Cocktail meatballs are small, juicy bites of goodness that everyone loves! Made with ground meat, breadcrumbs, and simple seasonings, they’re perfect for parties or just a fun snack.
You can serve them with a tasty sauce, like sweet and sour or barbecue. Trust me, these little treats vanish in no time! They’re also super easy to whip up, so you can impress your friends without breaking a sweat.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This recipe features ground beef, which gives a rich flavor. You can mix it with pork for a juicier meatball. For a leaner option, ground turkey or chicken work well too, but may need extra seasoning for flavor.
Breadcrumbs: Regular breadcrumbs provide texture. If you’re gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs, or even finely crushed oats. I sometimes use crushed crackers for a different twist!
Parmesan Cheese: Parmesan adds a salty kick. If you want to skip it, nutritional yeast is a great dairy-free alternative, or use any hard cheese like Pecorino Romano.
Onion and Garlic: Fresh onion and minced garlic enhance the meatballs’ flavor. If you’re short on time, onion powder and garlic powder can substitute; just adjust the amounts to taste. I like using roasted garlic for a sweeter flavor!
How Do I Ensure My Meatballs are Juicy and Not Dry?
Getting juicy meatballs is all about mixing the ingredients and baking them just right. Here are some tips:
- Mix just until combined; overmixing can make them tough.
- Add the milk to keep the meatballs moist. You could use beef broth instead for extra flavor.
- Shape the meatballs evenly for consistent cooking. Using a scoop can help with this.
- Check for doneness around the 15-minute mark. They should be cooked through but not overbaked.
By keeping these steps in mind, you’ll have tender and delicious meatballs that everyone will love!
Delicious Cocktail Meatballs Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large egg
- 2 tbsp milk
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1 jar (about 12 oz) of barbecue sauce or cocktail sauce
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Cocktail picks or toothpicks
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 25 minutes in total. You’ll spend around 10 minutes preparing the ingredients and mixing the meatball mixture. Baking the meatballs will take about 15-20 minutes. Perfect for a quick appetizer preparation!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare
First things first, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures your meatballs will cook evenly. Then, to make cleanup easier, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or give it a light spray with cooking oil.
2. Mix the Meatball Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef (or your chosen meat mix), breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, egg, milk, salt, black pepper, and dried oregano. Use a fork or your hands to mix everything together gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as that can make your meatballs tough!
3. Shape the Meatballs
Take small portions of the meat mixture and roll them into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter. Place each meatball onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them a little apart. You should have a nice arrangement on your tray!
4. Bake the Meatballs
Pop the baking sheet in your preheated oven and let the meatballs bake for about 15-20 minutes. You want them to be browned on the outside and cooked all the way through. No one wants a pink meatball!
5. Prepare the Sauce
While the meatballs are baking, get your barbecue sauce or cocktail sauce warming in a saucepan over low heat, or simply microwave it in a safe bowl for a minute or two. This will make for a hot, flavorful coating once the meatballs are done.
6. Coat the Meatballs
After the meatballs are cooked, carefully transfer them to a large bowl and pour the warm sauce over them. Toss gently to coat each meatball evenly in the sauce. Delicious!
7. Serve Up!
Now it’s time to impress! Arrange the saucy meatballs on a beautiful serving platter. Stick a cocktail pick or toothpick into each meatball for easy serving. Sprinkle some fresh chopped parsley on top for a lovely finish!
8. Enjoy!
Serve your warm cocktail meatballs right away and watch them disappear quickly at your party or gathering. Enjoy the compliments!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great alternative if you’re looking for a healthier option. Just keep in mind that turkey can be drier than beef, so adding a bit more moisture, like an extra tablespoon of milk, can help keep the meatballs juicy.
How Do I Store Leftover Meatballs?
Store any leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat them in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of sauce to keep them moist.
Can I Freeze These Meatballs?
Yes, you can freeze your meatballs! After cooking, let them cool completely, then place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze. Once frozen, transfer them to a resealable freezer bag and store for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating when you’re ready to enjoy them again!
What Sauce Works Best with These Meatballs?
While the recipe calls for barbecue or cocktail sauce, feel free to get creative! Sweet and sour sauce, teriyaki sauce, or even a homemade marinara sauce make excellent choices depending on your flavor preference.
