Best 14 Cocktail Meatballs I Recipes

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Cocktail meatballs, also known as Swedish meatballs, are a classic appetizer or party food that are always a hit. They are made with a combination of ground beef, pork, and veal, and are typically flavored with a blend of spices, herbs, and Worcestershire sauce. Cocktail meatballs can be cooked in a variety of ways, including baking, frying, or simmering in a sauce. In this article, we will explore some of the best recipes for making cocktail meatballs, so you can find the perfect one to serve at your next gathering.

Here are our top 14 tried and tested recipes!

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.

COCKTAIL MEATBALLS



Cocktail Meatballs image

This is the best cocktail meatball I've ever had. We didn't have chili sauce, but I found Recipe #363254 and made it homemade. Really a surprising but wonderful concoction of ingredients--sweet and spicy. We used blackberry jelly instead of grape and baked the meatballs in the oven at 350 for 20 minutes or so instead of cooking in shortening. We also put it all in the crockpot and watched them disappear. Recipe courtesy of Golden Heritage Cookbook fiftieth Anniversary/The Officers' Wives' Club of Fort Benning, Georgia (Mrs. Edward G. Bradshaw (Mackie).

Provided by AmyZoe

Categories     Meat

Time 45m

Yield 8-10 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 12

2 lbs ground beef
1 cup dry breadcrumbs
2/3 cup minced onion
1/2 cup milk
2 eggs
2 tablespoons parsley, snipped
2 teaspoons salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1/2 cup shortening
12 ounces chili sauce
10 ounces grape jelly

Steps:

  • Mix all meatball ingredients and gently shape into 1 1/2 inch balls.
  • Melt shortening in large skillet and brown meatballs.
  • Remove meatballs from skillet and pour off fat.
  • Heat chili sauce and jelly in skillet, stirring constantly until jelly is melted.
  • Add meatballs and stir until thoroughly coated.
  • Simmer, uncovered, 30 minutes.
  • Serve in chafing dish.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 582, Fat 32.4, SaturatedFat 10.8, Cholesterol 125.8, Sodium 1367.8, Carbohydrate 45, Fiber 3.8, Sugar 23.9, Protein 26.3

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 I



Cocktail Meatballs I image

Simple meatballs with an unusual chili sauce/grape jelly coating. Quite a combination of tastes and textures. Note: After cooking, I like to keep the meatballs warm in a slow cooker until ready to serve.

Provided by Jennie

Categories     Appetizers and Snacks     Meat and Poultry     Meatball Appetizer Recipes

Time 1h10m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 11

1 pound ground beef
½ cup dried bread crumbs
⅓ cup chopped onion
¼ cup milk
1 egg
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
⅛ teaspoon ground black pepper
¼ cup shortening
12 fluid ounces tomato-based chili sauce
1 ¼ cups grape jelly

Steps:

  • In a large bowl, combine ground beef, bread crumbs, onion, milk, egg, salt, Worcestershire sauce, and ground black pepper. Mix together, and shape into meatballs.
  • In a large skillet, heat shortening over medium heat. Add meatballs, and cook until browned, about 5 to 7 minutes. Remove from skillet, and drain on paper towels.
  • Add chili sauce and jelly to skillet; heat, stirring, until jelly is melted. Return meatballs to skillet, and stir until coated. Reduce heat to low. Simmer, uncovered, for 30 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 457.9 calories, Carbohydrate 52.5 g, Cholesterol 72.1 mg, Fat 22.8 g, Fiber 1.1 g, Protein 12.7 g, SaturatedFat 8.1 g, Sodium 1038.4 mg, Sugar 38.3 g

CAPE COD COCKTAIL MEATBALLS



Cape Cod Cocktail Meatballs image

These cocktail meatballs are perfect for a Christmas, New Year's Eve, or any party that you want to impress. They are the first appetizer to go, and everyone wants the recipe. The recipe originated in Cape Cod (cranberry country). Bon appetit!

