Tangy and Sweet Meatballs

Total Time

Prep: 30 min. Bake: 40 min.

Makes

8 servings

Updated: Sep. 25, 2022
When we entertain friends for Sunday dinner, I frequently serve these tangy meatballs. Everyone loves the distinctive sauce, but they're often surprised to learn it is made with gingernsaps. -Melody Mellinger, Myerstown, Pennsylvania
Tangy and Sweet Meatballs Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Ingredients

  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 1-1/2 cups dry bread crumbs
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 pounds ground beef
  • 2 tablespoons canola oil
  • SAUCE:
  • 3-1/2 cups tomato juice
  • 1 cup packed brown sugar
  • 10 gingersnaps, finely crushed
  • 1/4 cup white vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon onion salt

Directions

  1. In a large bowl, combine the eggs, onion, bread crumbs and salt. Crumble beef over mixture and mix well. Shape into 1-1/2-in. balls.
  2. In a large skillet, brown meatballs in batches in oil. Transfer to a greased 13-in. x 9-in. baking dish.
  3. In a large saucepan, combine the sauce ingredients. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring until cookie crumbs are dissolved. Pour over meatballs.
  4. Bake, uncovered, at 350° for 40-45 minutes or until meat is no longer pink.

Nutrition Facts

1 each: 526 calories, 21g fat (7g saturated fat), 155mg cholesterol, 1226mg sodium, 55g carbohydrate (35g sugars, 1g fiber), 29g protein.