Cocktail Meatballs Recipe
Description: These cocktail meatballs are a delightful addition to any party spread or as a quick weeknight dinner option. They are perfect for potlucks, pleasing both kids and adults alike. Plus, they can be prepared in advance and frozen, making them ideal for unexpected guests or busy weeknights.
Recipe Category: Meat
Keywords: Kid Friendly, Potluck, Weeknight, Oven, < 4 Hours
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Lean ground beef | 1 1/2 lbs |
| Egg | 1 |
| Worcestershire sauce | 2 tbsp |
| Tabasco sauce | 3 dashes |
| Black pepper | 1/2 tsp |
| Chili sauce | 1/2 cup |
| Bread crumbs | 1/2 cup |
| Grape jelly or jam | 1/4 cup + 3 tbsp |
| Cocktail meatballs (approx.) | 24 |
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 213.9
- Fat Content: 0.8g
- Saturated Fat Content: 0.2g
- Cholesterol Content: 21.2mg
- Sodium Content: 166.3mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 52.5g
- Fiber Content: 1g
- Sugar Content: 35.6g
- Protein Content: 1.6g
Cooking Instructions:
-
Preheat oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your oven is ready for baking the meatballs.
-
Prepare the meatball mixture: In a large mixing bowl, beat the egg and then add Worcestershire sauce, Tabasco sauce, black pepper, 1/4 cup of grape jelly or jam, and 3 tablespoons of chili sauce. Mix these ingredients until well combined.
-
Incorporate ground beef: Add the lean ground beef to the mixture in the bowl. Use your hands or a spoon to blend the beef thoroughly with the other ingredients.
-
Add bread crumbs: Once the beef is blended, incorporate the bread crumbs into the mixture. This helps bind the ingredients together and adds texture to the meatballs.
-
Shape the meatballs: With clean hands, shape the mixture into meatballs of uniform size. Place them evenly spaced on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased to prevent sticking.
-
Bake the meatballs: Place the baking sheet with the meatballs in the preheated oven. Bake them at 375°F (190°C) for approximately 30 minutes or until they are cooked through and lightly browned.
-
Prepare the sauce: While the meatballs are baking, prepare the sauce. In a large saucepan, combine the remaining grape jelly or jam and chili sauce. Stir well to mix.
-
Cook the sauce: Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the jelly-chili sauce mixture to a boil. Once it starts boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer.
-
Combine meatballs with sauce: When the meatballs are done baking, carefully transfer them to the simmering sauce in the saucepan. Allow them to cook in the sauce for an additional 15 minutes, ensuring they are fully coated and heated through.
-
Serve and enjoy: Once the meatballs are cooked in the sauce, they are ready to be served. Arrange them on a platter with toothpicks for easy serving, and watch them disappear at your next gathering!
These cocktail meatballs are sure to be a hit at any occasion, whether it’s a potluck, a weeknight dinner, or a special celebration. Their savory-sweet flavor and tender texture make them irresistible to guests of all ages. Plus, with the option to make them ahead and freeze them, you can always have a delicious appetizer or meal on hand whenever you need it. So go ahead, whip up a batch of these tasty meatballs and enjoy the smiles they bring to your table! 🍽️🎉
