Sensational Sweet and Sour Meatballs

Sensational, that is what family and friends say when I serve these meatballs. I often serve them when I have company or parties, although I did make them last week just for us. 

The first year I made them for our Christmas party, they were gone almost immediately. The recipe makes around 80 meatballs so I thought it would be enough with all of the other food. Last year I doubled the recipe and still they were asking for more. I guess I will triple the recipe this year. lol!

The great thing about this recipe is that you can make them in advance and then just cook them in the sauce the day of your party. They also freeze well in the sauce if you have leftovers. Yeah, right! I made them this weekend so that my husband would have some food while I am in LA. 

The recipe may  look complicated, but it is not. 

First, mix the ingredients for the meatballs.

  Second, place the formed meatballs on cookie trays. 

Third, bake meatballs at 450 degrees for 12-15 minutes.

At this point, you can freeze the meatballs or use them in your favorite traditional spaghetti sauce. 

Fourth, make sauce and then add meatballs. 

I think I should have used a bigger pot! A cast iron pot is great for this recipe. I have not tried this in a crock pot,  although I have served it in one after they were cooked. I just put it on low.

I have served these meatballs on pasta , over rice (my husband's favorite)and as appetizers. Add a nice salad and you have an awesome dinner. Even my grand children love these. 

Finally, here is the recipe:                                  Print

Sensational Sweet and Sour Meatballs

Ingredients for meatballs:

4 slices white sandwich bread torn into pieces ( I use whole wheat)

½ cup whole milk (I use skim)

2 large egg yolks

½ pound ground pork

½ cup finely chopped fresh parsley

2 garlic cloves, minced

2 teaspoons pepper

2 ½ pounds ground beef

Directions for making meatballs:

Heat oven to 450 degrees. Using a fork, mash bread, milk and egg yolks in large bowl until smooth. Add pork, parsley, garlic, salt and pepper and mix until incorporated. Add beef and knead gently until combined.

Shape meatballs into 1 ¼ inch meatballs. You should have around 80 meatballs. Place meatballs on 2 rimmed baking sheets.  Bake until cooked through and browned, 12-15 minutes, switch tray half way through. Allow to cool. You can freeze them at this point.

Ingredients for Sauce:

1 tablespoon of vegetable oil

1 onion, minced

1 (28 oz) can tomato sauce

2 ½ cup apricot preserves

¼ cup packed dark brown sugar

3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

2 tablespoons Dijon mustard

¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes

Directions for making sauce:

Heat oil in Dutch oven over medium high heat. Cook onion until softened, about 5 minutes. Whisk in tomato sauce, preserves, sugar, Worcestershire, mustard and pepper flakes and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium - low and simmer until sauce is thick, about 15 minutes. Add meatballs. Heat through.

Bon Appetit!

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