Reviewed: Mar. 23, 2012

One of my go-to recipes! I got this recipe years ago out of a Crock-Pot cookbook (with slightly different proportions) and it's definitely become one of my family's favorites and one of my party staples. The first time I made them was for my friend's son's first birthday, and they were a huge hit! Everyone loved them. It's amazing how those simply, almost cheap-sounding ingredients can create such a lovely tangy sauce. I serve these for dinner sometimes over rice, or with crusty rolls to make sandwiches. They're also part of our annual Christmas Eve buffet-style dinner. I make it with 1/4 cup of regular milk instead of 2/3 evaporated, and bake the balls for about 20 minutes at 325. For the sauce I use 2 cups ketchup, and I use dark brown sugar rather than light, and mix them right in the crock, no need to use a separate bowl. A touch of soy--maybe a Tbsp or so--is lovely in it as well. None of my measurements are exact at this point, since I've made it so many times, but that's basically it. Then I cook it on Low for 2 hours or so. A great recipe for any occasion. And the leftovers are just as delicious.

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Reviewer:

Chessiebomb

Cooking Level: Expert

Reviewed: Jan. 16, 2012

These were wonderful! I did add some bread crumbs, just 1/2 cup, because I was worried about them holding their shape. I took them to a family gathering on Christmas Eve and I got compliments from everyone! I also added a little garlic pepper to the sauce because I love that stuff!

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Reviewer:

stephanie1979

Cooking Level: Expert

Living In: Ennis, Texas, USA

Reviewed: Dec. 31, 2011

So, you know how you're all looking for the BEST recipe?! And you search all recipes, looking for the easiest, but one that gets your taste buds watering!! Well,this is it!! The compliments you get will be rewarding and it is sooo easy to make!! I added a little of my Garlic Garlic....YUM!

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Reviewer:

Trish

Reviewed: Jan. 7, 2011

Hit of the party. I could not find chillie sauce, so I used the chilli powder andd added more liquids. Hubby couldn't get enough

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4 users found this review helpful

Reviewer:

Melodyroseak1

Cooking Level: Expert

Home Town: Sitka, Alaska, USA

Living In: Tok, Alaska, USA

Reviewed: Feb. 6, 2010

We have been making these meatballs for years and they always disappear. The meat mixture is somewhat sticky so I use a small cookie scoop to form the meatballs. I works great.

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Reviewer:

Chris

Reviewed: Jan. 6, 2010

Made these X-mas eve and there wasn't a one left. Quick, easy and tasty, the kind of recipe I love, will defintly make these again.

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Reviewer:

nana

Cooking Level: Intermediate

Living In: Canon City, Colorado, USA

Reviewed: Jan. 1, 2009

I use store bought meatballs (Rosina Italian Style meatballs are the best). I added the mustard seed and Worcestershire sauce to the sauce. Like others have said, play around with the recipe to suit your taste. I also cooked them longer than the recipe said. Be careful not to overcook. I have had several people ask for the recipe. It's so easy.

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Reviewer:

acchaney

Reviewed: Dec. 24, 2008

my grandmother used to make these meatballs. I loved them as a child and have made them over the years for various occasions. I lost the recipe & was very happy to find it here. Thanks!

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Reviewer:

samantha

Reviewed: Sep. 24, 2008

This is a very good recipe that I have made countless times. People always ask for the recipe (which I now know by heart) and I prefer this taste over the traditional "grape jelly" cocktail sauce.

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Reviewer:

Ashli Rae

Cooking Level: Intermediate

Reviewed: Nov. 28, 2007

I chose this recipe because it was so simple! The classic brown sugar and ketchup mix never goes wrong! :) I cheated and got frozen meatballs from Costco because I was short on time and heated them up in my crock pot...Was a big hit at the party!

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6 users found this review helpful