Sloppy Joe Meat Balls

10-07-2003, 01:57 PM

Ingredients
1 egg, beaten
1/4 cup fine dry bread crumbs
1 medium onion, finely chopped (1/2 cup)
1/4 teaspoon dried oregano, crushed
1 pound lean ground beef
1/2 cup chopped green sweet pepper
1 tablespoon cooking oil
1 15-ounce can tomato sauce
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon prepared mustard
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon garlic salt
Dash bottled hot pepper sauce (optional)

Directions:
1. Heat oven to 350 degrees F. Combine egg, bread crumbs, 1/4 cup of the onion, and the oregano in a large mixing bowl. Add the ground beef and mix well. Shape into 42 meatballs about 3/4-inch in diameter. Arrange in a single layer in a 15x10x1-inch baking pan. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes or until no pink remains. Drain well.

2. Meanwhile, cook remaining 1/4 cup onion and the sweet pepper in hot oil in a large saucepan until vegetables are tender. Stir in tomato sauce, brown sugar, mustard, chili powder, black pepper, garlic salt, and if desired, hot pepper sauce. Bring to boiling. Reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, for 5 minutes. Serve immediately.
Makes 21 servings.

Make-Ahead Tip: Carefully place drained meatballs in sauce. Place in shallow freezer containers. Cool slightly. Cover and freeze up to 1 month. To serve, thaw meatball mixture in refrigerator overnight. Place in a large saucepan. Cook over medium-low heat until heated through (about 10 minutes), stirring occasionally. Serve in a fondue pot, large warmed ceramic bowl, or crockery cooker. Or, to reheat in a crockery cooker, heat thawed meatballs and sauce, covered, on high heat for 2 to 2-1/2 hours

dandylin · 10-07-2003, 02:13 PM

Now that's a mighty interesting recipe. Thanks

10-07-2003, 02:23 PM

I wonder if Shane would eat this...hmmmm

10-07-2003, 03:21 PM

This sounds really good.. but I am too lazy to make meatballs..

I love sausage balls too but same thing.. I hate rolling out the balls.. Wonder if someone would do that part for me?? Maybe Lynn or Tracey will read this and make it.. and invite me over of course.. hint hint..

10-07-2003, 04:52 PM

I hate making meatballs too. Here is a handy tip:

Take a c***erole dish and put your meatball mixture in it. Cut the pieces into squares (like cutting a brownies, but bite size.) Bake in the oven 350 degrees for about 20-30 minutes. You will have to recut the meat, but you get easy made meatballs.

dandylin · 10-07-2003, 05:00 PM

Love your new friend Tina

10-07-2003, 06:57 PM

Thanks, I like yours too. It inspired me to be more Halloweenie.

10-07-2003, 09:09 PM

meatballs are easy...make your mixture and then use a scoop. The ones that look like an ice cream scoop, a large melon baller?? Know which ones I mean? I have several sizes.

10-09-2003, 12:49 PM

Thanks for the tips ladies.. the squares and the scoop doesn't sound too bad.. I might can do that..

.. :D