Western Meatballs

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.

• Ready In: 2 hrs 25 mins
• Serves: 24

Ingredients

• 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.