Tiếng ViệtCraving a comforting, family-friendly meal that doesn’t require hours in the kitchen? Look no further than these incredibly easy ketchup meatballs! This recipe from AK FOOD is here to save the day with tender, juicy meatballs coated in a sweet and tangy ketchup meatball sauce that’s simply irresistible.
We’ll walk you through the simple steps of preparing flavorful meatballs, whipping up the ultimate ketchup-based sauce, and even offer some serving suggestions to make this recipe your own.
Whether you’re serving them over a bed of fluffy rice, twirling them with your favorite pasta, or even piling them onto toasted slider buns, these ketchup meatball sauce are the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you need a delicious dinner on the table fast.
Get ready for a flavor-packed meal that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Ketchup meatballs
What are ketchup meatballs?
Ketchup meatballs, those saucy spheres, have a surprisingly rich history, likely emerging in early 20th century America as ketchup gained popularity. Home cooks embraced the condiment, using it to create delicious ketchup meatball recipes that have been enjoyed for generations.
A simple recipe of ketchup meatballs includes ground meat (beef, pork, or a combination), breadcrumbs, eggs and ketchup. These ingredients are combined, shaped into balls, and baked or simmered in a sweet and savory ketchup-based sauce, resulting in flavorful bites.
Ketchup meatballs are incredibly versatile. Add onions, garlic, or herbs to the meatball mixture, or get creative with the sauce by incorporating brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, or chili powder. Serve them as appetizers, with rice, or in buns for a satisfying slider.
Worcestershire sauce
More information: Meatballs with sauce
How to cook ketchup meatballs easily?
Ingredients
For the meatballs
1 pound ground beef (or a mixture of beef, pork, and/or veal)
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup milk
1 egg, lightly beaten
Optional: 1/4 of cup finely chopped onion
Optional: 1 small minced clove of garlic
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste
For the ketchup sauce
1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
1/2 cup ketchup
1/4 cup brown sugar
2 Tbsp apple cider vinegar
1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
Step-by-step
Prepare the meatballs
- Setting your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, onion (if using), garlic (if using), oregano, salt, and pepper.
- The key to tender meatballs is a gentle hand. Mix the ingredients until they’re just combined, avoiding overworking the mixture
- Shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs, using a spoon or your hands.
Make the ketchup sauce
- In a medium saucepan, whisk together the tomato sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Warm the sauce over medium heat, stirring now and then, until it reaches a gentle simmer.
Ketchup sauce
Combine meatballs and sauce
- Once simmering, gently slip the meatballs into the sauce.
- Put the lid on the saucepan and turn the heat down low.
- Allow the meatballs to simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until they are cooked through and the sauce has reduced slightly.
Garnish and serve
- Serve the ketchup meatballs hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
- These meatballs are delicious on their own, or you can serve them over mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta.
Ketchup meatballs
Tips
- For extra flavor, try browning the meatballs in a skillet over medium heat before adding them to the sauce.
- You can adjust the sweetness and tanginess of the sauce to your liking by adding more or less brown sugar or vinegar.
- Leftover ketchup meatballs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Customize ketchup meatballs
Ready to take your ketchup meatballs from basic to brilliant? Here’s a roadmap to customized deliciousness:
Meatball makeover
Ready to take your ketchup meatballs from basic to brilliant? Here’s a roadmap to customized deliciousness:
Meat switch
- Ground turkey or chicken: For a leaner, lighter option.
- Italian sausage: Adds a punch of savory flavor.
- Lamb: Creates a richer, more complex meatball.
Lamb meat
Veggie boost
- Finely grated zucchini or carrots: Adds moisture and sweetness.
- Chopped spinach or kale: Wilts right into the meatballs for a hidden veggie boost.
- Finely diced mushrooms: Lend a meaty texture and earthy flavor.
Finely diced mushrooms
More information: Meatball in mushroom sauce: A healthy comfort food recipe
Flavor infusion
- Italian herbs: Basil, oregano, and parsley are classic pairings.
- Asian-inspired: Ginger, garlic, and a splash of soy sauce create umami magic.
- Spicy kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or chopped jalapeño.
Sauce sensations
Sweet and tangy
- Honey or maple syrup: Naturally sweetens the dish.
- Citrus zest: Lemon, lime, or orange zest brightens up the flavors.
- Pineapple chunks: Provide a tropical flair.
Spicy kick
- Sriracha or chili garlic sauce: Delivers a fiery punch.
- Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce: Infuse smoky heat and complexity.
- Hot sauce: Use your favorite for a customized kick.
Chipotle peppers
Savory depth
- Red wine or balsamic vinegar: Adds richness and depth.
- Soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce: Boosts the umami factor.
- Beef or chicken broth: Creates a thinner, more savory sauce.
Creative coatings and toppings
Glazed glory
- Red wine or balsamic vinegar: Adds richness and depth.
- Soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce: Boosts the umami factor.
- Beef or chicken broth: Creates a thinner, more savory sauce.
Crunchy delight
- Toasted sesame seeds: Adds a nutty crunch and visual appeal.
- Panko breadcrumbs: For a crispy, golden-brown coating.
- Chopped nuts: Pecans, walnuts, or almonds add richness and texture.
Panko breadcrumbs
Flavorful friends
- Fresh herbs: Parsley, cilantro, or chives add a pop of freshness.
- Crumbled cheese: Feta, goat cheese, or Parmesan add salty, tangy notes.
- Toasted coconut flakes: For a touch of sweetness and texture.
More information: AK Food vitamin A and unexpected benefits
Conclusion
We’re confident that even the busiest weeknight cooks will find this recipe easy to follow and utterly satisfying. Transform traditional ketchup meatballs into “Easy Ketchup Meatballs: The Perfect Weeknight Dinner” – a meal worthy of a happy dance, even on the most hectic of days.
If you have any questions, please contact us via the following channels:
Anh Kim Food Production Joint Stock Company (AK FOOD)
Phone number: 028 3815 9696
Email: contact@akfood.com.vn
Address: Lot III – 1B, Street 1, Tan Binh Industrial Park, Tan Phu District, Ho Chi Minh City