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Cocktail Meatballs

Cocktail meatballs are an easy and delicious appetizer perfect for any gathering, combining sweet and savory flavors that are loved by both adults and children.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 16 meatballs
Course: Appetizer, Party Food
Cuisine: American
Calories: 40
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Meatballs
  • 1 lb. ground beef Use lean ground beef for a healthier option.
  • 2 large eggs Bind the ingredients together.
  • 0.5 cup breadcrumbs Use plain or Italian style breadcrumbs.
  • 0.25 cup medium onion, finely chopped Add flavor to the meatballs.
  • 0.25 cup freshly chopped parsley Plus more for garnish.
  • to taste Kosher salt Season to preference.
  • to taste freshly ground black pepper Season to preference.
For the Sauce
  • 2 cups canned cranberry sauce Provides sweetness and tartness.
  • 1 cup barbecue sauce Choose a favorite for flavor.
  • 0.5 cup sweet chili sauce Adds sweetness and a touch of heat.
  • 2 Tbsp. apple cider vinegar Balances sweetness.
  • 1 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce Enhances umami flavor.
  • pinch red pepper flakes Adjust for desired spiciness.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, eggs, breadcrumbs, chopped onion, and parsley. Season with Kosher salt and black pepper and mix well.
  3. Form the mixture into meatballs about 1 to 2 inches in diameter, making around 16 meatballs. Place them in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
Baking
  1. Bake the meatballs for 10 minutes, then flip them over and continue baking for another 10 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
Sauce Preparation
  1. While the meatballs are baking, prepare the sauce in a large skillet over medium heat. Add cranberry sauce, barbecue sauce, sweet chili sauce, apple cider vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce. Whisk until smooth.
  2. Add red pepper flakes and salt to taste, stirring until heated through and fragrant.
Combining
  1. Once the meatballs are done baking, transfer them carefully to the skillet with the sauce and gently stir to coat.
  2. Cook for a few more minutes until the sauce thickens and clings to the meatballs.
  3. Garnish with more fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

These meatballs can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator or frozen for later use. Adjust the seasoning and sauce ingredients to your preference.