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Classic Sweet and Tangy Cocktail Meatballs

Close-up of shiny, dark red glazed cocktail meatballs piled high in a small white bowl.
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Make these easy, nostalgic cocktail meatballs simmered in a glossy, sweet and tangy sauce, perfect for slow cookers at any party.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs ground beef (80/20 recommended)
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
  • 1 (12 ounce) jar grape jelly
  • 1 (15 ounce) can chili sauce (not hot sauce)
  • 1/4 cup bourbon or beef broth
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, salt, pepper, and chopped onion. Mix gently with your hands until just combined; do not overmix.
  3. Roll the mixture into small, uniform meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter. You should get about 40 to 50 meatballs.
  4. Place the meatballs on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 15 to 18 minutes, or until browned throughout. Drain off any excess grease.
  5. While the meatballs bake, prepare the sauce. In a medium saucepan, combine the grape jelly, chili sauce, bourbon or beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce.
  6. Heat the sauce mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly until the jelly is fully melted and the sauce is smooth and simmering. This sauce is a great alternative to complicated meal planning.
  7. Transfer the cooked meatballs to a slow cooker or a serving dish. Pour the warm sauce over the meatballs and stir gently to coat them completely.
  8. Set the slow cooker to the ‘Keep Warm’ setting for serving. If using a serving dish, cover tightly and keep warm in a low oven (200°F) until ready to serve.

Notes

  • For best results and to prevent crumbling, chill the raw meatballs for 15 minutes before baking.
  • If you skip the bourbon, beef broth adds necessary liquid for a good sauce consistency.
  • These meatballs hold well in a slow cooker for up to 3 hours, making them ideal for parties where you need a reliable appetizer, unlike some meal delivery companies that require immediate consumption.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://carlacooking.com/cocktail-meatballs-recipe-sweet-tangy-sauce/