Transform your next gathering into a flavor-packed celebration with these irresistible Cocktail Meatballs! Made with a savory blend of ground beef and pork, Parmesan cheese, and aromatic spices, these tender, oven-baked meatballs are elevated by a sweet and tangy homemade sauce featuring grape jelly, ketchup, and a hint of Worcestershire heat. With just 15 minutes of prep time, these bites are the ultimate crowd-pleasing appetizer, perfect for parties, game-day spreads, or holiday feasts. Serve them warm with toothpicks for a classy finger food option, or over rice or pasta for a hearty meal. Easy to make, full of flavor, and guaranteed to disappear fast, this Cocktail Meatballs recipe is party food perfection!
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well combined, but do not overmix.
Shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until they are cooked through and lightly browned.
While the meatballs bake, prepare the sauce. In a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat, combine the ketchup, grape jelly, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, and red pepper flakes. Stir until the sauce is smooth and heated through.
Once the meatballs are done baking, transfer them to the skillet with the sauce. Gently toss to coat the meatballs evenly in the sauce.
Lower the heat to a simmer and cook the meatballs in the sauce for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld.
Serve the cocktail meatballs warm, either straight from the skillet or using toothpicks for easy serving. They pair wonderfully with party appetizers or as a main course with rice or pasta.
Calories |
2952 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 174.7 g | 224% | |
| Saturated Fat | 61.8 g | 309% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4.6 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 772 mg | 258% | |
| Sodium | 5179 mg | 225% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 193.7 g | 70% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 4.8 g | 17% | |
| Total Sugars | 109.3 g | ||
| Protein | 160.3 g | 321% | |
| Vitamin D | 2.0 mcg | 10% | |
| Calcium | 510 mg | 39% | |
| Iron | 14.7 mg | 82% | |
| Potassium | 1590 mg | 34% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.