Irresistible Sweet & Tangy Cocktail Meatballs Recipe for Crowds

These sweet and tangy cocktail meatballs will become your next party favorite, guaranteed to spark conversation and delight guests.

Small bites packed with big flavors create instant excitement around any gathering.

Juicy ground beef mingles with carefully selected spices for maximum taste impact.

Generous coating of rich sauce provides irresistible glossy appeal that makes everyone reach for seconds.

Perfectly sized and wonderfully seasoned, these little treasures work magic as appetizers or game day snacks.

Minimal prep time means maximum enjoyment, so roll up your sleeves and get cooking.

You’ll want to bookmark this crowd-pleasing recipe for future celebrations.

Why These Cocktail Meatballs Are Crowd Faves

• Crowd-Pleasing Appetizer: These sweet and tangy cocktail meatballs are a guaranteed hit at parties, perfect for impressing guests with minimal effort.
• Quick and Simple Preparation: Combining ground beef with basic pantry ingredients makes this recipe accessible for cooks of all skill levels, requiring just a few simple steps.
• Versatile Party Favorite: Ideal for game day gatherings, holiday events, or casual get-togethers, these meatballs can be served as an appetizer or main dish that everyone will love.
• No-Fuss Cooking Method: Baking the meatballs instead of frying means less mess and easier cleanup, while still achieving a deliciously browned exterior and juicy interior.

What You’ll Need for That Sweet & Tangy Kick

• Ground Beef: A protein-rich foundation that provides the main structure and flavor of the meatballs.
• Egg: Helps bind the meatball ingredients together and creates a tender texture.

• Bread Crumbs: Adds structure and helps absorb moisture to keep the meatballs from becoming too dense.
• Milk: Contributes moisture and helps create a softer meatball texture.

• Salt, Pepper: Classic seasonings that boost the overall taste of the meatballs.
• Chopped Onion: Provides a subtle aromatic flavor and additional moisture to the meat mixture.

• Grape Jelly: Creates a sweet base for the sauce with a smooth, fruity character.
• Chili Sauce: Adds tanginess and a slight kick to balance the sweetness of the grape jelly.

Quick Steps for Party-Ready Meatballs

Step 1: Prepare Oven and Baking Surface

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create Meatball Mixture

• Ground beef
• Egg
• Bread crumbs
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Milk
• Chopped onion

Blend ingredients thoroughly using your hands or a wooden spoon until everything is evenly distributed.

Step 3: Shape Delicious Morsels

Roll the meat mixture into small, uniform 1-inch round balls.

Make sure they are compact to prevent falling apart during cooking.

Step 4: Bake Meatballs

Place the shaped meatballs on the prepared baking sheet.

Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes or until they develop a golden-brown exterior and are cooked through.

Step 5: Craft Spectacular Sauce

• Grape jelly
• Chili sauce

Heat over medium temperature, stirring constantly until the mixture becomes smooth and starts bubbling.

Step 6: Marry Meatballs with Sauce

Gently transfer the baked meatballs into the sauce. Use a spatula to coat each meatball evenly with the sweet and tangy glaze.

Step 7: Simmer and Infuse Flavors

Reduce heat to low and let the meatballs simmer in the sauce for 10 minutes. This allows the meatballs to absorb the delicious sauce and become incredibly tender.

Tips to Keep the Sauce Sticky, Not Soggy

• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based alternatives for a healthier protein option that keeps the recipe versatile.
• Prevent dry meatballs by avoiding overmixing the meat mixture and using fresh breadcrumbs for better moisture retention.
• Check internal meatball temperature reaches 160°F to ensure food safety without overcooking and losing tenderness.
• Prepare meatballs ahead of time and freeze uncooked for quick future entertaining or weeknight meal solutions.
• Consider reducing chili sauce for less heat or adding brown sugar for deeper caramelization in the sweet and tangy sauce.

