Favorite Cocktail Meatballs
Savory meatballs in a smoky barbecue and tomato sauce glaze, perfect for entertaining or casual dinners, with bold flavors and tender texture that appeal to all meat lovers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine ground beef, mashed garlic, cracker crumbs, milk, eggs, parsley, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Mix well.
- Shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs.
- Place the meatballs on baking sheets.
- Bake at 300°F (150°C) for 10 minutes.
- In a saucepan, mix tomato sauce, barbecue sauce, liquid smoke, garlic salt, onion salt, and Worcestershire sauce. Season with salt and pepper.
- Simmer the sauce for 20 minutes.
- Add the baked meatballs to the sauce.
- Simmer together for 1 hour.
- Serve in a chafing dish.
Tips & Substitutions
For an extra flavor boost, consider adding grated Parmesan cheese to the meatball mixture. If you prefer a healthier option, ground turkey or chicken can be used instead of beef. For a gluten-free version, substitute the cracker crumbs with gluten-free bread crumbs. Keep an eye on the meatballs while baking to prevent them from drying out.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these meatballs on toothpicks for a fun appetizer or over a bed of rice for a hearty meal. They pair beautifully with a side of Hungry Jake Biscuits for a comforting touch. Consider serving alongside a fresh salad, like Marinated Steak Salad, to balance the richness of the dish.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover meatballs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a saucepan over low heat with a splash of sauce until warmed through. Alternatively, you can microwave them in a covered dish for about 1-2 minutes, making sure to stir halfway through for even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Favorite Cocktail Meatballs contains roughly 645 calories, with 43g protein, 98g carbohydrates, and 16g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (143% of the Daily Value), and potassium (106% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1883mg per serving (82% 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 the meatballs ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the meatballs in advance and refrigerate them before baking. This can help the flavors meld together. Alternatively, you can bake the meatballs and then freeze them to enjoy later. Just ensure you thaw them properly before reheating in sauce.
What can I substitute for barbecue sauce?
If you don't have barbecue sauce on hand, you can use a mix of ketchup and a bit of honey or brown sugar for sweetness. Adding a splash of vinegar can also help mimic the tanginess of barbecue sauce, making it a good alternative.
Can I bake the meatballs instead of frying them?
Absolutely! Baking is a healthier method and works perfectly for this recipe. Just make sure to line your baking sheets with parchment paper for easier cleanup. Baking at a lower temperature allows the meatballs to cook evenly without drying out.
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).