Cocktail Meatballs (With Sauce)(These Meatballs Freeze Perfectly!)
Sweet and tangy cocktail meatballs with a savory sauce, perfect for parties or casual gatherings, combining chili sauce, grape jelly, and a touch of lemon and vinegar.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Beat the egg in a large bowl.
- Add salt, pepper, and bread cubes to the beaten egg.
- Add ground beef and minced onion to the mixture and mix well.
- Form the mixture into meatballs of desired size.
- Cook the meatballs until browned and cooked through, either by baking or frying.
- In a saucepan, combine chili sauce, grape jelly, lemon juice, and vinegar.
- Heat the sauce until the grape jelly melts and the mixture is well combined.
- Add the cooked meatballs to the sauce and simmer until heated through.
- Serve the cocktail meatballs with sauce hot.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider adding minced garlic or chopped herbs to the meatball mixture. If you don't have stale bread, fresh bread can be used; just dry it out slightly in the oven. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option, or use a mix of ground beef and pork for a richer taste. These meatballs are also great for batch cooking and can be made ahead for busy weeknights.
Serving Suggestions
These cocktail meatballs are perfect as an appetizer at parties or game day gatherings. Serve them with toothpicks for easy eating. They pair beautifully with a side of fresh vegetables or a simple salad. For a more substantial meal, serve alongside mashed potatoes or rice. For a delightful twist, try them with a side of your favorite BBQ sauce or even the sauce from the Camporee Cassoulet.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm in a saucepan over low heat until heated through, or microwave in short intervals.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cocktail Meatballs (With Sauce)(These Meatballs Freeze Perfectly!) contains roughly 380 calories, with 9g protein, 51g carbohydrates, and 17g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (185% of the Daily Value), potassium (32% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2181mg per serving (95% 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 make these meatballs ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the meatballs and sauce ahead of time. Form the meatballs and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before cooking. Alternatively, you can cook them fully and store them in the fridge or freezer, reheating when you're ready to serve.
What can I serve with the cocktail meatballs?
Cocktail meatballs are versatile and can be served with a variety of sides. They go well with crusty bread, a fresh garden salad, or even over rice. For a festive touch, offer them with a selection of dipping sauces like BBQ or ranch for guests to enjoy.
Can I use a different type of meat?
Absolutely! You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based meat alternative for a lighter or vegetarian option. Just be mindful that the cooking times may vary slightly depending on the meat used.
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).