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For the Sweet and Tangy Glaze:
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (or white vinegar)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
How to Make Sweet and Tangy Glazed Meatballs
Step 1: Prepare the Meatball Mixture
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, chopped onion, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until well incorporated, but be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough meatballs.
- Once everything is combined, use your hands to shape the mixture into meatballs about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. You should be able to make about 20-24 meatballs depending on the size.
Step 2: Brown the Meatballs
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Once the oil is hot, add the meatballs in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Brown the meatballs on all sides, which should take about 5-7 minutes. You don’t need to cook them all the way through at this point since they’ll finish cooking in the glaze.
- Once browned, remove the meatballs from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.
Step 3: Make the Sweet and Tangy Glaze
- In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium-low and add all of the glaze ingredients: ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Stir everything together until the sugar has dissolved and the glaze is smooth. Let the mixture simmer for about 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together and thicken slightly.
Step 4: Coat the Meatballs with the Glaze
- Once the glaze is ready, return the meatballs to the skillet and gently toss them in the glaze, making sure each meatball is evenly coated.
- Cover the skillet and let the meatballs simmer in the glaze for about 10 minutes, or until they are cooked through and the glaze has thickened and become sticky.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
- Once the meatballs are fully cooked, remove them from the skillet and transfer them to a serving dish. Spoon some of the remaining glaze over the top for extra flavor.
- Serve the meatballs immediately, either on their own as an appetizer or alongside rice, mashed potatoes, or a side salad.
Tips for Success
- Use Lean Meat: If you want your meatballs to be a bit healthier, opt for lean ground beef or ground turkey. Just be sure to monitor them carefully to avoid drying out.
- Customize the Glaze: You can tweak the glaze according to your taste. If you like it sweeter, add more brown sugar or honey. For an extra tangy kick, increase the vinegar or mustard.
- Make Ahead: These meatballs can be made ahead of time! You can cook them and then store them in the fridge for up to 2 days before serving. Simply reheat them in the glaze before serving for a quick and easy meal.
- Spice It Up: If you prefer a spicier version, increase the red pepper flakes or add a few dashes of hot sauce to the glaze.
Why You’ll Love These Meatballs
The combination of the sweet and tangy glaze paired with perfectly cooked, tender meatballs creates a mouthwatering dish that’s hard to resist. They’re the ideal balance of savory, sweet, and sour, making them perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a party snack. Plus, they’re simple to make and will definitely leave everyone asking for the recipe.
Conclusion
Sweet and Tangy Glazed Meatballs are a deliciously easy dish that’s sure to impress your family, friends, or guests. With just a few simple ingredients and a little time, you can create a flavorful and satisfying dish that will become a favorite in your recipe collection. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer or a main dish, they’re guaranteed to be a hit!
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