This recipe offers the perfect balance of savory and sweet, thanks to the rich meatball base and the sticky, flavorful glaze. They’re simple to prepare with minimal ingredients and can be made ahead of time for convenience. Whether you use store-bought or homemade meatballs, the result is a delicious appetizer that vanishes quickly. Plus, they’re ideal for entertaining because they stay warm in a slow cooker and are easy to serve.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Ground beef (or a mix of beef )
Breadcrumbs
Egg
Milk
Onion, finely chopped
Garlic, minced
Salt and pepper
Ketchup
Grape jelly (or chili sauce, depending on variation)
Worcestershire sauce
Vinegar (optional, for tang)
Directions
Make the meatballs: In a large bowl, mix ground meat, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, onion, garlic, salt, and pepper. Roll the mixture into small 1-inch meatballs.
Cook the meatballs: Bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 15–20 minutes, or pan-fry until browned and cooked through. Alternatively, use pre-cooked frozen meatballs.
Prepare the sauce: In a saucepan, combine ketchup, grape jelly, and Worcestershire sauce. Heat over medium, stirring until the mixture is smooth and bubbly.
Combine: Add the cooked meatballs to the sauce and simmer for 10–15 minutes until well coated and heated through.
Serve: Transfer to a serving bowl or keep warm in a slow cooker set to low.
Servings and timing
This recipe yields about 24–30 cocktail meatballs, serving approximately 6–8 people. Preparation and cooking time is around 35–40 minutes, including baking and simmering.
Variations
Spicy Kick: Add a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes to the sauce.
Asian Style: Use hoisin sauce and soy sauce in place of ketchup and jelly.
BBQ Flavor: Swap the grape jelly for BBQ sauce for a smoky, tangy taste.
Turkey Meatballs: Use ground turkey for a leaner version.
Vegan Option: Use plant-based meatballs and a vegan-friendly sauce.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftover cocktail meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place them in a saucepan over medium heat until warmed through or microwave in 30-second intervals. For longer storage, freeze meatballs (with or without sauce) for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
FAQs
How do I keep cocktail meatballs warm for a party?
Use a slow cooker set to the “warm” or “low” setting. Keep the lid on to retain heat and stir occasionally.
Can I make cocktail meatballs ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare them a day or two in advance. Store them in the fridge and reheat just before serving.
What kind of meat works best?
A mix of ground beef provides the best flavor and texture, but you can also use all beef or ground turkey.
Can I use frozen meatballs?
Absolutely. Frozen pre-cooked meatballs work well and save time. Just heat them in the sauce until hot.
Is there a substitute for grape jelly?
You can use cranberry sauce, apricot preserves, or chili sauce as an alternative to grape jelly.
How can I make these meatballs gluten-free?
Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and ensure all other ingredients, like sauces, are certified gluten-free.
Do cocktail meatballs need eggs?
Yes, eggs act as a binder to hold the meatball mixture together. If needed, you can use a flax egg as a substitute.
Can I bake the meatballs instead of frying?
Yes, baking is a great alternative. It’s less messy and reduces the oil content.
Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?
Yes. Combine sauce and raw or pre-cooked meatballs in the slow cooker. Cook on low for 4–6 hours or high for 2–3 hours.
Are cocktail meatballs spicy?
Not usually. The standard recipe is sweet and tangy, but you can add spice to suit your taste.
Conclusion
Cocktail meatballs are a timeless appetizer that fits any occasion, from casual gatherings to festive celebrations. They’re flavorful, easy to make, and endlessly adaptable to suit different tastes. With just a few ingredients, you can create a dish that’s sure to be the star of the snack table. Try them once, and they’ll become a staple in your entertaining menu.
Cocktail meatballs are bite-sized, savory-sweet appetizers made with tender meatballs simmered in a tangy, flavorful sauce. Perfect for parties, potlucks, or game days, they’re easy to make and always a hit.
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1 egg
1/4 cup milk
1/4 cup onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1 cup ketchup
1 cup grape jelly (or substitute with chili sauce)
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tbsp vinegar (optional)
Instructions
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
In a large bowl, mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, onion, garlic, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Roll into 1-inch meatballs and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Bake for 15–20 minutes until cooked through. Alternatively, pan-fry until browned and fully cooked.
In a saucepan over medium heat, combine ketchup, grape jelly, Worcestershire sauce, and vinegar (if using). Stir until smooth and bubbly.
Add cooked meatballs to the sauce and simmer for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Serve warm in a serving bowl or keep in a slow cooker on the low or warm setting.
Notes
Use frozen pre-cooked meatballs for a shortcut—just simmer in the sauce until heated through.Adjust the sweetness or tanginess of the sauce by varying the jelly and ketchup ratios.Add hot sauce or red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and sauces to make it gluten-free.
