Judy'S Cocktail Meat Balls
Judy's Cocktail Meat Balls are flavorful, savory bite-sized treats perfect for parties or casual gatherings, featuring a sweet and tangy chili-jelly sauce to enhance the rich meat flavor.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix ground beef, dry bread crumbs, minced onion, milk, and egg well.
- Add parsley, salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce; mix until combined.
- Shape mixture into 1-inch meatballs.
- In a skillet, melt shortening and cook meatballs until browned on all sides.
- Prepare sauce by combining chili sauce and grape jelly in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Add cooked meatballs to the sauce and simmer until heated through and well coated.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider adding minced garlic or herbs like thyme to the meatball mixture. If you don't have ground beef, ground turkey or chicken can work as great substitutes. Make sure to keep the meatballs small for even cooking. If you prefer a sweeter sauce, adjust the grape jelly amount to taste, or try adding a splash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
Serving Suggestions
These cocktail meatballs are perfect for parties, served with toothpicks for easy snacking. They pair beautifully with a side of Corn Bread Chili Pie for a hearty meal. For a complete spread, consider serving with a fresh vegetable platter or a light salad. They also make a great addition to any game day feast, alongside chips and dips.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or sauce to prevent drying out. Cover with a lid and heat until warmed through, about 10 minutes. Alternatively, you can microwave them for 1-2 minutes, checking frequently.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Judy'S Cocktail Meat Balls contains roughly 721 calories, with 11g protein, 115g carbohydrates, and 25g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (48% of the Daily Value), iron (27% of the Daily Value), and calcium (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2429mg per serving (106% 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 a day in advance. After shaping them, refrigerate until ready to cook. You can also freeze them before cooking. Just thaw in the refrigerator overnight before cooking as directed.
What can I substitute for grape jelly?
If you don't have grape jelly, you can use other fruit preserves like raspberry or apricot for a different flavor. Alternatively, a mix of honey and a bit of vinegar can mimic the sweetness and tang.
How do I make the sauce less sweet?
To reduce the sweetness of the sauce, consider adding a bit of soy sauce or vinegar to balance the flavors. You can also increase the amount of chili sauce to enhance the savory notes.
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).