This title tells exactly how I feel on some nights when it comes time to cook dinner. I am sure you have had nights like that too, right? I have a few tricks up my sleeve to get a tasty, sort of home-cooked dinner on the table lickity-split. It is called cheating. I usually make my own meatballs and in my family it is always a good discussion about who makes the best- my Ma, my brother Rob, or me. Now on nights when I am pooped and don’t have a pint of energy to whip up my own meatballs, I have found that Costco carries “good enough” prepared Italian meatballs in the freezer section. I add this ridiculous but yummy sauce, simmer, and serve this meatball recipe over rice. Done. Add a little green salad and some fresh fruit and I have a complete meal. My children- at least two of them- love to take the leftovers in their lunch box because they enjoy telling their classmates that grape jelly and ketchup make the sauce. They love to see the other kids’ confused faces.
I’m Tired and Don’t Feel Like Cookin’- Meatballs
1 cup ketchup
1 cup grape jelly
1/4- 1/2 t. allspice
2-3 pounds prepared frozen meatballs- depends on family size
Cooked Jasmine or Basmati rice
Place all ingredients, except rice, in a large sauce pan and cover. Bring to a simmer over medium heat. Simmer about 15 minutes or until nice and hot. Serve over cooked basmati or jasmine rice.
*For those of you who cook for large crowds, big batches of this recipe can be made in crockpots. Fairly cheap too.
I am sure there are other variations of this sauce. Share yours.
Robin Sue
31 Comments
i remember this many years ago, but the lady i got the recipe from called them Swedish Meatballs… they were yummy yummy and the kids loved them!!
Ha…I'm always tired which means I never feel like cookin'! I think I need vitamins or perhaps MORE sleep!
Thanks for sharing! Btw, how's the writing coming along?! If you need someone to "test" it for you I'm your gal!
~ingrid
One of my co-workers brought meatballs to our Thanksgiving day pot luck last year and they were simmering in a crock pot all morning. It smelled fantastic and when I asked him what the sauce was and he said Grape Jelly and Chili sauce, I thought he was lying. They were fantastic!
I'm actually eating turkey meatballs (that were frozen) for my lunch today, they are so good!
These meatballs in the grape jelly and chili sauce are often served in the catering business. People love the tangy and sweet sauce. caterers love it because it's easy to prepare. Until I read this post, it did not occur to me to prepare it for the family, and even better over rice. Thanks for the great idea!
I have a great meatball recipe, but I am paying attention to all these sauces.
Last year you commented on my blog regarding the table settings from a charity luncheon. The event just finished again and I just put the first post up if you are interested.
I haven't been cooking much lately, we've been too busy. This is a great one for lazy days:)