Myrna'S Cocktail Meatballs
Sweet and tangy cranberry meatballs with a hint of garlic and soy, perfect for parties or family dinners, offering a flavorful, crowd-pleasing appetizer or main course.
Ingredients
- 2 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 1 cup corn flakes or bread and cracker crumbs ⓘ
- 1/3 cup parsley, minced ⓘ
- 2 eggs ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. soy sauce ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. garlic powder ⓘ
- 1/3 cup catsup ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. instant minced onion ⓘ
- 1 (1 lb.) can jellied cranberry sauce ⓘ
- 1 (12 oz.) bottle chili sauce ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. packed dark brown sugar ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. lemon juice ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Combine ground beef, bread or cracker crumbs, minced parsley, eggs, soy sauce, pepper, garlic powder, catsup, and minced onion in a large bowl.
- Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Form the mixture into small meatballs and place them in a baking dish for marinating or baking.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using crushed garlic instead of garlic powder. If you're short on corn flakes, crushed crackers or bread crumbs work well as substitutes. Make sure to mix the ingredients gently to avoid overworking the meat, keeping the meatballs tender. You can also use ground turkey for a lighter option. This recipe is inspired by classic American recipes.
Serving Suggestions
These meatballs are perfect as a party appetizer or served over rice for a cozy meal. Pair them with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a balanced dish. They also complement dishes like Buffet Beef Stew or Easy-Excellent Meat Loaf for a hearty spread. For a fun twist, serve with toothpicks and a selection of dipping sauces.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the meatballs in a baking dish with a bit of sauce and cover with foil. Heat in a preheated 350°F oven for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through, ensuring they remain moist.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Myrna'S Cocktail Meatballs contains roughly 638 calories, with 26g protein, 140g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (257% of the Daily Value), iron (81% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (69% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% 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?
Absolutely! You can prepare the meatball mixture and form the meatballs a day in advance. Store them in the refrigerator until you're ready to bake. This makes them a great option for meal prep or entertaining.
What can I do if I don't have chili sauce?
If you're out of chili sauce, you can substitute it with a mix of ketchup and hot sauce or a homemade barbecue sauce. This will give your meatballs a slightly different flavor but will still be delicious.
Can I freeze the meatballs?
Yes, these meatballs freeze well! After baking, allow them to cool completely, then place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. Reheat directly from frozen in the oven.
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).