Best 10 Classic Cocktail Meatballs Recipes

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If you're looking for a delicious and easy-to-make appetizer that will be a hit at your next party or gathering, look no further than classic cocktail meatballs. These bite-sized meatballs are made with a combination of ground beef, pork, and veal, and are simmered in a sweet and tangy sauce made with tomato sauce, ketchup, and brown sugar. They're perfect for serving on toothpicks or skewers, and can be made ahead of time, making them a great option for busy hosts and hostesses.

Here are our top 10 tried and tested recipes!

COCKTAIL MEATBALLS



Cocktail Meatballs image

Throw away that recipe that calls for frozen meatballs and grape jelly - these homemade cocktail meatballs are so much better.

Provided by Jennifer Segal

Categories     Appetizers

Time 40m

Yield About 25 mini meatballs

Number Of Ingredients 20

1 large egg
¼ cup heavy cream or milk
¾ cup cubed white sandwich bread, crusts removed
½ pound ground pork
1 garlic clove, minced
⅛ teaspoon ground allspice
⅛ teaspoon ground black pepper
¾ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ pound ground beef (85% lean)
½ cup ketchup
½ cup packed dark brown sugar
2 tablespoons water
1½ tablespoons cider vinegar
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon finely grated shallot, from one shallot
1 small clove garlic, minced
⅛ teaspoon ground black pepper
½ teaspoon salt
Finely chopped parsley, if desired

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 325. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy clean-up and place an ovenproof baking/cooling rack over top; spray rack generously with nonstick cooking spray.
  • Whisk the egg and cream together in a medium bowl. Stir in the bread and mash until no large bread chunks remain. Set aside.
  • In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the pork, garlic, allspice, pepper, salt, and baking powder on high speed until smooth and pale, about 2 minutes, scraping bowl as necessary. Add the bread mixture to the mixing bowl and beat on high speed until smooth and homogeneous, about 1 minute, scraping the bowl as necessary. Add the beef and mix on medium-low speed until just incorporated, about 20 seconds, scraping the bowl as necessary.
  • Using moistened hands (it's sticky and wet hands help; keep wetting them as you go), form the meat mixture into tablespoon-size round meatballs and place on the prepared rack. Bake for about 20 minutes, until just done.
  • Meanwhile, in a large sauté pan, mix together all of the ingredients for the sauce. Bring to a simmer and cook gently until thickened, about 10 minutes.
  • Add the baked meatballs to the sauce and stir to coat evenly. Transfer them to a serving platter, spear with toothpicks and spoon the sauce over top. Garnish with parsley if desired. Serve warm.
  • Freezer-Friendly Instructions: The meatballs and sauce can be frozen in separate containers for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, reheat the meatballs in their sauce on the stovetop over medium heat until hot in the center.

Nutrition Facts : ServingSize 1 meatball, Calories 85, Fat 5g, Carbohydrate 8g, Protein 4g, SaturatedFat 2g, Sugar 6g, Fiber 0g, Sodium 214mg, Cholesterol 24mg

COCKTAIL MEATBALLS



Cocktail Meatballs image

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Categories     appetizer

Time 40m

Yield 6 to 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 13

1 pound lean ground beef
1 large egg
1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese (about 4 ounces)
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/2 onion, grated
1 clove garlic, grated
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon paprika
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
1/4 cup ketchup
2 tablespoons packed light brown sugar
Sliced scallions, for topping

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Combine the beef, egg, cheese, breadcrumbs, onion, garlic, 2 teaspoons mustard, the Worcestershire sauce, paprika, 1 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper in a medium bowl; mix with your hands until combined. Form into 1 1/2-inch meatballs (about 24) and arrange on the prepared baking sheet.
  • Mix the ketchup, brown sugar and remaining 1 teaspoon mustard in a small bowl and brush on the meatballs. Bake until lightly browned and cooked through, about 15 minutes. Transfer to a platter and top with scallions.

CLASSIC MEATBALLS



Classic Meatballs image

This homemade meatball recipe is a Betty classic, and for great reason! For generations, home cooks have relied on this hearty meatball recipe to show some skills the kitchen. All it takes to achieve this meaty main dish is eight basic ingredients. Got them? Great! Now, if you have 15 minutes to spare and a foil-lined 13x9 pan, perfectly browned and tender meatballs could be the answer to tonight's dinner jam. Yes, delicious doesn't take long! In the meantime, prepare spaghetti or rice, veggies or salad, because this recipe goes with anything!

