Appetizer Meat Balls
These savory meatballs are perfect for appetizers or casual gatherings, offering tender beef balls coated in a sweet and tangy cranberry-tomato sauce. The blend of herbs and seasonings makes them flavorful and crowd-pleasing, ideal for entertaining or family meals.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine ground beef, seasoned bread crumbs, onion flakes, parsley flakes, salt, ground pepper, egg, and catsup in a bowl.
- Shape the mixture into 1-inch diameter balls.
- Brown the meatballs on all sides in a skillet.
- Remove the browned meatballs from the skillet and drain excess fat.
- In a separate pot, combine cranberry sauce and tomato sauce.
- Pour the sauce mixture over the meatballs in the pot.
- Cover and simmer over low heat for about 45 minutes.
- Serve the meatballs in a chafing dish with toothpicks.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider mixing in some grated Parmesan cheese or finely chopped garlic to the meatball mixture. If you're out of seasoned bread crumbs, you can make your own by combining plain bread crumbs with Italian seasoning. For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes. These meatballs can also be made with ground turkey for a lighter option.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these meatballs as a delightful appetizer at your next gathering, accompanied by toothpicks for easy serving. They pair beautifully with a side of crispy bread or fresh vegetable sticks. For a complete meal, consider serving them over a bed of rice or pasta, or alongside a fresh salad like the Grilled Steak And Vegetable Salad for a balanced plate.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place them in a saucepan over low heat with a splash of water or sauce to prevent drying out. Cover and heat gently until warmed through. For longer storage, freeze meatballs in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to three months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Appetizer Meat Balls contains roughly 588 calories, with 21g protein, 128g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (112% of the Daily Value), iron (79% of the Daily Value), and calcium (49% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1361mg per serving (59% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of meat for these meatballs?
Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or pork can be used as alternatives to beef. Each will give the meatballs a slightly different flavor and texture. Just be sure to adjust cooking times if using leaner meats to prevent them from drying out.
How can I make these meatballs gluten-free?
To make gluten-free meatballs, substitute seasoned bread crumbs with gluten-free bread crumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. Additionally, check the labels on the catsup and sauces to ensure they are gluten-free. This way, everyone can enjoy this dish without gluten concerns.
What can I serve with these meatballs?
These meatballs are versatile and can be served with various sides. Consider offering a selection of dips, like ranch or barbecue sauce. They also pair well with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables. For a heartier meal, serve them over pasta or in a sub roll for a delicious meatball sandwich.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).