Delicious cocktail meatballs that are swiftly consumed at holiday parties. Every year on New Year’s Eve, my mother makes them, and now I do too. These work great in a slow cooker since you can simmer them before serving and maintain their heat throughout your gathering.
| Prep Time: | 20 mins |
| Cook Time: | 1 hr 20 mins |
| Total Time: | 1 hr 40 mins |
| Servings: | 10 |
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- ½ cup bread crumbs
- 3 tablespoons minced onion
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 large egg
- 1 (8 ounce) can jellied cranberry sauce
- ¾ cup chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoons lemon juice
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
- Mix together ground beef, bread crumbs, onion, water, and egg in a large bowl. Form into small meatballs and arrange on a nonstick baking sheet.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, turning once.
- Stir together cranberry sauce, chili sauce, brown sugar, and lemon juice in a large saucepan over low heat until smooth. Add meatballs; simmer for 1 hour before serving.
Nutrition Facts
| Calories | 193 kcal |
| Carbohydrate | 15 g |
| Cholesterol | 53 mg |
| Dietary Fiber | 1 g |
| Protein | 10 g |
| Saturated Fat | 4 g |
| Sodium | 85 mg |
| Sugars | 10 g |
| Fat | 10 g |
| Unsaturated Fat | 0 g |
Reviews
I’ve been making this recipe, exactly as written, for YEARS. It is the #1 hit of every gathering! I serve it in my home and bring it wherever I’m invited for any meal from dinner to backyard bbqs to “cocktail hours.” I’m always asked “think you bring those cocktail meatballs?” and it brings me joy. Such a huge thanks to the poster of this delight. I was embarrassed for decades because I didn’t know how to cook. Not even boil water. This was the one of the first things that I took a stab at in the kitchen. When it was raved about, it sent my confidence soaring! I desperately needed that and I’m proud to say I’m not half bad in front of a crockpot, stovetop or oven with just a few ingredients. I’m now able to scan my pantry, freezer, fridge and come up with my own creations with whatever I happen to have on hand when the mood or need strikes. Substitute ingredients to meet anyone’s fancy. Funny that just a recipe could have a huge impact on someone’s life. To be able to bring friends and family to the table with confidence and love is gift I love sharing.
I use ground turkey or beef and they are always terrific.
Love the sauce. It is my go-to recipe now for cocktail meatballs. I buy the frozen prepared meatballs to save time and energy, so I can’t comment on that part of the recipe.
Delicious! The best I’ve ever had!
I made this to bring with me as an appetizer for Christmas Eve at family gathering. They were a big hit! I will definitely make these again.
I love this recipe! Great for a party appetizer!
This is the BEST cocktail meatball recipe I have ever made! EVERYONE asks me for the recipe at every party I bring these to. The recipe is easy to make, and easily adaptable using pre-made frozen meatballs in a slow cooker or pot. Make these and watch them disappear! Pro-tip, use Sriracha hot sauce for an extra kick and another dimension of flavor
Delicious and a popular appetizer. So easy to make. Prep took practically no time at all.
I get asked for the recipe every time I make these.
Such a big hit. This is a keeper.
Very tasty. I like this sauce with lil smokies, too.
If you use the whole can of cranberry sauce (16 oz),, one 12 oz jar of chili sauce is enough. 3/4 cup equals 6 oz. You are doubling both. One reviewer says you need two bottles of chili sauce. I was confused!
This is a great recipe! I get so many great ideas not just from the original recipes but also the comments and feedback. I spend more time on reading the comments and adjusting my recipe for whatever based on feedback from all of you. A shout out to Lara’s original recipe and Crystal S. feedback. So here is my advice on this Inez
Super easy and a huge hit with family and friends. Will definitely make again. Highly recommend using a double boiler instead of micro for melting the chocolate.
I make these every year for the holidays. They are so easy and always a hit. I shortcut and use the party meatballs from Trader Joe’s.
This was a great recipe for a potluck that we had at the office. For time sake I did have to use frozen meatballs but I need the sauce as is and just doubled everything. It made about 30 meatballs. I also did this in the crockpot and cooked it on low for three hours and 30 minutes and it was perfect. I will be doing this again!
Have made several times! Kids love this recipe. Grownups too super easy and tastes awesome as a side with turkey dinners too
It turned out great. Although the minced onions was a little overpowering.Will cut that back on future tries.
Next time I would buy frozen meatballs and use this sauce recipe.
Love these. Always a hit at the covered dish luncheons. No leftovers to bring home.
Didn’t find them spicy as others mentioned, but assumed the chili sauce in the recipe was the stuff you find in the ketchup/condiments aisle.