Provided by Betty Crocker Kitchens

Categories     Entree

Time 40m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 8

1 lb lean (at least 80%) ground beef
1/2 cup Progresso™ Italian-style bread crumbs
1/4 cup milk
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 small onion, finely chopped (1/4 cup)
1 egg

Steps:

  • Heat oven to 400°F. Line 13x9-inch pan with foil; spray with cooking spray.
  • In large bowl, mix all ingredients. Shape mixture into 24 (1 1/2-inch) meatballs. Place 1 inch apart in pan.
  • Bake uncovered 18 to 22 minutes or until temperature reaches 160°F and no longer pink in center.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 280, Carbohydrate 13 g, Cholesterol 125 mg, Fiber 1 g, Protein 24 g, SaturatedFat 6 g, ServingSize 1 Serving, Sodium 480 mg, Sugar 3 g, TransFat 1 g

CLASSIC COCKTAIL MEATBALLS



Classic Cocktail Meatballs image

Like a little black dress, these appetizers are timeless favorites at cocktail hour. Show them off on a platter or keep them at a low simmer in a slow cooker.

Provided by Kraft

Categories     Trusted Brands: Recipes and Tips

Time 36m

Yield 25

Number Of Ingredients 6

2 pounds lean ground beef
1 (6 ounce) package STOVE TOP Stuffing Mix for Chicken
1 cup water
2 eggs
1 (12 ounce) jar grape jelly
1 (12 ounce) bottle chili sauce

Steps:

  • Heat oven to 400 degrees F.
  • Mix meat, stuffing mix, water and eggs until blended. Shape into 50 (1-1/2-inch) meatballs; place in 2 foil-lined 15x10x1-inch pans sprayed with cooking spray.
  • Bake 16 min. or until done (160 degrees F). Meanwhile, bring jelly and chili sauce to boil in large saucepan on medium heat, stirring occasionally.
  • Add meatballs to sauce; stir to evenly coat.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 137.8 calories, Carbohydrate 14.4 g, Cholesterol 40.2 mg, Fat 5.1 g, Fiber 0.5 g, Protein 8.4 g, SaturatedFat 1.9 g, Sodium 134.8 mg, Sugar 8.7 g

COCKTAIL MEATBALLS



Cocktail Meatballs image

These tasty meatballs will disappear quickly from anyone's holiday party. My mom makes them every year for New Years Eve, and now so do I. These do very well in a slow cooker, as you can simmer them before serving, as well as keep them hot for the duration of your party.

Provided by Lara

Categories     Appetizers and Snacks     Meat and Poultry     Meatball Appetizer Recipes

Time 1h45m

Yield 10

Number Of Ingredients 9

1 pound lean ground beef
1 egg
2 tablespoons water
½ cup bread crumbs
3 tablespoons minced onion
1 (8 ounce) can jellied cranberry sauce
¾ cup chili sauce
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 ½ teaspoons lemon juice

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
  • In a large bowl, mix together the ground beef, egg, water, bread crumbs, and minced onion. Roll into small meatballs.
  • Bake in preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, turning once.
  • In a slow cooker or large saucepan over low heat, blend the cranberry sauce, chili sauce, brown sugar, and lemon juice. Add meatballs, and simmer for 1 hour before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 193.2 calories, Carbohydrate 15.2 g, Cholesterol 52.7 mg, Fat 10.2 g, Fiber 0.5 g, Protein 9.8 g, SaturatedFat 4 g, Sodium 84.9 mg, Sugar 10.3 g

SNAPPY COCKTAIL MEATBALLS



Snappy Cocktail Meatballs image

This recipe was given to me more than 20 years ago by a German friend. The meatballs are easy to prepare and can be made ahead of time. -Nancy Means, Moline, Illinois

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Appetizers

Time 30m

Yield About 5 dozen.

Number Of Ingredients 14

2 large eggs, lightly beaten
1-1/4 cups soft bread crumbs
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon pepper
2 pounds lean ground beef (90% lean)
SAUCE:
1 can (28 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 cup vinegar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon grated onion
10 gingersnaps, finely crushed

Steps:

  • In a large bowl, combine the first 6 ingredients. Crumble beef over mixture and mix well. Shape into 1-1/4-in. balls. Place meatballs on a greased rack in a shallow baking pan. Bake at 450° for 15 minutes. Drain on paper towels. , Meanwhile, for sauce, combine the tomatoes, brown sugar, vinegar, salt and onion in large saucepan. Bring to a boil. Stir in gingersnaps, continuing to boil until sauce is thick and clear. Reduce heat to a simmer; add meatballs. Heat through.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 43 calories, Fat 2g fat (1g saturated fat), Cholesterol 16mg cholesterol, Sodium 118mg sodium, Carbohydrate 4g carbohydrate (3g sugars, Fiber 0 fiber), Protein 3g protein.

CLASSIC COCKTAIL MEATBALLS



Classic Cocktail Meatballs image

Make a timeless party favorite: Classic Cocktail Meatballs! Show off your cocktail meatballs on a platter or keep them at a low simmer in a slow cooker.

