Simple Delicious Cocktail Meatballs are the ultimate crowd-pleaser, delivering a burst of savory flavor in every bite. This recipe is incredibly versatile, perfect for parties, appetizers, or even a quick weeknight meal, offering a simple yet elegant solution to your culinary needs.
Key Ingredients for Simple Delicious Cocktail Meatballs
To create these irresistible Simple Delicious Cocktail Meatballs, you’ll need the following ingredients:
For the Meatballs:
- 1.5 lbs lean ground beef (80/20 or 85/15 recommended for juiciness)
- 1/2 cup unseasoned breadcrumbs (Panko for a lighter texture)
- 1/4 cup finely chopped yellow onion
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped (optional, for garnish)
For the Cocktail Sauce:
- 1 (12 ounce) jar grape jelly
- 1 (12 ounce) bottle chili sauce (like Heinz Chili Sauce)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (for a touch of tang)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (enhances depth of flavor)
How to Make Simple Delicious Cocktail Meatballs
These Simple Delicious Cocktail Meatballs are incredibly easy to prepare, surprisingly delicious, and undeniably satisfying. With their tender texture and a sweet and savory sauce that truly sings, they’re guaranteed to be a hit. The simplicity of this recipe, coupled with its rich flavors, makes it a standout choice for any occasion. From start to finish, you can have these meatballs ready in about 35-45 minutes, with only 15-20 minutes of active preparation time.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Here’s a detailed breakdown of how to prepare your Simple Delicious Cocktail Meatballs:
Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. This prevents the meatballs from sticking and ensures even baking.
Combine Meatball Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, gently combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, finely chopped yellow onion, beaten egg, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough meatballs. Mix just until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
Form the Meatballs: Using your hands, roll the meat mixture into small, uniform meatballs, about 1-inch in diameter. Aim for consistency in size to ensure they cook evenly. This recipe typically yields about 30-40 meatballs, depending on their size.
Bake the Meatballs: Arrange the formed meatballs in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and browned on the outside. An internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) indicates they are done. You can also pan-fry them for extra browning if preferred, but baking is less messy.
Prepare the Cocktail Sauce: While the meatballs are baking, prepare the cocktail sauce. In a medium saucepan, combine the grape jelly, chili sauce, apple cider vinegar, and Dijon mustard.
Simmer the Sauce: Heat the sauce mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the grape jelly is completely melted and the sauce is smooth and simmering. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Once simmering, reduce the heat to low to keep the sauce warm.
Combine Meatballs and Sauce: Once the meatballs are cooked, you have a few options:
- Option A (For stovetop/slow cooker): Drain any excess fat from the cooked meatballs. Transfer the meatballs directly into the saucepan with the warm cocktail sauce. Stir gently to coat all the meatballs evenly.
- Option B (For serving separately): Place the cooked meatballs in a serving dish and pour the warm sauce over them just before serving.
Serve & Garnish: If using, garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a touch of color and freshness. Serve hot with toothpicks, as an appetizer, or alongside rice for a more substantial meal.
Why You’ll Love This Simple Delicious Cocktail Meatballs
You’ll quickly fall in love with these Simple Delicious Cocktail Meatballs because they strike the perfect balance between comfort food and effortless elegance. The star of the show is undeniably the sweet and tangy sauce, which coats each tender meatball in a glossy, flavorful embrace. This dish elevates simple ingredients into something truly special, offering a gourmet taste experience without the gourmet price tag.
Making these meatballs at home is a fantastic way to save money compared to store-bought options or catering, allowing you to enjoy a generous portion without breaking the bank. The rich blend of grape jelly and chili sauce, enhanced by a hint of apple cider vinegar and Dijon, creates a complex flavor profile that’s both nostalgic and incredibly satisfying. Much like a classic BBQ meatball, but with its own unique twist, these provide a delightful burst of sweetness with a subtle kick. Don’t just take our word for it—try these Simple Delicious Cocktail Meatballs at home and discover your new favorite party appetizer!
