HEARTY PARTY MEATBALLS

Hearty Party Meatballs image

This flavorful, filling appetizer is similar to Swedish meatballs. They always disappear when I make them for parties.

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 1h25m

Yield 2 dozen.

Number Of Ingredients 15

Ingredients

4 bacon strips, diced
2 teaspoons beef bouillon granules
2 cups boiling water
1 egg
1/4 cup dry bread crumbs
3/4 teaspoon salt, divided
Dash pepper
1 pound lean ground beef
2 medium onions, sliced and separated into rings
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 can (12 ounces) beer or 1-1/2 cups beef broth
2 teaspoons brown sugar
2 teaspoons white vinegar
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon browning sauce, optional

Steps:

In a small skillet, cook bacon over medium heat until crisp; remove to paper towels. Drain, reserving drippings. In a small bowl, dissolve bouillon in boiling water. In a large bowl, combine the egg, 1/4 cup of bouillon, bread crumbs, 1/4 teaspoon salt and pepper. Crumble beef over mixture and mix well. Shape into 1-in. balls., In a large skillet, brown meatballs in 1 tablespoon of reserved bacon drippings; drain. With a slotted spoon, transfer to a greased 11x7-in. baking dish. In the same skillet, saute onions until tender; drain. Place over meatballs. , In a saucepan. combine flour and 2 tablespoons or reserved drippings until smooth. Gradually stir in beer or broth and remaining bouillon. Add the brown sugar, vinegar, thyme and remaining salt. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Stir in browning sauce if desired. Pour over meatballs. Cover and bake at 350° for 40-45 minutes or until meat is no longer pink. Sprinkle with bacon.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 225 calories, Fat 12g fat (4g saturated fat), Cholesterol 69mg cholesterol, Sodium 566mg sodium, Carbohydrate 12g carbohydrate (5g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 14g protein.