Provided by My Food and Family

Categories     Home

Time 35m

Yield 50 servings, 1 meatball each

Number Of Ingredients 6

2 lb. lean ground beef
1 pkg. (6 oz.) STOVE TOP Stuffing Mix for Chicken
1 cup water
2 eggs
1 jar (12 oz.) grape jelly
1 bottle (12 oz.) HEINZ Chili Sauce

Steps:

  • Heat oven to 400ºF.
  • Mix meat, stuffing mix, water and eggs until blended. Shape into 50 (1-1/2-inch) meatballs; place in 2 foil-lined 15x10x1-inch pans sprayed with cooking spray.
  • Bake 16 min. or until done (160ºF). Meanwhile, bring jelly and chili sauce to boil in large saucepan on medium heat, stirring occasionally.
  • Add meatballs to sauce; stir to evenly coat.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 60, Fat 2 g, SaturatedFat 0.5 g, TransFat 0 g, Cholesterol 20 mg, Sodium 60 mg, Carbohydrate 7 g, Fiber 0 g, Sugar 5 g, Protein 4 g

EASY STICKY COCKTAIL MEATBALLS



Easy Sticky Cocktail Meatballs image

Sweet and sour meatballs that meatball lovers will crave. The texture and taste are unusual and they will be a welcome addition to a cocktail party.

Provided by CobraLimes

Categories     Meat

Time 50m

Yield 12-20 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 7

3 lbs chopped beef
3 large eggs
1 cup corn flake crumbs
1 cup applesauce
1 (10 ounce) jar currant jelly or 1 (10 ounce) jar grape jelly
1 cup water
1 (12 ounce) jar chili sauce

Steps:

  • Combine meatball ingredients in large bowl.
  • Mix with hands until well combined.
  • Shape into small meatballs and place on jelly roll pan.
  • Brown in 350 degree oven, turning occasionally, to brown, about 20 minutes.
  • Combine sauce ingredients in saucepan.
  • Heat until the boiling point.
  • Add cooked meatballs to saucepan with prepared sauce.
  • Simmer until meatballs are fully cooked.
  • Serve on platter with toothpicks as an appetizer or over rice as a main dish.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 899, Fat 81.8, SaturatedFat 33.8, Cholesterol 158.9, Sodium 457, Carbohydrate 28.3, Fiber 2.2, Sugar 15.2, Protein 11.8

SAUCY COCKTAIL MEATBALLS



Saucy Cocktail Meatballs image

I received this recipe from my Grandmother many years ago. She would serve it every year at Christmas time while I was growing up. Now I serve it every year.-Susie Snyder, Bowling Green, Ohio

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Appetizers

Time 3h10m

Yield about 5 dozen.

Number Of Ingredients 8

1 package (32 ounces) frozen fully cooked homestyle meatballs, thawed
1 can (10-3/4 ounces) condensed tomato soup, undiluted
1/3 cup chopped onion
1/3 cup chopped green pepper
2 tablespoons brown sugar
4 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon white vinegar
1 tablespoon prepared mustard

Steps:

  • Place meatballs in a 3-qt. slow cooker. In a small bowl, combine the remaining ingredients. Pour over meatballs. , Cover and cook on low for 3-4 hours or until heated through.

Nutrition Facts :

COCKTAIL MEATBALLS



Cocktail Meatballs image

Although I modify this recipe a bit when I make it, this is exactly how my mom made these meatballs for years. Nobody can beat the taste of hers...

Provided by mermaidmagic

Categories     Meat

Time 35m

Yield 60 meatballs

Number Of Ingredients 13

1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup milk
1 lb ground beef
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon Accent seasoning
1 small onion, minced
flour
2 tablespoons margarine or 2 tablespoons butter
1/4 cup molasses
1/4 cup vinegar
1/4 cup catsup
1/4 teaspoon Tabasco sauce
1/2 teaspoon marjoram

Steps:

  • Mix together bread crumbs, salt, Accent, milk and minced onion.
  • Form into tiny meatballs.
  • Roll in flour and brown in margarine/butter.
  • Combine remaining ingredients and pour over meat.
  • Simmer 10 minutes, stirring several times until meatballs are glazed.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 29.6, Fat 1.6, SaturatedFat 0.5, Cholesterol 5.3, Sodium 67.1, Carbohydrate 2.1, Fiber 0.1, Sugar 1.1, Protein 1.6

Tips:

  • Use fresh, high-quality ingredients. This will make a big difference in the flavor of your meatballs.
  • Don't overmix the meatball mixture. Overmixing will make the meatballs tough.
  • Let the meatballs rest before cooking. This will help them hold their shape.
  • Cook the meatballs over medium heat. This will help them cook evenly without burning.
  • Don't overcrowd the pan when cooking the meatballs. This will prevent them from cooking evenly.
  • Serve the meatballs with your favorite sauce. Cocktail sauce, sweet and sour sauce, or barbecue sauce are all popular choices.

Conclusion:

Classic cocktail meatballs are a delicious and easy-to-make appetizer that is perfect for any party or gathering. With a few simple ingredients and a little bit of time, you can create these tasty treats that will be sure to please everyone. So next time you're looking for a crowd-pleasing appetizer, give classic cocktail meatballs a try. You won't be disappointed!

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