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Cocktail Meatballs

Cocktail Meatballs

Tender, juicy meatballs simmered in a sweet-and-tangy grape jelly and chili sauce glaze — the ultimate party appetizer that disappears in minutes. These crowd-pleasing bites are easy to make ahead, perfect for game nights, holiday spreads, and potlucks alike.

8 servings · Prep 20 min · Cook 35 min · Total 55 min

American · Appetizer · Dinner · Beverage

Ingredients

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Main

  • 1.5 lb lean ground beef 80/20 or leaner
  • 0.5 cup plain breadcrumbs
  • 1 large egg lightly beaten
  • 0.25 cup whole milk
  • 0.5 medium yellow onion finely grated or minced
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 0.75 tsp kosher salt
  • 0.25 tsp black pepper freshly ground

Sauce

  • 1 jar grape jelly
  • 1 bottle chili sauce such as Heinz
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard

Garnish

  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped

Equipment

  • Oven
  • Stovetop
  • Slow Cooker
  • Saucepan
  • Baking Dish
  • Aluminum Foil
  • Baking Sheet
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Toothpick
  • Measuring Cups
  • Wire Rack
  • Serving Dish
  • Measuring Spoons
  • Saucepan (5 Quarts)
  • Mixing Bowl (4 Quarts)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your #[Oven] to ![400°F]. Line a large #[Baking Sheet] with #[Aluminum Foil] and place a #[Wire Rack] on top (this lets fat drip away and keeps the meatballs round). In a large #[Mixing Bowl], combine the @[Lean Ground Beef], @[Breadcrumbs], @[Egg], @[Milk], grated @[Yellow Onion], @[Garlic Powder], @[Kosher Salt], and @[Black Pepper]. Mix gently with your hands just until combined — don't overwork the meat or the meatballs will be tough.
  2. Roll the meat mixture into 1-inch balls (about 1 tablespoon each) and arrange them in a single layer on the #[Wire Rack]. You should get about 40–48 meatballs. Bake for ~[15–18 minutes], until cooked through and lightly browned on the outside.
  3. While the meatballs bake, combine the @[Grape Jelly], @[Chili Sauce], @[Worcestershire Sauce], and @[Dijon Mustard] (if using) in a large #[Saucepan] over ^[medium heat]. Stir frequently until the jelly melts and the sauce is smooth and bubbling, about ~[5–7 minutes].
  4. Add the baked meatballs directly to the #[Saucepan]. Reduce heat to ^[low] and gently stir to coat every meatball in the glossy sauce. Simmer for ~[10–15 minutes], stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly and clings to the meatballs.
  5. Transfer to a serving dish or keep warm in a #[Slow Cooker] on the LOW setting. Garnish with chopped fresh @[Parsley] and serve with toothpicks for easy snacking.