These classic Barbecued Meat Balls offer the hearty, comforting flavor of homemade meatballs combined with a tangy, slightly sweet sauce. Ideal for potlucks or Sunday dinners, this dish was popular in mid-20th-century American kitchens for its use of pantry staples like canned milk, oats, ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce. The recipe is practical and economical, creating moist and flavorful meatballs that are browned then baked in a rich homemade sauce. It’s a perfect representation of timeless home-cooked meals.
Ingredients
Meatballs:
- 1½ lb ground chuck
- 1 cup canned milk
- ¾ cup dry oats
- 3 tbsp onion (minced )
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
Sauce:
- 1 cup ketchup
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 3 tbsp vinegar
- ½ cup hot water
- 2 tbsp white sugar
- 6 tbsp onion (minced )
Instructions
Step 1: Mix Ingredients
- Combine ground chuck, canned milk, oats, 3 tbsp minced onion, and salt & pepper.
- Mix thoroughly until milk is absorbed.
Step 2: Form Meatballs
- Using cold water to dampen your fingertips, shape the mixture into meatballs.
Step 3: Brown Meatballs
- Fry slowly over medium heat for about 10 minutes until browned on all sides.
Step 4: Prepare for Baking
- Transfer meatballs to a baking dish or ovenproof pan.
Step 5: Make Sauce
- In a bowl, combine ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, vinegar, hot water, sugar, and 6 tbsp minced onion.
- Pour the sauce over the browned meatballs.
Step 6: Bake
- Bake at 350°F for 1 hour.
Tips
- Use ground turkey or pork for a lighter version.
- Substitute quick oats with breadcrumbs for a finer texture.
- Add a dash of smoked paprika or chili powder for a spicier sauce.
- Serve over mashed potatoes, rice, or buttered egg noodles.
Nutrition
Calories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 25gProtein: 14gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 49mgSodium: 609mgPotassium: 367mgFiber: 1gSugar: 7gVitamin A: 126IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 37mgIron: 3mg
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