Storing and Reheating Tips
These Simple Delicious Cocktail Meatballs are not only fantastic fresh but also store and reheat beautifully, making them perfect for meal prep or enjoying leftovers.
Storing Leftovers:
Once cooled, transfer any leftover Simple Delicious Cocktail Meatballs and sauce into an airtight container. Refrigerate promptly within two hours of cooking. They will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For optimal freshness, ensure the container is well-sealed to prevent air exposure, which can dry out the meatballs.
Freezing for Future Meals:
If you want to prepare a batch for future meals, these meatballs freeze exceptionally well.
- Cooked Meatballs with Sauce: Allow the cooked meatballs and sauce to cool completely. Transfer them into freezer-safe airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Label with the date. They can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Cooked Meatballs without Sauce: If you prefer to make fresh sauce later, you can freeze the cooked meatballs on their own. Once cooled, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid (this prevents them from sticking together). Then, transfer the frozen meatballs to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to use, thaw and add to freshly prepared sauce.
Reheating Tips:
- Microwave: For a quick reheat, place a portion of meatballs and sauce in a microwave-safe dish. Heat on medium power, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
- Stovetop: For larger quantities, transfer the meatballs and sauce to a saucepan. Heat over medium-low heat, stirring frequently, until simmering and thoroughly warmed. This method helps maintain the sauce’s texture.
- Oven: If reheating a bigger batch or prefer a slightly crisper texture (especially if they were frozen without sauce), preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Place the meatballs (with or without sauce) in an oven-safe dish, cover loosely with foil, and heat for 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through. If reheating with sauce, stir halfway through.
Final Thoughts
These Simple Delicious Cocktail Meatballs are truly a testament to how humble ingredients can create something extraordinary and universally loved. We encourage you to whip up a batch, whether for a bustling party or a cozy evening at home, and savor the simple joy they bring.
try also :
- Lentil and Sweet Potato Salad
- Cranberry Brie Bites
- Crispy Sweet Potato Bites
- Matcha Cake Recipe
- find more in Pinterest
Simple Delicious Cocktail Meatballs
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. This prevents the meatballs from sticking and ensures even baking.
- Combine Meatball Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, gently combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, finely chopped yellow onion, beaten egg, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough meatballs. Mix just until all ingredients are evenly distributed.1.5 lbs lean ground beef, 1/2 cup unseasoned breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup finely chopped yellow onion, 1 large egg, 2 cloves garlic, 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Form the Meatballs: Using your hands, roll the meat mixture into small, uniform meatballs, about 1-inch in diameter. Aim for consistency in size to ensure they cook evenly. This recipe typically yields about 30-40 meatballs, depending on their size.
- Bake the Meatballs: Arrange the formed meatballs in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and browned on the outside. An internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) indicates they are done. You can also pan-fry them for extra browning if preferred, but baking is less messy.
- Prepare the Cocktail Sauce: While the meatballs are baking, prepare the cocktail sauce. In a medium saucepan, combine the grape jelly, chili sauce, apple cider vinegar, and Dijon mustard.1 12 ounce_jar grape jelly, 1 12 ounce_bottle chili sauce, 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Simmer the Sauce: Heat the sauce mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the grape jelly is completely melted and the sauce is smooth and simmering. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Once simmering, reduce the heat to low to keep the sauce warm.
- Combine Meatballs and Sauce: Once the meatballs are cooked, you have a few options:
- Option A (For stovetop/slow cooker): Drain any excess fat from the cooked meatballs. Transfer the meatballs directly into the saucepan with the warm cocktail sauce. Stir gently to coat all the meatballs evenly.
- Option B (For serving separately): Place the cooked meatballs in a serving dish and pour the warm sauce over them just before serving.
- Serve & Garnish: If using, garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a touch of color and freshness. Serve hot with toothpicks, as an appetizer, or alongside rice for a more substantial meal.1 tablespoon fresh parsley