Transform your next gathering with these irresistible Saucy Cocktail Meatballs, the perfect blend of savory and sweet flavors. Made with a tender mix of ground beef and pork, these meatballs are seasoned to perfection with garlic and onion powder, then browned for a deliciously caramelized exterior. The star of the show is the rich, tangy sauce made with a surprising combination of ketchup, grape jelly, soy sauce, and apple cider vinegar, offering the perfect balance of sweetness and umami. Simmered to juicy, saucy perfection in just 30 minutes, these homemade cocktail meatballs are ideal as a crowd-pleasing appetizer or served over rice for an easy dinner. Quick to prepare, loaded with flavor, and utterly satisfying, theyβre sure to become a new favorite at your table!
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and milk.
Use clean hands or a spoon to mix until thoroughly combined. Be careful not to overmix to prevent tough meatballs.
Form the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Working in batches if needed, brown the meatballs on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. They do not need to be fully cooked at this stage.
While the meatballs are browning, prepare the sauce. In a medium saucepan, combine ketchup, grape jelly, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and apple cider vinegar.
Cook the sauce over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until smooth and heated through, about 5 minutes.
Transfer the browned meatballs to the saucepan. Stir gently to coat them in the sauce.
Simmer the meatballs in the sauce over low heat for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the meatballs are fully cooked and the sauce thickens.
Serve the saucy cocktail meatballs warm as an appetizer or over rice for a main dish.
Calories |
3035 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 166.9 g | 214% | |
| Saturated Fat | 56.9 g | 284% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 727 mg | 242% | |
| Sodium | 6384 mg | 278% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 237.4 g | 86% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 5.7 g | 20% | |
| Total Sugars | 138.7 g | ||
| Protein | 154.3 g | 309% | |
| Vitamin D | 1.7 mcg | 8% | |
| Calcium | 282 mg | 22% | |
| Iron | 16.3 mg | 91% | |
| Potassium | 1833 mg | 39% | |
*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.