Party Appetizer Meatballs

Name: Party Appetizer Meatballs
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 60 min
Yield: 8 dozen.
Ingredients: 2 pounds lean ground beef; 2 large eggs, lightly beaten; 1 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese; 1/2 cup dry bread crumbs; 1/4 cup finely chopped onion; 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese; 1 tablespoon ketchup; 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1 teaspoon dried basil; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon pepper; SAUCE:; 1 bottle (14 ounces) hot or regular ketchup; 2 tablespoons cornstarch; 1 jar (12 ounces) apple jelly; 1 jar (12 ounces) currant jelly

These are a favorite at parties and gatherings. The recipe is easy, and the meatballs can be made well ahead of time and frozen until needed. I think what makes them taste so good is the sauce. —Nathalie Guest, Caledon, Ontario

Ingredients

2 pounds lean ground beef
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
1 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup dry bread crumbs
1/4 cup finely chopped onion
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon ketchup
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
SAUCE:
1 bottle (14 ounces) hot or regular ketchup
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1 jar (12 ounces) apple jelly
1 jar (12 ounces) currant jelly

Directions

In a bowl, combine the first 12 ingredients. Shape into 1-in. balls. Place meatballs on a greased rack in a shallow baking pan.
Bake at 350° for 10-15 minutes; drain. Combine ketchup and cornstarch in roasting pan. Stir in jellies; add the meatballs. Cover and bake for 30 minutes.

Nutrition Facts

1 meatball: 50 calories, 1g fat (1g saturated fat), 13mg cholesterol, 94mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein.

Originally published as Appetizer Meatballs in Taste of Home December/January 1995

Reviews

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Average Rating:

coconutpatty

Aug 25, 2015

These were very good. I didn't have currant jelly, so I used grape instead. My husband loved the sauce. He said this is a keeper!
marvalrus

Nov 16, 2013

These meatballs are fantastic! Just love them right out of the oven. I was a bit worried about the italian cheeses and seasoning, but it was not noticeable and added to the texture really. Very tasty. I didn't have apple jelly so I made my own concoction from ketchup, grape jelly, bbq sauce, honey, brown sugar. It's the meatball in this recipe that's great. Thank you for sharing. I will try it with apple & currant jelly next time because that sounds very nice.
psyclopps

Feb 17, 2013

A big hit at my ships (Navy) pot luck. Even the Captain had a few and asked why they were so good. No one believed what the sauce was made out of.
kshea

Jun 3, 2012

Made these for years (1996) We like these better than any other appetizer meatball recipe we have tried.
kakjw

Mar 8, 2012

I make these often for parties and they are always a hit! Very yummy!
BRANDI29

Sep 6, 2011

Very tasty. Takes a litte extra time rolling all the meatballs,but well worth it.
lovelyrita9

Feb 12, 2011

Every body commented on how much they loved this recipe, I definitely will make it again!
mlynn71

Nov 9, 2010

I've been making these for over 15-years...a great party food and great over rice for dinner!
dkcafe

Dec 27, 2009

Excellent. These meatballs were the highlight of our Christmas meal. They were especially yummy with homemade apple cinnamon jelly and current jelly.