Tangy and Sweet Meatballs

Name: Tangy and Sweet Meatballs
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Yield: 8 servings.
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

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

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

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.
In a large skillet, brown meatballs in batches in oil. Transfer to a greased 13-in. x 9-in. baking dish.
In a large saucepan, combine the sauce ingredients. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring until cookie crumbs are dissolved. Pour over meatballs.
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.

Originally published as Sweet 'n' Sour Meatballs in Taste of Home October/November 2003

Reviews

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Average Rating:

Jan

Dec 17, 2017

I'm sorry this isn't a review but a question...is there a mis-statement in the nutritional information? 1226mg sodium per each? Per each meatball? Per each serving? Even if it's per servings, this number seems extraordinarily high.
sd20

Jan 24, 2017

Easy to make and pretty good!
Viki24

Dec 30, 2015

These are excellent meatballs! My family loves these with mashed potatoes.
shereeder

Dec 23, 2015

FINALLY!!!! Someone can actually post a recipe that includes the recipe for the meatballs! I haven't tried these yet, but the fact that there's a meatball recipe earns it 5 stars for me. THANK YOU!!! They sound delicious and will give them a try, even if it's for my pleasure at home.
CoreyKay24

Oct 11, 2014

i love them sooo much! is there any way i can adjust the serving? i want to make some for me but 8 servings is wayyy too much. Can someone please help? these are the only meatballs i will eat.
Carina20

May 1, 2014

These meatballs are freaking AMAZING!!!! They are alwayssss a hit! I make them every chance I get on a holiday and everybody loves them!!!!!
ldr825

Apr 3, 2014

Delicious every time, even the kids eat it
mela3fan

Dec 31, 2013

I make this every New Year's eve, it has become a tradition. Everyone loves them, also great over white rice.
VictoriaElaine

Mar 8, 2013

I love meatballs & am always trying new recipes for them, so it says a lot that this recipe is my all-time favorite! I've made it many times now & it goes great with mashed potatoes. I don't like the mess & time it takes to brown meatballs in the skillet, so I place them on a cookie sheet & bake them at 350 for 20 minutes. Then I drain them on paper towels, place them in a baking dish with the sauce & then only bake them an add'l 20 minutes. They turn out perfect every time! Makes about 35 meatballs, depending on their size.
nancyphudson

Feb 11, 2013

We love these meatballs. They are easy to make and are delicious with mashed potatoes.