe Card For A Full Cooking Guide For Perfectly Cooked Meatballs in Grape Jelly and Sweet & Sour Sauce

5 from 1 vote

Perfectly Cooked Meatballs in Grape Jelly and Sweet Chili Sauce

Simple to make homemade meatballs browned perfectly and simmered in a 2-ingredient sauce of grape jelly and sweet chili sauce. Make 32 (2tbs) meatballs.

Print Recipe

Prep Time:10 minutes mins

Cook Time:1 hour hr

Total Time:1 hour hr 10 minutes mins

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 pounds ground beef
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 large eggs
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and black pepper to taste 1/2 – 1 teaspoons of each
• 1 cup grape jelly
• 1 cup sweet & sour sauce
• 1/2 cup water

Instructions

• Prepare the Meatball Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, eggs, chopped parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Gently mix the ingredients until well combined, being careful not to overwork the meat mixture, which can result in tough meatballs.
• Shape the Meatballs: Scoop out portions of the meat mixture and roll them into bite-sized meatballs. Aim for consistency in size to ensure even cooking.
• Brown the Meatballs: In a skillet or frying pan over medium heat, brown meatballs on all sides until they develop a golden-brown crust. This should take about 8-10 minutes.
• Prepare the Sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together the grape jelly and sweet & sour sauce until well combined. This creates a unique and flavorful sauce that will elevate the meatballs.
• Simmer the Meatballs in Sauce: Transfer the browned meatballs to a large pot or slow cooker, then pour the grape jelly and sweet & sour sauce mixture over them.
• Simmer to Perfection: Allow the meatballs to simmer in the sauce over low to medium heat. Adjust the heat as needed and simmer for 20 minutes to an hour, depending on your desired texture and flavor.
• Check Internal Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the meatballs. Ensure they reach at least 165°F (74°C).
• Adjust Seasoning and Flavor: Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as necessary. You can add more sweet & sour sauce, salt, or pepper to achieve the perfect balance of flavors.
• Let Them Rest: Once the meatballs are cooked to perfection, let them rest in the sauce for a few minutes. This allows them to absorb the delicious flavors.
• Serve and Enjoy: Plate the meatballs with a generous ladle of the grape jelly and sweet & sour sauce. Garnish with additional chopped parsley if desired.

Notes

Notes:

-When browning the meatballs in the skillet, let them cook undisturbed until they release easily from the bottom of the pan. You can use a little olive oil so they don’t stick, but they will move on their own if you are patient. 

-Easy meatballs can also be browned in a hot oven. Place them on a lined baking sheet tray and bake meatballs at 400 degrees for 20 minutes check the temperature often after that. 

-Size and shape will dictate how many meatballs you make and how long they cook. Feel free to make large meatballs – increase the cooking time.

-Go ahead and make Italian-style meatballs with ground pork, ground turkey meatballs, or ground chicken meatballs.  

Author: Sarah