Cocktail Meatballs

Written by
Diana Rattray
Southern-cuisine expert and cookbook author Diana Rattray has created more than 5,000 recipes articles in her 20 years as a food writer.
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Diana Rattray
Updated 10/25/20
Cocktail Meatballs in a bowl

The Spruce / Rachel Riesgraf
Prep: 15 mins
Cook: 45 mins
Total: 60 mins
Servings: 36 servings

These cranberry meatballs are always a favorite. The cranberry sauce in the sauce mixture adds tangy flavor with a hint of fruitiness, but it doesn't overpower. Try adding chunks of pineapple to the sauce for some extra flavor and texture. 

Many like the texture of whole cranberry sauce, but jellied is just fine if you prefer a smoother sauce.

Take the meatballs along to a potluck or tailgating party and serve from the slow cooker. They are sure to be a big hit. Provide small plates, napkins, and toothpicks to make serving a breeze.

These meatballs are made with all ground beef, but you may add 1/2 pound of ground pork to the mixture. The recipe is easily scaled up for a crowd.

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds ground beef
  • 1 cup cornflake crumbs or breadcrumbs (fine dry)
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup parsley (chopped, fresh)
  • 1/3 cup tomato ketchup
  • 3 tablespoons onions (minced)
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (freshly ground)
  • For the Sauce:
  • 1 can/14 ounces jellied or whole cranberry sauce
  • 12 ounces chili sauce (see tips)
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • Optional: 1 can (8 ounces) pineapple chunks (drained)

Steps to Make It

  1. Gather the ingredients.

    Cocktail Meatballs ingredients

    The Spruce / Rachel Riesgraf

  2. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, cornflake crumbs, parsley, eggs, ketchup, onion, soy sauce, garlic powder, and pepper. Mix until just combined, to avoid making the meatballs tough.

    round beef, cornflake crumbs, parsley, eggs, ketchup, onion, soy sauce, garlic powder, and pepper in a bowl

    The Spruce / Rachel Riesgraf

  3. Form into small balls, from 1/2 to 3/4-inch in diameter.

    meat mixture formed into a meatball

    The Spruce / Rachel Riesgraf

  4. Place the meatballs in a casserole dish or baking pan. Pre heat oven to 325 F.

    meatballs in a baking dish

    The Spruce / Rachel Riesgraf

  5. Meanwhile, in a saucepan, combine cranberry sauce, chili sauce, brown sugar, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat while stirring until smooth.

    cranberry sauce, chili sauce, brown sugar, and lemon juice in a pan

    The Spruce / Rachel Riesgraf

  6. Pour the hot sauce over meatballs in casserole. If desired, add one 8-ounce can of pineapple chunks (drained).

    meatballs with sauce and pineapple chunks on top

    The Spruce / Rachel Riesgraf

  7. Bake for 30 to 45 minutes in the pre heated oven, depending on the size of the meatballs.

    baked meatballs with pineapple chunks

    The Spruce / Rachel Riesgraf

  8. Transfer to the slow cooker and keep on low for serving.

    Cocktail Meatballs in a bowl

    The Spruce / Rachel Riesgraf

Tips

  • Chili sauce (not Asian) is found near the ketchup in most grocery stores. Heinz is a common brand.
  • For a super easy appetizer, add the sauce ingredients to the slow cooker. Stir to blend thoroughly. Add your favorite brand of frozen meatballs. Cover and cook on HIGH for about 3 to 4 hours. Until the meatballs are hot (above 165 F). Set the slow cooker on low for serving. To cook on the stovetop, combine the sauce mixture in a large saucepan and add the frozen meatballs. Cover and cook for about 15 to 20 minutes, or until the meatballs are hot.