Provided by Robin Myshrall Ulery

Categories     Appetizers and Snacks     Meat and Poultry     Meatball Appetizer Recipes

Time 1h20m

Yield 20

Number Of Ingredients 11

2 pounds ground beef
1 cup bread crumbs
¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
2 eggs
2 tablespoons grated onion
2 tablespoons soy sauce
¼ teaspoon garlic powder
1 (16 ounce) can jellied cranberry sauce (such as Ocean Spray®)
1 ½ cups ketchup
2 ½ tablespoons packed brown sugar
1 tablespoon lemon juice

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
  • Mix ground beef, bread crumbs, parsley, eggs, grated onion, soy sauce, and garlic powder in a bowl until thoroughly combined. Pinch off about 2 teaspoons of meat mixture per meatball and roll into small meatballs. Arrange meatballs in a large, deep baking dish.
  • Bake in the preheated oven until meatballs are browned, about 25 minutes. Drain excess grease.
  • Combine jellied cranberry sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, and lemon juice in a saucepan and place over medium heat. Stir the sauce until cranberry sauce has melted and brown sugar has dissolved.
  • Pour the sauce over meatballs and bake until sauce forms a glaze and meatballs are no longer pink inside, 25 to 30 more minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 168.4 calories, Carbohydrate 19.2 g, Cholesterol 46.1 mg, Fat 6.2 g, Fiber 0.6 g, Protein 9.4 g, SaturatedFat 2.3 g, Sodium 370.8 mg, Sugar 14.7 g

COCKTAIL MEATBALLS



Cocktail Meatballs image

To give them a light crust, which makes them easier to pick up, meatballs can be rolled in a breadcrumb-and-flour mixture before frying.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Appetizers

Time 2h15m

Yield Makes about 48

Number Of Ingredients 11

2 slices white or other soft bread, torn into bite-size pieces
1/2 cup whole milk
1 pound ground beef chuck
1 pound ground pork
6 thin slices pancetta (2 1/2 ounces), finely diced
1/2 small onion, minced (1/3 cup)
2 large egg yolks, lightly beaten
Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper
1/2 teaspoon mild smoked paprika (also called pimenton)
2 teaspoons finely chopped fresh thyme
Extra-virgin olive oil, for frying

Steps:

  • Soften bread thoroughly in milk in a large bowl. Add beef, pork, pancetta, and onion; mix with your hands. Mix in egg yolks, 2 teaspoons salt, some pepper, the paprika, and thyme.
  • Form into 1- to 1 1/4-inch balls. Chill in a single layer 1 hour.
  • Preheat oven to 300 degrees. Lightly coat a large skillet with oil, and fry meatballs in a single layer (do not crowd) over medium-high heat until browned on all sides, about 8 minutes. Repeat with remaining meatballs.
  • Transfer to a baking pan, and bake until cooked through, 10 to 15 minutes.

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

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.

HOT AND SAUCY COCKTAIL MEATBALLS



Hot and Saucy Cocktail Meatballs image

The delicious sweet-and-spicy sauce for these classic meatballs couldn't be easier!

Provided by Betty Crocker Kitchens

Categories     Appetizer

Time 1h20m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 11

2 pounds lean ground beef
1 cup Progresso™ dry bread crumbs (any flavor)
2/3 cup finely chopped onion
1/2 cup milk
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1/8 teaspoon pepper
2 eggs
2 bottles (12 ounces each) chili sauce
2 jars (10 ounces each) grape jelly

Steps:

  • Heat oven to 400°F. Stir together all ingredients except chili sauce and jelly. Shape into 1-inch meatballs. Place in ungreased retangular pan, 13x9x2 inches, or on rack in broiler pan.
  • Bake uncovered about 20 minutes or until no longer pink in center and juice is clear.
  • Heat chili sauce and jelly in Dutch oven over medium heat, stirring contantly, until jelly is melted. Stir in meatballs until coated. Simmer uncovered 30 minutes. Serve hot with toothpicks.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 65, Carbohydrate 9 g, Cholesterol 15 mg, Fat 1/2, Fiber 0 g, Protein 3 g, SaturatedFat 1 g, ServingSize 1 Meatball, Sodium 200 mg

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

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

ITALIAN COCKTAIL MEATBALLS



Italian Cocktail Meatballs image

A favorite at all of our gatherings. They are usually the first thing on the table to disappear. If made ahead and placed in the fridge or freezer, you may want to thin the sauce out a bit. I find a tablespoon or two of water does the trick very nicely.

Provided by Bobbie

Categories     Meat

Time 2h45m

Yield 36 piecres

Number Of Ingredients 21

1 1/2 lbs ground chuck
1/2 lb ground sausage (like Jimmy Dean regular)
salt & pepper
1/4 teaspoon oregano (not powdered)
1/2 teaspoon fennel seed (do not omit)
1 medium onion, finely minced
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely minced
1 garlic clove, crushed
2 tablespoons flour
2 eggs, well beaten
1/4 cup olive oil
1 dash italian seasoning
2 (6 ounce) cans tomato paste
2 (6 ounce) cans water
salt & pepper
1 bay leaf
1 dash italian seasoning
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1/4 teaspoon oregano (not powdered)
1/8 cup chianti wine (or other red wine)
1 teaspoon parmesan cheese, grated

