Sloppy Joe Meatballs

By Diana Rattray

southernfood.about.com

Sloppy Joe Meatballs

Photo © Diana Rattray

These tasty meatballs are great for an everyday family meal or party. Serve immediately or keep them warm in the slow cooker for a party or game day gathering. Use sub or hoagie rolls, or serve them with potatoes or rice.

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Yield: About 4 Dozen Meatballs

Sloppy Joe Meatballs

• 1 1/2 pounds ground beef
• 1/3 cup fine dry bread crumbs
• 1 tablespoon grated onion
• 1 clove garlic, crushed
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 tablespoon finely chopped parsley
  
• Sauce
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 cup chopped onion
• 1/2 cup chopped celery
• 1/2 cup chopped green or red bell pepper
• 1 bottle chili sauce (about 1 cup)
• 1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
• 1/2 cup water
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar, packed
• 1 1/2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

Preparation:

Heat the oven to 375°. Line a rimmed baking pan with foil.

Combine the ground beef with the bread crumbs, grated onion, garlic, egg, salt, 1/4 teaspoon of pepper, and parsley.

Shape into 1 inch meatballs, roughly 1/2 ounce each. Arrange in the prepared baking pan.

Bake the meatballs for about 20 to 25 minutes, or until cooked through.

Meanwhile, saute the chopped onion and green or red bell pepper in the vegetable oil until tender. Stir in the chili sauce, tomato paste, and water. Bring to a simmer and simmer for about 4 to 5 minutes, until thick and bubbly. If too thick, add a bit more water.

Combine the sauce mixture with the meatballs and serve with split toasted sub rolls or hoagie rolls for sandwiches, or serve as a topping for rice or as appetizer meatballs.

These meatballs can be served from the slow cooker on LOW heat setting.

Makes about 4 dozen meatballs.

Serves 6 to 8

* Diana Rattray

southernfood.about.com