Meatballs are a classic recipe that generally becomes a family favorite. If you’re at all like me, you probably have warm memories of making meatballs in the kitchen with your mom as a little child, rolling the meat together and helping to drop the little balls in a piping hot skillet of oil. Because these memories are so dear to us, meatballs end up becoming a tradition that doesn’t change much over the years. In fact, the recipe stays the same and becomes something of a tradition. Still, change isn’t a bad thing—in fact, it may be time to liven up the old meatball recipe by adding a twist.
For one, using a slow cooker can make it easier—but you can also add jelly! Here’s what you need:
- 2 lbs ground beef
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 tbsp dried thyme
- 1 tbsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp onion powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tbsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 1/2 cups BBQ sauce
- 1 cup grape jelly
Here are the steps:
First, get a bowl and beat your eggs. Next, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, milk, oregano, thyme, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, salt and pepper. With all the ingredients together, mix everything together thoroughly (use an electric mixer to make it a little easier).
Next, mold the meat into one-inch balls and load them into your slow cooker.
In another mixing bowl, pour in your BBQ sauce along with the grape jelly. After it’s well mixed, pour it on top of the meatballs and combine that as well.
Finally, cover your crockpot, put it on low and let it cook for five hours. Once it’s done, you’re ready to eat!
Although the combination of BBQ sauce and grape jelly may seem unusual, the result is actually a delicious sweet-and-sour marinade that is both sweet and tangy! This dish is a great side for a big dinner, though it would also make for good finger food at a party, football game tailgate or family gathering.
Even if common wisdom says that the family meatball recipe is something sacred, this combination is definitely worth trying out. To make the recipe even easier, try using pre-cooked meatballs instead to save on prep time. On the other hand, feel free to add different spices or maybe some minced onions in the meat mix to make this recipe all your own. Enjoy!
Please SHARE this with your friends and family.
