Marmalade meatballs are a perfect blend of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors that make for an irresistible appetizer or a delightful main dish. These juicy meatballs are coated in a rich marmalade sauce, ideal for gatherings, parties, or weeknight dinners. Whether served on toothpicks or over a bed of rice, this dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients:
For the Meatballs:
1 ½ pounds ground beef
½ cup breadcrumbs
1 large egg
¼ cup milk
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tablespoon olive oil (for frying, optional)
For the Marmalade Sauce:
1 cup orange marmalade
½ cup barbecue sauce
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
Directions:
Prepare the Meatballs:
In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until fully incorporated. Once the mixture is ready, form it into 1-inch meatballs, ensuring they are all roughly the same size for even cooking.
Cook the Meatballs:
You can cook these meatballs either by frying or baking them, depending on your preference:
Frying: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook, turning occasionally, for about 5-7 minutes, until they are browned and cooked through.
Baking: Alternatively, bake the meatballs on a parchment-lined baking sheet at 375°F (190°C) for about 20 minutes or until they are cooked through.
Make the Marmalade Sauce:
In a medium saucepan, combine orange marmalade, barbecue sauce, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, and red pepper flakes. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is smooth and bubbly.
Combine Meatballs and Sauce:
Add the cooked meatballs to the saucepan with the marmalade sauce. Toss gently to coat the meatballs evenly in the sauce, and simmer for 5-7 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Serve:
Once the meatballs are coated in the rich marmalade sauce, serve them hot! These meatballs make a great appetizer, served with toothpicks for easy snacking, or a main dish when served over rice or noodles. For an extra touch, garnish with fresh parsley.
Serving Tips:
As an Appetizer: Serve the marmalade meatballs as a delicious bite-sized appetizer at your next party or gathering. Use toothpicks for easy serving and let guests enjoy them while mingling.
Over Rice or Noodles: For a heartier meal, serve the meatballs over a bed of steamed rice or noodles. The marmalade sauce will soak into the grains or pasta, creating a flavorful dish that’s satisfying and delicious.
Garnish with Fresh Herbs: For an added touch of freshness and color, garnish the marmalade meatballs with chopped fresh parsley, cilantro, or green onions. This enhances both the appearance and flavor.
Pair with Sides: Serve these meatballs alongside some simple side dishes such as roasted vegetables, a crisp green salad, or mashed potatoes to round out the meal.
Meal Prep Friendly: These meatballs make great leftovers! They can easily be incorporated into meal prep containers for lunches or quick dinners throughout the week.
Storage Tips:
Refrigeration: Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Ensure the meatballs are fully coated in the marmalade sauce for the best flavor and texture upon reheating.
Freezing: To make this recipe even more convenient, you can freeze the meatballs. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about 2 hours. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. These meatballs can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Reheating: To reheat, simply heat the meatballs in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to prevent the sauce from thickening too much. Alternatively, you can microwave them in a covered dish for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
Related Recipes:
FAQs:
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for these marmalade meatballs?
Yes, you can substitute ground turkey or ground chicken for the beef in this recipe. While ground beef adds richness and flavor, turkey or chicken will give the meatballs a lighter, leaner option. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time slightly as leaner meats may cook faster.
Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the meatballs ahead of time by forming the meatballs and storing them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking. You can also make the marmalade sauce in advance and refrigerate it. When you’re ready to serve, simply cook the meatballs and toss them in the pre-made sauce.
How can I make these meatballs spicier?
If you enjoy a little heat, try adding more red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the marmalade sauce. You can also drizzle some sriracha or hot sauce over the meatballs for an extra spicy kick.
Can I bake the meatballs instead of frying them?
Yes, you can bake the meatballs! Simply place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 20 minutes, or until fully cooked. Baking is a healthier option and makes cleanup a breeze while still producing juicy meatballs.
Conclusion:
These marmalade meatballs are perfect for any occasion, from casual family dinners to festive gatherings. Their sweet and tangy flavor profile is a hit with both kids and adults alike. If you’re looking to impress your guests or treat your family to a new, flavorful dinner, these meatballs are the way to go!
📖 Recipe:
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Marmalade Meatballs
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
Marmalade Meatballs are a sweet, tangy, and savory dish perfect for any occasion. These juicy meatballs are coated in a rich, citrusy marmalade sauce with a hint of spice. Ideal as an appetizer or a main dish, these marmalade glazed meatballs will impress your guests and satisfy your taste buds. Perfect for family dinners, parties, or meal prep.
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
1 ½ pounds ground beef
½ cup breadcrumbs
¼ cup milk
1 large egg
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tablespoon olive oil (for frying, optional)
For the Marmalade Sauce:
1 cup orange marmalade
½ cup barbecue sauce
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
Instructions
- Prepare the Meatballs: In a large bowl, mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Form the mixture into 1-inch meatballs.
- Cook the Meatballs: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides. Alternatively, bake the meatballs on a parchment-lined sheet at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes.
- Make the Sauce: In a saucepan, combine orange marmalade, barbecue sauce, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, and red pepper flakes. Heat over medium heat until smooth and bubbly.
- Combine Meatballs and Sauce: Add the cooked meatballs to the sauce and toss to coat evenly. Simmer for 5-7 minutes.
- Serve: Serve hot as an appetizer with toothpicks or over rice/noodles as a main dish. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
For a spicier version, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a dash of cayenne pepper to the sauce.
If you prefer a leaner option, substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef.
These meatballs can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 2 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Main Dish
- Method: Frying, Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6 servings
- Calories: 320 kcal
