Sassy Cocktail Meatballs
Sassy Cocktail Meatballs are flavorful, tangy, and perfect for parties or casual gatherings, featuring a sweet and savory sauce with green peppers and spices.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lb. lean ground beef ⓘ
- 1 slightly beaten egg ⓘ
- 1/8 tsp. black pepper ⓘ
- 1/3 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. prepared mustard ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. margarine ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. brown sugar ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. bread crumbs ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/3 cup chopped green pepper ⓘ
- 4 tsp. Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. wine vinegar ⓘ
- 1 (15 oz.) can tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1/8 tsp. garlic powder ⓘ
Instructions
- Mix ground beef, bread crumbs, beaten egg, salt, and black pepper in a bowl.
- Shape the mixture into small meatballs.
- Fry or broil the meatballs until browned, turning once.
- Drain well after cooking.
- In a saucepan, sauté chopped onions and green peppers until tender.
- Add prepared mustard, margarine, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, wine vinegar, tomato sauce, and garlic powder to the saucepan.
- Stir until the sugar is dissolved, then pour the sauce over the cooked meatballs.
- Simmer covered on low heat for 15 to 30 minutes and serve hot.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider adding minced garlic or fresh herbs like parsley to the meat mixture. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. If you prefer a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes to the sauce. Pair these meatballs with a side of pasta or rice to soak up the delicious sauce. For a twist, try using barbecue sauce instead of tomato sauce.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Sassy Cocktail Meatballs over a bed of rice or alongside crusty bread to soak up the sauce. They also make a great appetizer for parties. Pair them with a fresh salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal. For a fun twist, serve them in sub rolls for Meatball Heroes, topped with cheese and herbs.
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 little water or sauce to prevent drying out. You can also microwave them on medium power, covered, in short intervals until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sassy Cocktail Meatballs contains roughly 590 calories, with 11g protein, 118g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (67% of the Daily Value), calcium (23% of the Daily Value), and protein (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 477mg per serving (21% 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 in advance and refrigerate them until you're ready to cook. They can also be frozen before or after cooking. Just thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
What can I use if I don't have Worcestershire sauce?
If you don't have Worcestershire sauce, you can substitute it with soy sauce mixed with a little vinegar and sugar to mimic the flavor. Alternatively, a combination of balsamic vinegar and a touch of honey can also work in a pinch.
How can I make these meatballs gluten-free?
To make these meatballs gluten-free, simply substitute regular bread crumbs with gluten-free bread crumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. Ensure all other ingredients, especially sauces, are labeled gluten-free.
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).