Grandma’s Famous Meatballs
Growing up, it seemed as if every few weeks, there was a family get-together, church pitch-in, or a rowdy card night of euchre. One of the predominant dishes Grandma would make was her famous meatballs. They were very popular with the family and friends around the county. Everyone would ask (or basically tell ) her to bring them! They were always delicious, and it’s been years since I have had them. Grandma has been gone for several years now, and I have lately found myself going through old cookbooks and recipes of hers, reminiscing.
I’ve never made them myself so no better time than the present. The recipe is insanely simple so let’s give them a try!
Grandma’s Famous Meatballs
prep time 10 minutes | cook time 30-40 minutes | makes approx. 40
2 lbs ground beef
2 eggs
1 can jellied cranberry sauce*
1 cup bread crumbs
1 small onion minced or grated
¼ cup water
1 12 oz bottle chili sauce
1 1/2 tsp salt
1/8 tsp black pepper
2 tbsp brown sugar
1 tbsp lemon juice
Combine ground beef, eggs, water, bread crumbs, salt, pepper, and onion; mix well. Form into small meatballs, I used a 1” scoop for portions. In a large skillet or pan, combine the remaining ingredients, stirring until the sauce is smooth. Add meatballs and simmer (do not boil).
NOTE
Serve as an appetizer. It can be made ahead of time and warmed up. These work great in a crockpot. If using a crockpot for serving, keep them warm and let them simmer away!
We like heat so I added about 3 big tablespoons of diced jalapenos.
This was a favorite and everyone said their meatballs just didn’t taste the same as Grandma’s. Her secret: She used a jar of her home-canned grape jelly instead of cranberry sauce! Oh, she never shared that secret LOL.
Okay, these turned out great! I actually just turned off the burner about 45 minutes later. These get better the longer they simmer. If you put them in a serving dish when they cool, the sauce makes a nice sticky coating, and they are still delicious even as they cool.
Food has a beautiful ability to bring back memories of times gone by. Sometimes, these memories can be melancholy, but most of the time, they are wonderful moments of nostalgia, remembering great moments in the past, especially of loved ones who are no longer with us. Not to be too sappy here, but my family loves telling stories like this, and the stories usually come out while eating!
As I mentioned earlier, it’s been years, maybe 20 years, since I’ve had them. What was I thinking in waiting so long? This recipe will have to stay active in my head for the next pitch-in, reunion, etc. I think Grandma would approve.
