Amazing Meatballs are a family-favourite dinner that combines beef mince, sausage meat, egg, breadcrumbs to create tender, flavour-packed meatballs everyone will enjoy. The real star is the rich, magical sauce that brings everything together beautifully.
This is the sort of recipe that feels comforting and satisfying while still being simple enough for a weeknight meal. It’s a reliable dinner option that’s always popular with both children and adults alike.
Why these meatballs are always a crowd favourite
I have never been a fan of meatballs before this recipe came into my life but now it is absolutely my go to “take a plate” recipe.
The flavours are amazing and they are totally moreish, perfect hot or cold you will be finding excuses to make these little nuggets of deliciousness.
It is hard to make meatballs look beautiful in photos so you will just have to take my word for it and make them soon.
What do I need to make the meatballs?
These flavour-packed meatballs start with a few simple ingredients, many of which you may already have in your kitchen:
- Lean Beef Mince
- Sausage Meat
- Egg
- Breadcrumbs
- Onion
- Curry Powder
- Parsley (or Coriander)
The meatballs themselves are pretty simple yet tasty but the magic is in the sauce – again containing pretty basic ingredients but together they just sing! I am not a huge onion fan so I halve the onion and chop it super fine but you can use a large onion as per recipe.
What do I need to make the sauce?
To make the sauce, you’ll simply combine a few pantry staples to create a wonderfully savoury and moreish finish:
- Water
- Tomato Sauce
- Malt Vinegar
- Worcestershire Sauce
- Sweet Chilli Sauce
- Brown Sugar
- Fruit Chutney
Where did this meatball recipe come from?
I got this one from my Mum, and the recipe comes from a church fundraising book called Practical Recipes for Busy Homes. It has been a favourite in our family for years and is one of those recipes that always seems to disappear quickly whenever it is served. There is a bit of assembly required, but boy is it worth it!
Can I make a double batch of these meatballs?
If you’re taking these to a gathering or feeding a crowd, I highly recommend making a double batch. You’ll need two roasting dishes or will need to cook them in separate batches, but the extra effort is well rewarded. It is totally worth the time spent rolling the meatballs, trust me!
If you are a fan of meatballs, try my Sticky Asian Meatballs – they are lovely and rich!
Amazing Meatballs Recipe
Amazing Meatballs
Amazing Meatballs are tender, flavourful meatballs simmered in a rich sauce, making them an easy and dependable family dinner everyone will love.
Ingredients
Meatballs
- 500g Lean Beef Mince
- 250g Sausage Meat
- ½ Small Onion, finely diced
- ½ Cup Breadcrumbs, 25 g
- 2 teaspoons Curry Powder
- 2 Tablespoons Fresh Parsley or Coriander, finely diced
- ½ teaspoon Fine Salt
- ¼ teaspoon Pepper
- 1 Egg
Sauce
- ½ Cup Water, 125 ml
- ½ Cup Tomato Sauce, 125 ml
- 2 Tablespoons Malt Vinegar
- 1 Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1-2 teaspoons Sweet Chilli Sauce
- ½ Cup Brown Sugar, 100 g, packed
- 2 Tablespoons Fruit Chutney
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 200°C and lightly grease a large non-stick roasting dish, approx. 30 x 23 cm.
- In a large bowl, combine all the meatball ingredients. Whisk the egg before adding, then mix together thoroughly using clean hands or a strong wooden spoon.
- Measure tablespoon-sized portions of the mixture, level them on the edge of the bowl for uniform size, and roll into balls with damp hands. Place in the prepared dish, leaving a small space between each.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes until golden brown.
- While the meatballs bake, add all the sauce ingredients to a medium saucepan and set aside.
- Once the meatballs are golden, remove from the oven, carefully drain any excess fat, and set aside in the roasting dish.
- Heat the sauce over medium heat until it boils, then pour over the meatballs and stir to coat. Return the dish to the oven for 20 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through
- Serve hot or cold with bamboo cocktail forks or toothpicks.
- Enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Yield 40 Serving Size 1Amount Per Serving Calories 81Total Fat 4gSaturated Fat 1gUnsaturated Fat 2gCholesterol 21mgSodium 136mgCarbohydrates 6gFiber 1gSugar 4gProtein 5g
JustAMumNZ.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although justamumnz.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
I really hope you give these Amazing Meatballs a try. They have become one of my favourite recipes to share with others, and once you’ve tasted them smothered in that delicious sauce, I’m sure you’ll understand why.
As you can see, this really is an easy recipe, but the flavours will impress. I love serving them as an appetiser, but they’re just as perfect as part of a main meal or enjoyed as nibbles before dinner. You’ll simply have to make them for yourselves to see what all the fuss is about!
