Western Meatballs

Chef #291568's Note:

This is an absolute favourite of mine and the rest of my family. My aunt had made them the first time I tried them and I was hooked. Whenever our family gets together for potluck suppers (lots of excellent cooks!), we all hope that someone has made them. The recipe does make a lot.

• Total Time: 2 hrs 25 mins
• Prep Time: 45 mins
• Cook Time: 1 hrs 40 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 24

MEATBALLS

• 2 lbs ground beef
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 cup milk
• 2 cups dry breadcrumbs
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne (optional)
• 1 teaspoon black pepper

SAUCE

• 1 tablespoon butter
• 3/4 cup chopped onion
• 1 cup ketchup
• 1 beef bouillon cube, dissolved in
• 1 cup boiling water
• 1/2 cup molasses
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2/3 cup white vinegar
• 2 teaspoons dry mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch

Directions:

1. MEATBALLS: Combine all ingredients, roll into 1 1/2-inch balls, place on cookie sheet and bake in 350 degree F oven for about 20 minutes or until cooked through. Transfer from cookie sheet to a casserole dish or small roaster. (Also works very well in a slow cooker.).
2. SAUCE: Combine all ingredients. Boil to thicken. Pour over meatballs and bake at 325 degrees F for approximately one hour. (If using slow cooker, just pour sauce over meatballs without boiling and cook for 4-6 hours on low.).
3. NOTE: Can also use moose burger, one pound ground beef and one pound ground pork, one pound moose burger and one pound ground pork -- you get the idea. Very versatile.