Nothing compares to this BBQ and Grape Jelly Meatballs recipe that will have your family and friends begging for more. These Meatballs incorporate a tangy BBQ flavor with the sweetness of the Grape Jam for a perfect appetizer that will make your guests do the happy dance.
Table of contents
Ways to Make Meatballs
Basically, the meatball consist of ground meat (one or more varieties) rolled into a ball and bound together with a little egg, milk, breadcrumbs, and some herbs and spices added to the mix. Meatballs can be sautéed, fried, or baked so let’s take a trip around the world and discover the 7 types of meatballs.
Meatballs of the World, Unite!
- Italian Meatballs: are typically made from beef or veal and contain ingredients such as garlic, eggs, parsley, and in some cases cheese such as Parmigiana.
- Swedish Meatballs: are made with a 50-50 ratio of ground pork and ground beef and also tend to use spices like allspice and nutmeg for flavoring.
- Polish Meatballs: are made with any combination of ground pork, beef, and veal and served in a sour cream and mushroom sauce.
- Spanish Meatballs: are traditionally made with pork, veal, beef, or any mixture of the three and cooked in a wine and tomato sauce.
- Dutch Meatballs: are traditionally made with pork, veal, beef, or any mixture of the three and cooked in a very thick rue usually made with eggs, milk, spices, flour, and sometimes bread. The mixture is rolled into balls and baked.
- Turkish Meatballs: are always made with lamb and spiced with parsley, garlic, cumin, mint, and allspice.
- American Meatballs: are traditionally made with beef but can also combine with pork. The traditional spice fair is pepper, onion, and garlic, unless you are from West Virginia, then it is served with a grape jelly coating.
How to Store BBQ and Grape Jelly Meatballs
You can store leftover meatballs in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. To freeze your meatballs Place them in a single layer on a tray lined with baking paper and put them in the freezer. Once meatballs are hard and frozen, place them in an airtight container layered between baking paper or place them in a large ziplock bag. Label and date your meatballs. You can freeze meatballs for up to 2 months.
History of the Meatball
Almost certainly the first people to make meatballs were ancient hunter-gathers. Because they used stone knives to butcher the meat, it would cause a lot of minced meat as a by-product of the butchering process. Not wanting to waste this leftover meat they probably formed it into small balls and roasted it over the campfire.
This particular recipe comes to us from the kitchen of Christina in Rio, West Virginia. It’s an old family recipe from the hills of West Virginia.
The Village of Rio, West Virginia
Rio is an unincorporated community in southern Hampshire County in the U.S. state of West Virginia. Rio is located just north of the Hardy County line at the crossroads of Augusta-Ford Hill Road and Delray Road in the North River Valley. According to the 2000 census, the Rio community has a population of 154.
A Brief History of Rio, West Virginia
According to the official Hampshire County history book, Rio was originally going to be named Oxford, but a hamlet in Doddridge County already carried the name. Residents were then going to name the village Richardson, but that name didn’t stick either. Ultimately, they decided to name the town after an indigenous landmark in the valley, so they named the town Rio, the Spanish word for river, after the North River that runs through the center of town. The Spanish word is pronounced “Ree-Oh,” but in the town of Rio, locals, and others culturally pronounce the town name as “Rye-Oh.”
Tourism in West Virginia
They call it the “Wild, Wonderful West Virginia”, where rushing rivers run free and dark skies shine bright every starry night. Here, you can disconnect and reconnect with nature along a rugged hiking trail. With authentic southern hospitality in a charming small town. And with a sense of belonging found only in Almost Heaven.
West Virginia Cuisine
Virginia is known for its southern-style fare including oysters, peanuts, BBQ, country ham, blue crabs, trout, apples, and Brunswick stew to name a few. Across West Virginia, you’ll find inspired culinary delights featuring fresh farm grains and vegetables, heritage meats, savory cheeses, and of course, BBQ and Grape Jelly Meatballs.
– Featured Restaraunt –
JJ’s Diner & Deli
15105 Ford Hill Rd, Rio, WV 26755
Delicious food including fresh custom-made pizzas & affordable combo meals for $5 each! JJ was at the front counter, friendly & welcoming. He & his son completely remodeled the building and it shows. Clean, classy, & tiny town atmosphere boasting 2 jukeboxes & homemade desserts.
How to Make This BBQ and Grape Jelly Meatballs Recipe
You will need to break out a mixing bowl, a baking tray, and your crockpot to make these tasty jelly meatballs. When you are baking the meatballs line your tray with foil to aid in the clean-up process.
What You Will Need to Make BBQ and Grape Jelly Meatballs
Equipment
Meatballs
- 1 lbs 80/20 ground beef
- 1 lbs sweet Italian sausage
- ½ cup bread crumbs
- ⅓ cup milk
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- 1 egg
- salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
Time needed: 1 hour.
How to Cook BBQ and Grape Jelly Meatballs
- Preheat the Oven
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
- Mix the Meatball Ingredients
In a large bowl combine your ground beef, sweet Italian sausage, bread crumbs, milk, onion powder, garlic powder, and 1 egg. Add salt and pepper if desired or wait till after your meatballs are cooked and add to taste.
- Form the Meatballs
Mix all the above ingredients together. Once completely mixed take about 1½ tbsp of meat out and roll it into a ball. Lay them out on a baking pan. Note: If you would like you can put down the tin foil to help with cleanup.
- Bake the Meatballs
Bake the meatballs in the oven for 18 to 20 mins or until the meat is completely cooked.
- Make the Sauce
Once these are completely cooked remove them from the oven and put your meatballs into a crockpot on low heat. Add in your ½ cup of BBQ Sauce and ¾ cup of Grape Jam. Stir well and allow them to marinate in your sauce for at least an hour.
These grape jelly meatballs are perfect for game day, snack time, or serve over rice for a fun lunch with the kids.
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BBQ and Grape Jelly Meatballs
Please Rate this Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
Meatballs
- 1 lbs 80/20 ground beef
- 1 lbs sweet Italian sausage
- ½ cup bread crumbs
- ⅓ cup milk
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- 1 egg
- salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
- In a large bowl combine your ground beef, sweet Italian sausage, bread crumbs, milk, onion powder, garlic powder, and 1 egg.1 lbs 80/20 ground beef, 1 lbs sweet Italian sausage, ½ cup bread crumbs, ⅓ cup milk, ½ tsp onion powder, ½ tsp garlic powder, 1 egg
- Add salt and pepper if desired or wait till after your meatballs are cooked and add to taste.salt, black pepper
- Mix all the above ingredients together. Once completely mixed take about 1½ tbsp of meat out and roll it into a ball.
- Lay them out on a baking pan. Note: If you would like you can put down the tin foil to help with cleanup.
- Once all your meatballs are rolled bake in the oven for 18 to 20 mins or until the meat is completely cooked.
- Once these are completely cooked remove them from the oven and put your meatballs into a crockpot on low heat.
- Add in your ½ cup of BBQ Sauce and ¾ cup of Grape Jam. Stir well and allow them to marinate in your sauce for at least an hour.½ cup bbq sauce, ¾ cup grape jam
Nutrition
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Photo Credits:
- By Taste The World Cookbook – Copyright 2022 All rights reserved.
- By Nacho Hot Dogs – Copyright BY https://www.facebook.com/JJs-Diner-Deli-2219389208181172/