If you give this recipe a go, I’d love to hear how it turned out for you in the comments. You can also leave a ⭐ rating in the recipe card above, it really helps others find and enjoy this recipe too.
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Happy baking,
Anna x
Mel says
Been wanting to make these for ages… did tonight and a win with everyone!! Thanks! Love your recipes!!
Christine says
I love this recipe! The meatballs, I cook in the air fryer and the sauce, I cook separately then pour over the meatballs when serving – that way everyone gets more of the beautiful sauce 😛
Kay Gardiner says
Best meatballs we have had. Froze some and took camping. Put sauce in jar. They were just as good as fresh. Love your recipes thanks Kay
Brenda says
Want to make these but can’t seem to find “sausage meat” Do you squeeze filling out of sausages? Or could I use pork mince as a substitute?
justamumnz says
Yes you can absolutely squeeze sausage meat out of your favourite sausages.
Mariette says
Hi,
I am new to New Zealand and struggle a bit with ingredients. I have learned so much already by reading and making your recipes. I am going to make these meatballs this week. They sound devine! Which sausage meat do you use in this recipe? I was standing in front of the fridge in Countdown today, not knowing which packet to grab! I feel so silly, hahaha! So I left it and decided to rather ask.
In South Africa, sausages are way different from all the different ones you get here. Please help!
lorraine says
I have a husband who is a very good cook, I always struggle to find new recipes to make on the days he comes home late and I am “on” in the kitchen. These meatballs were a HUGE hit! Not just with my husband, but other family members! Will definitely make these again and again. We give them a 5 out of 5!
justamumnz says
That is fabulous! I am so pleased you enjoyed this recipe.
Monica says
Theses were so tasty .my husband loved them .great for family gathering.
Going to make some for the freezer yummy!!
Joanne says
I cooked mine in the sauce in the oven and they turned out great, my hubby loved them. Served them over some spaghetti squash.easy and yummy.
Katy says
Would these meatballs freeze well? Or would the sauce make them mushy when reheated? I’m looking for recipes I can cook and then divide into portions for the freezer, just for a quick reheat dinner for someone. Thanks
justamumnz says
Yes you can, quickly cool them them place in an airtight container. When you wish to enjoy them thaw them overnight in the refrigerator and when you want to heat them pop them in a saucepan and heat until the meatballs are piping hot.
Kez Molly says
They truly are Amazing Meatballs that are packed full of taste. Thank you!
justamumnz says
My pleasure ☺️
Rox says
I bloody love love love all your recipes! I make them all the time. This was exceptional for our tea tonight, keep those recipes coming!!
justamumnz says
Awesome!! Thanks for the feedback ☺️
Carolyn Loveday says
This recipe has become a family favourite. There are never any leftovers after this dinner.
justamumnz says
So pleased to hear that! We love it too
Suzanne Smith says
I am definitely going to make these but my ex husband (and best friend….go figure) does not like Fruit Chutney can I just leave it out or is there a substitute?
justamumnz says
It just adds sweetness, so you could always strain out the fruit bits and try just the sauce but of the chutney.
Helen says
Silly question but what type of vinegar do you use? Cheers
justamumnz says
Not silly! I should have it in there. Malt Vinegar, I’ll amend recipe xx
Nikki says
Just remembered I forgot to let u know the verdict! These meatballs truely are amazing! My 13 year who is quite fussy about trying new things loved them!! I’ve since passed the recipe on to my mum who used it to feed a crowd and they all loved it too! Making again this week, but for today, I’m making ur weetbix slice , great for lunch boxes ?
justamumnz says
Awesome! I’m so pleased you are all enjoying them ?
Tracy says
happy singing dancing tastebuds – this is delicious!
justamumnz says
Yay!!! That’s what I think each time lol Thank you ?
Nikki says
I’m gonna make these tonight! I just love your recipes!! I love cooking and baking but I’ve never made meatballs! What would you serve them with if doing for a main meal?
justamumnz says
They are delicious in fresh tortillas with salad and hummus etc. otherwise make extra sauce and serve with rice and salad. Let me know what you think and thank you for your kind words ?
Kelley says
This recipe has fast become a family favorite. So Easy kids make the meat balls while I work on the sauce. Tasty Fast Thank you
justamumnz says
You are welcome, and I love that the kids help out! ?
Jennifer | The Deliberate Mom says
Oh my goodness, these look and sound like they would be FABULOUS!
Thanks for sharing.
Visiting from the Blog Fair Link Party!
xoxo
Karen says
These look delicious. The sauce sounds divine – and not too difficult to make. I love making meatballs in the oven or crock pot, trying to fry them just gets messy! Thanks for sharing on the Blog Fair Link Party at mummydoit.co.nz
justamumnz says
Thanks Karen, it is so tasty, I must get the ingredients in my next shop and make it again 🙂 Thanks for stopping by