Best 2 Tailgate Meatballs Recipes

**Tailgate Meatballs: A Game Day Delight**

Indulge in the ultimate game day appetizer with our tantalizing tailgate meatballs! These savory morsels are bursting with flavor, packed with juicy ground beef, aromatic spices, and a secret ingredient that adds an irresistible zest. Whether you're hosting a tailgate party or simply craving a delectable snack, these meatballs are sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Our collection of tailgate meatball recipes offers a variety of options to suit every taste. From classic meatballs simmered in a rich tomato sauce to tangy Asian-inspired meatballs glazed with a sweet and sour sauce, there's a recipe here for every tailgate enthusiast.

For those who love a traditional twist, our classic tailgate meatballs are a must-try. Made with a blend of ground beef, pork, and veal, these meatballs are simmered in a flavorful tomato sauce until tender and juicy. Serve them with toothpicks for easy snacking and watch them disappear in no time.

If you prefer something with a bit of a kick, our spicy tailgate meatballs are sure to satisfy. These meatballs are packed with a blend of chili powder, cumin, and paprika, and coated in a zesty tomato sauce. They're perfect for those who love a little heat in their food.

For a unique and flavorful option, our Asian-inspired tailgate meatballs are a must-try. These meatballs are made with a combination of ground pork and shrimp, and glazed with a sweet and sour sauce made with hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, and ginger. They're sure to be a hit at your next tailgate party.

No matter which recipe you choose, our tailgate meatballs are sure to be a hit. So gather your ingredients, fire up the grill, and get ready to enjoy the perfect game day appetizer!

Here are our top 2 tried and tested recipes!

TAILGATE MEATBALLS

Tailgate Meatballs image

These tasty, slow cooked, cocktail meatballs simmered in cranberry sauce will disappear quickly from anyone's holiday party.

Provided by CHEF GRPA

Categories Meat

Time 1h50m

Yield 10 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 9

Ingredients

1 lb lean ground beef
1 egg
2 tablespoons water
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
3 tablespoons minced onions
1 (8 ounce) can jellied cranberry sauce
3/4 cup chili sauce
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons lemon juice

Steps:

Preheat oven to 350*F. (175*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.
My Update Note: I have been making these meatballs for 30 years or more. I however use cornflakes crumbs instead of bread crumbs. I also put 1/3 cup parsley; I use 1/4 cup ketchup instead of water and 1 teaspoons soy sauce. Just a thought from an old chef.
Sometime I used frozen meatballs. Most jellied cranberry sauce come in 16 oz cans so if you decide to use the whole can you'll need to double all the other ingredients. Typical chili sauce comes in 12oz. bottle so you'll need two bottles if you use the full can of cranberry. Hope this helps your shopping.
I have made these numerous times and am ashamed to admit I'm just now reviewing them. Wonderful addition to the regular grape jelly recipes out there with great meatballs -- Based on experience and personal preference with these cocktail meatballs I offer the following suggestions: 1.) Add one packet of Lipton onion soup mix to the meatball mixture if you do not have time to mince or grate the onion. 2.) Bake meatballs over a drip pan to reduce the fat before adding to the sauce. 3.) If using frozen meatballs ENSURE you DO NOT use Italian meatballs as this upsets the balance of the meatballs and sauce (yuck)! 3.) Make the sauce the day before to let the flavors marry - I can't stress what a difference this makes! This recipe gets better the next day. 4.) The Heinz sauce in the round bottle seems to be the best chili sauce for this mixture. Reviewers: I seriously dislike people that rate a recipe based on the changes they have made to the original. I want to state that I rated this recipe on the recipe Lara submitted. The changes I suggested were based on my family's personal preference.

SPICY TAILGATE MEATBALLS

Spicy Tailgate Meatballs image

These meatballs are a BIG hit at any tailgate or football party. Not only are they delicious, but the presentation is easy, fun and brings cheers from the fans! Serve them in a large pumpkin which you've cleaned out and painted your team's logo on the front. Put the serving toothpicks or cocktail forks in a wee little cleaned out...

Provided by Joyce Conway

Categories Meat Appetizers

Time 1h30m

Number Of Ingredients 13

Ingredients

1 lb ground chuck
1 lb bulk italian sausage, hot or sweet
1 medium onion, finely diced
1 medium green or red sweet pepper, finely diced
2 granny smith apples, peeled and finely diced
2 c catsup, divided
2 tsp sea salt
2 tsp granulated garlic
1 tsp red chili pepper flakes
2 large eggs
1 1/2 c panko bread crumbs
2 13 ounce jars habanero or jalapeno pepper jelly
2 14 ounce cans whole berry cranberry sauce

Steps:

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
2. In a large mixing bowl, add ground chuck, sausage, onion, sweet pepper, half of the diced apples, ½ cup catsup, sea salt, pepper, chili pepper flakes, granulated garlic, Panko bread crumbs, and eggs. Using your hands, mix until combined, but do not over mix.
3. Spray large baking sheets with cooking spray. Roll meatballs slightly smaller than the size of golf balls. Place on baking sheets. Bake for 20 minutes. Cool completely leaving them on the baking sheets. (Can be refrigerated to cool)
4. While meatballs are cooling, combine remaining diced apples, remaining catsup, pepper jelly, and cranberry sauce in a medium saucepan. Over medium low heat, stir until well blended. Reduce heat to low and cook an additional 10 minutes.
5. Carefully add cooled meatballs. Stir gently and continue to cook over low heat until meatballs are heated through. Place meatballs and sauce in crock pot on warm setting, or in other serving dish that can be kept warm. Serve with appetizer toothpicks on the side.Enjoy

Tips:

Choose the right meatballs: Use a combination of ground beef and pork for a flavorful and juicy meatball. You can also use ground turkey or chicken for a healthier option.
Make sure the meatballs are cooked through: Cook the meatballs until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). You can use a meat thermometer to check the temperature.
Use a flavorful sauce: The sauce is what really makes these meatballs special. Try using a homemade sauce made with fresh tomatoes, garlic, and herbs. You can also use a store-bought sauce, but be sure to add some of your own spices and herbs to give it a personal touch.
Serve the meatballs hot: Meatballs are best served hot and fresh. You can keep them warm in a slow cooker or chafing dish until you're ready to serve them.

Conclusion:

These tailgate meatballs are the perfect party food. They're easy to make, delicious, and can be served with a variety of dipping sauces. So next time you're tailgating, be sure to give this recipe a try. Your friends and family will love them!