I’ve got two absolutely wonderful meatball recipes for you today that are perfect for any meal or party. You’re going to find these meatball ideas incredibly easy to make, whether you need a fast dinner or a crowd-pleasing appetizer.
These recipes are big on flavor and designed to be simple, so you can spend less time cooking and more time enjoying delicious homemade meatballs. Let’s get cooking!
Jump to Recipe:
- 1. Amazing 30 Minute Mongolian Beef Meatballs for Dinner
- 2. Classic Bbq Grape Jelly Meatballs: The Perfect Party Appetizer
Amazing 30 Minute Mongolian Beef Meatballs for Dinner
These Mongolian beef meatballs come together in a flash, making them ideal for a busy weeknight. They have that wonderful sweet and tangy sauce everyone loves, all in a convenient meatball form.
Key Ingredients & Tips
- Ginger and Garlic: Freshly grated ginger and minced garlic give the sauce its classic fragrant taste. Don’t skip these for the best flavor.
- Cornstarch Slurry: This is key to thickening your sauce quickly and smoothly. Just mix cornstarch with a little cold water before adding it to your hot sauce.
- Serve with Rice: These meatballs are amazing served over steamed white rice to soak up all that delicious sauce. Add some green onions for garnish.
What You Need
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 2 tbsp soy sauce (plus more for sauce)
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- Green onions, for garnish
⏱️ Time: 30 Minutes🍽️ Yields: 4 servings
How to Make It
Step 1: Form the Meatballs
In a large bowl, mix the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, and half of the minced garlic and grated ginger. Shape the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in size.
Step 2: Cook the Meatballs
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the meatballs and cook them until they are browned on all sides and cooked through. Remove the meatballs from the skillet and set them aside.
Step 3: Make the Mongolian Sauce
In the same skillet, add the remaining garlic and ginger, beef broth, 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, and brown sugar. Bring to a simmer. In a small bowl, whisk the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry, then stir it into the simmering sauce. Cook until the sauce thickens.
Step 4: Combine and Serve
Return the cooked meatballs to the skillet and toss them gently to coat in the Mongolian sauce. Serve hot, garnished with fresh green onions.
📝 Final Note
These meatballs are also great as leftovers. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Classic Bbq Grape Jelly Meatballs: The Perfect Party Appetizer
You can’t go wrong with these easy BBQ grape jelly meatballs. They are a beloved classic for parties, potlucks, and game days because they are so simple and so good.
The sweet and tangy sauce clings perfectly to every meatball, making them truly irresistible. This recipe is a real crowd-pleaser and takes very little effort.
Key Ingredients & Tips
- Frozen Meatballs: Using pre-cooked frozen meatballs makes this recipe unbelievably quick. Just thaw them slightly or add them directly to your slow cooker.
- Chili Sauce: Don’t mistake this for spicy hot sauce! It’s a sweet, mildly spiced tomato-based sauce that adds depth without too much heat.
- Slow Cooker Method: This recipe is perfect for your slow cooker. Just set it and forget it until your guests arrive. Cook on low for 2-3 hours or high for 1-2 hours.
What You Need
- 2 lbs frozen cooked meatballs
- 1 (18 oz) bottle BBQ sauce
- 1 (10 oz) jar grape jelly
- 1 (12 oz) bottle chili sauce
⏱️ Time: 15 Minutes Prep, 1-2 Hours Cook🍽️ Yields: 8-10 appetizer servings
How to Make It
Step 1: Combine the Sauce Ingredients
In a medium saucepan, combine the BBQ sauce, grape jelly, and chili sauce. Stir everything together over medium heat until the grape jelly melts and the sauce is smooth. You can also do this step directly in your slow cooker.
Step 2: Add Meatballs
Add the frozen cooked meatballs to the sauce. Stir gently to make sure all the meatballs are covered well.
Step 3: Heat Through
Continue to cook on the stovetop over low heat for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the meatballs are heated through and the sauce is bubbly. If using a slow cooker, cook on low for 2-3 hours or high for 1-2 hours.
Step 4: Serve Warm
Serve these meatballs warm directly from the pan or slow cooker. They are great with toothpicks as an appetizer.
📝 Final Note
If you want a little extra zing, add a dash of Worcestershire sauce to the sauce mixture before cooking.