Steps:

  • Thoroughly mix all the meatball ingredients, except olive oil. Roll into ½" balls and fry in oil until well browned. Drain, set aside until sauce is ready.
  • Combine all ingredients, except cheese in the skillet meatballs were cooked in (if there is a lot of fat, remove most of it - leaving any browned bits in the skillet). Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer 1 hour over very low heat. Add meatballs and simmer another hour, stirring several times very gently. Pour into chafing dish, crockpot or other serving dish and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese.
  • These freeze well - just be careful when defrosting and breaking them up. Be gentle - so not to break up the meatballs.
  • Note: I have indicated this makes about 36 meatballs -- but that's just a complete guess off the top of my head! I couldn't post the recipe without putting something in that field!

Nutrition Facts : Calories 97.8, Fat 6.8, SaturatedFat 2, Cholesterol 33.2, Sodium 176.8, Carbohydrate 2.6, Fiber 0.5, Sugar 1.3, Protein 6.4

COCKTAIL MEATBALLS IN GARLIC BUTTER SAUCE



Cocktail Meatballs in Garlic Butter Sauce image

I have been searching for a cocktail meatball recipe that did not have the chili/grape-jelly sauce or the Swedish style sauce. I could not find one and experimented with a garlic butter sauce instead. They came out exactly how I wanted and tasted great.

Provided by Mishel

Categories     Meat

Time 35m

Yield 3 dozen, 6-9 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 10

1 lb ground beef
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/2 cup parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon italian seasoning (or basil and oregano)
1 teaspoon kosher salt (or 1/2 teaspoon regular salt)
1 extra large egg (or 2 smaller)
1/4 cup butter
1 minced garlic clove (more or less to your liking)
2 tablespoons flour (1 tablespoon for thinner sauce)
1 cup chicken broth (I use College Inn)

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 400°F.
  • Mix first six ingredients and form into cocktail size meatballs.
  • Place on Jelly Roll style pan with lip (nonstick if you have it).
  • Bake meatballs in oven for 15-20 minutes until done.
  • Melt butter in saucepan.
  • Add garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes.
  • Stir in flour.
  • Stir in chicken broth and cook until thickened.
  • Combine meatballs and sauce.
  • Keep warm in crockpot if serving for party.
  • Notes: You can adjust the garlic, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and spices to your liking.

GRANDMA'S BARBECUED COCKTAIL MEATBALLS



Grandma's Barbecued Cocktail Meatballs image

As long as I can remember, my Grandma Audrey made these meatballs on Christmas Eve. A few years back, she shared the recipe with me. These are great for any party, but at my house, Christmas Eve just wouldn't be the same without them! These can be made ahead, and just heated when ready to serve.

Provided by canarygirl

Categories     Lunch/Snacks

Time 35m

Yield 10 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 13

2 lbs ground beef
1 medium onion, minced
1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 cup parmesan cheese
salt and pepper
1/4 cup breadcrumbs (I like Italian flavor)
1/4 cup milk
1 egg
1 teaspoon oregano
1 pinch thyme
2 tablespoons A.1. Original Sauce (optional)
3 cups barbecue sauce (I use Famous Daves, or Ken Davis)

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 375º.
  • Combine all ingredients except bbq sauce in a bowl, and form into smaller sized meatballs.
  • Place meatballs on a cookie sheet and bake 15-20 minutes, or until cooked through.
  • (time will depend on size of meatballs).
  • When cooked through, remove meatballs from cookie sheet and drain off excess grease.
  • Put meatballs and barbecue sauce in a crock pot, and stir to combine.
  • Keep on the"keep warm" setting.

Tips:

  • Use a variety of meats for a more flavorful meatball. Ground beef, pork, and veal are all good options.
  • Soak the bread crumbs in milk before adding them to the meatball mixture. This will help to keep the meatballs moist.
  • Use a light touch when mixing the meatball ingredients. Over-mixing will make the meatballs tough.
  • Chill the meatball mixture for at least 30 minutes before cooking. This will help to firm up the meatballs and prevent them from falling apart.
  • Cook the meatballs in a hot oven or over medium heat. This will help to create a crispy crust on the outside and a juicy interior.
  • Serve the meatballs with your favorite sauce. Marinara sauce, barbecue sauce, or sweet and sour sauce are all good options.

Conclusion:

Cocktail meatballs are a delicious and easy-to-make appetizer or snack. They are perfect for parties or potlucks. With a variety of flavors and sauces to choose from, there is sure to be a cocktail meatball recipe that everyone will enjoy.

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