Cocktail meatballs are little bites of joy! Made with tasty ground meat mixed with spices and sweet sauce, they’re perfect for parties or cozy nights in.
These little guys are so easy to make; just roll them up, cook, and serve! I love having them on toothpicks, making it a breeze for everyone to munch happily!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This is the main protein. I prefer using 80/20 ground beef for a nice balance of flavor and moisture. If you’re looking for lighter options, try ground turkey or chicken; just keep an eye on baking time as they may cook faster.
Breadcrumbs: Regular or Italian seasoned breadcrumbs work well. If you need gluten-free, use almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs. For a healthier twist, crushed oats can be a good alternative too!
Parmesan Cheese: Adds a nice salty flavor. If you don’t have it, you can swap it with Pecorino Romano, Asiago, or even omit it for a dairy-free version. Nutritional yeast can give a cheesy flavor without the dairy.
Jelly: The grape jelly gives a classic sweet-and-sour kick. You can use apricot, cranberry, or even pineapple jelly. For less sweetness, try adding a touch of honey or maple syrup to your sauce instead.
How Do I Make the Perfect Meatballs?
Getting meatballs just right can sometimes be tricky. Here’s how to make them perfectly every time:
- Mix ingredients gently: Overmixing can lead to tough meatballs. Combine everything just until incorporated, so they stay tender.
- Shape with care: Use a cookie scoop or your hands to shape them evenly. About 1 inch in diameter is a great size for even cooking.
- Baking is key: Bake until they are browned and cooked through. If you prefer, you can also pan-fry them for a crispier outside.
Once out of the oven, toss them in the sauce and let them soak up the flavors—this step makes a huge difference! Enjoy your meatballs!
How to Make Cocktail Meatballs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large egg
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp dried basil
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1/2 cup grape jelly (or other fruit jelly like apricot or cranberry)
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- Toothpicks for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 30-40 minutes total, including prep and cooking time. You’ll need about 15 minutes to mix and shape the meatballs and then 15-20 minutes to bake them. Don’t forget to allow a few extra minutes to heat the sauce and combine everything!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
2. Mix the Meatball Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, egg, parsley, salt, black pepper, oregano, and basil. Mix gently until just combined; be careful not to overmix to keep the meatballs tender!
3. Form the Meatballs:
Shape the mixture into small meatballs that are about 1 inch in diameter. Place them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Bake the Meatballs:
Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until they are fully cooked through and nicely browned. You can check they’re done by cutting one in half; there shouldn’t be any pink inside!
5. Prepare the Sauce:
While the meatballs are baking, grab a medium saucepan and mix together the ketchup, grape jelly, and Worcestershire sauce. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the jelly has melted and the sauce is smooth and heated through.
6. Combine Meatballs and Sauce:
Once the meatballs are cooked, transfer them to a slow cooker or a large skillet. Pour the prepared sauce over the meatballs and gently toss until they are evenly coated. Allow everything to heat together for another 10-15 minutes to let the flavors meld.
7. Serve the Meatballs:
Transfer the cocktail meatballs to a serving platter. Stick a toothpick into each meatball for easy serving, and sprinkle with extra chopped parsley for garnish.
8. Enjoy:
Serve the meatballs warm and enjoy with extra sauce on the side for dipping. They’re fantastic for parties and gatherings!
Enjoy your delicious, sweet and savory cocktail meatballs—perfect for any party or family gathering!
Can I Use Frozen Meatballs for This Recipe?
Yes, you can! Just thaw them completely in the fridge overnight before reheating in the sauce. You can also heat them straight from frozen; just extend the cooking time in the sauce until they are warmed through.
How Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
No problem! Substitute regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed oats. Ensure that all other ingredients, like sauces, are also gluten-free.
How to Store Leftover Meatballs?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can reheat them on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through.
Can I Make These Meatballs in Advance?
Absolutely! You can make the meatballs a day ahead, refrigerate them, and then bake just before serving. The sauce can also be prepared in advance and stored separately; just warm it up when you’re ready to serve!