Best 6 Classic Cocktail Meatballs Recipes

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Indulge in a culinary journey with our delectable Classic Cocktail Meatballs, a timeless appetizer that tantalizes taste buds and elevates any gathering. These meatballs, steeped in a symphony of flavors, are crafted with a blend of ground beef, pork, and veal, ensuring a moist and succulent texture. Delicately seasoned with a medley of herbs, spices, and a hint of Worcestershire sauce, they are then meticulously browned to perfection, capturing their savory essence. The meatballs are lovingly nestled in a luscious sauce, a harmonious blend of tangy tomato, rich beef broth, and a touch of sweetness from brown sugar. This irresistible sauce envelops each meatball, creating a delectable symphony of flavors that will leave you craving more.

Our collection of recipes caters to diverse dietary preferences and cooking styles. For those seeking a traditional approach, the Classic Cocktail Meatballs recipe offers a straightforward guide to creating these timeless treats. For a tantalizing twist, the Asian-Inspired Cocktail Meatballs infuse the dish with an exotic flair, using a combination of soy sauce, ginger, and garlic to create a uniquely savory and aromatic experience. If you're drawn to bold flavors, the Sweet and Spicy Cocktail Meatballs tantalize the palate with a luscious glaze of brown sugar, Sriracha, and Dijon mustard, creating a delightful balance of sweet heat.

For those with dietary restrictions, the Gluten-Free Cocktail Meatballs provide a delicious alternative, using gluten-free bread crumbs and flour to ensure everyone can savor these delectable morsels. And for those who prefer a vegetarian option, the Vegetarian Cocktail Meatballs offer a delightful plant-based alternative, crafted with a combination of lentils, mushrooms, and walnuts, capturing the essence of the classic dish while catering to a meatless lifestyle.

No matter your preference, our Classic Cocktail Meatballs and its variations promise an unforgettable culinary experience, transforming any occasion into a memorable feast.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

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

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

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

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

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 can make the meatballs tough.
  • Brown the meatballs before simmering them: This will help to develop their flavor and give them a nice crust.
  • Use a flavorful sauce: The sauce is what really makes these meatballs special, so be sure to choose one that you love.
  • Serve the meatballs hot: Meatballs are best served hot, so be sure to keep them warm until you're ready to serve them.

Conclusion:

These classic cocktail meatballs are a delicious and easy-to-make appetizer that are perfect for any party or gathering. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create these tasty little bites that will be sure to impress your guests. So next time you're looking for a quick and easy appetizer, give these classic cocktail meatballs a try. You won't be disappointed!

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