Cocktail Meatballs Recipe
Cocktail meatballs are a classic party appetizer — bite-size beef meatballs simmered in a sweet-and-savory chili sauce and grape jelly glaze.
They’re easy to make ahead for holidays and gatherings, and this batch makes about five dozen appetizers — perfect for a crowd.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 cup dried bread crumbs
- 1/3 cup milk
- 1 egg
- 1 tbsp snipped parsley
- 1/3 cup minced onions
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 cup shortening
- 1 (12 oz) bottle Heinz chili sauce
- 1 (10 oz) jar Welch's grape jelly
Instructions
- Combine ground beef, bread crumbs, milk, egg, parsley, onions, salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce. Gently shape into 1-inch balls.
- Melt shortening in a large skillet and brown the meatballs. Remove meatballs and pour off fat.
- Heat chili sauce and grape jelly in the skillet, stirring until the jelly is melted.
- Add meatballs and stir to coat. Simmer uncovered for 30 minutes.
Note: For cocktail sausages, substitute 4 jars (4½ oz each) cocktail sausages for the meatballs and simmer in the jelly mixture for 20 minutes.
Cocktail Meatballs FAQ
How many cocktail meatballs does this recipe make?
This recipe makes about five dozen (around 60) bite-size cocktail meatballs.
Can I make cocktail meatballs ahead of time?
Yes. You can brown the meatballs and refrigerate them, then rewarm by simmering in the chili sauce and grape jelly mixture before serving.
What sauce is used for these cocktail meatballs?
The sauce is a sweet-and-savory mix of chili sauce and grape jelly, simmered until smooth and glossy.
Can I substitute cocktail sausages for the meatballs?
Yes. Substitute cocktail sausages and simmer them in the jelly mixture for about 20 minutes.