Sauce Combos and Flavor Upgrades to Try

• Spicy Honey Glazed Meatballs: Replace chili sauce with hot honey and add red pepper flakes for a fiery kick.
• Mediterranean Herb Meatballs: Mix ground lamb with oregano, mint, and feta cheese, using tzatziki sauce instead of grape jelly mixture.
• Asian-Inspired Soy Glaze Meatballs: Swap grape jelly for soy sauce, sesame oil, and brown sugar, garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.
• Cranberry Bourbon Meatballs: Use cranberry sauce with a splash of bourbon, adding rosemary and thyme for a festive winter flavor profile.

Perfect Pairings for Cocktail-Size Bites

• Pair Perfectly with Bold Red Wines: Choose a robust Zinfandel or Syrah that can match the rich, sweet-tangy flavors of the cocktail meatballs, cutting through the sauce's sweetness while complementing the meat's savory profile.
• Create a Crisp Side Salad Companion: Prepare a light, acidic green salad with vinaigrette dressing to balance the meatballs' heavy sauce, providing a refreshing contrast that cleanses the palate between bites.
• Serve with Crusty Garlic Bread: Select a warm, crispy baguette or garlic bread that can soak up the delicious sauce, offering a perfect textural companion and additional flavor dimension to the meatball dish.

How to Store Meatballs Without Losing Sauce

• Refrigerate: Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Keep sauce-coated meatballs separate from dry ones to maintain texture.
• Freeze: Wrap meatballs individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label with date for easy tracking.
• Microwave Reheat: Place meatballs on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until warmed through.
• Oven Reheat: Spread meatballs on a baking sheet, cover with foil. Warm at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, ensuring they reach an internal temperature of 165°F for food safety.

FAQs for Saucy Meatball Party Magic

• Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey works perfectly as a leaner alternative. Just ensure the meatballs are fully cooked to 165°F internal temperature.

• How do I prevent meatballs from falling apart?

Mix ingredients thoroughly and don’t overwork the meat. Use an egg as a binding agent and refrigerate the mixture for 15 minutes before shaping to help them hold together.

• What if I don't have chili sauce?

You can substitute with ketchup mixed with hot sauce or sriracha for a similar sweet and spicy flavor profile. Adjust the heat level to your preference.

• Are these meatballs suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! These meatballs can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat gently in the sauce to maintain moisture and flavor.

Sweet & Tangy Cocktail Meatballs Recipe

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4.7 from 30 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Crowd-pleasing sweet & tangy cocktail meatballs dance with irresistible flavor, blending zesty sauce and perfectly seasoned beef. Southern hospitality meets party perfection, inviting guests to savor each delectable bite.

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Ingredients

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Meat and Meatball Base:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 egg
• 2 tablespoons bread crumbs
• 1/2 cup chopped onion

Seasoning:

• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/2 cup milk

Sauce:

• 1 (8-ounce) jar grape jelly
• 1 (12-ounce) bottle chili sauce

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F, preparing a baking sheet with non-stick spray or parchment paper.
2. In a spacious mixing bowl, thoroughly blend ground beef with egg, bread crumbs, seasonings, milk, and finely diced onion until ingredients are evenly distributed.
3. Gently form compact, uniform 1-inch spherical meatballs, ensuring consistent size for even cooking.
4. Arrange meatballs on prepared baking sheet, maintaining slight separation between each piece.
5. Roast in preheated oven for 20 minutes, rotating tray midway to guarantee golden-brown exterior and fully cooked interior.
6. While meatballs cook, create sauce by whisking grape jelly and chili sauce in a large saucepan over medium heat until mixture becomes glossy and integrated.
7. Transfer perfectly cooked meatballs directly into simmering sauce, delicately folding to ensure complete and even coating.
8. Reduce heat to low, allowing meatballs to absorb sauce flavors for 10 minutes, occasionally stirring to prevent sticking and promote uniform sauce absorption.

Notes

• Enhance meat texture by using a mix of ground beef and pork for extra richness and moisture.
• Prevent dense meatballs by gently mixing ingredients and avoiding overworking the meat mixture.
• Use a small cookie scoop or damp hands to create uniform-sized meatballs for consistent cooking.
• Swap grape jelly with other sweet preserves like apricot or cranberry jam for unique flavor variations.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Dinner, Cocktails
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 18 g
• Sodium: 550 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 18 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg