Savory Sweet Cocktail Meatballs
These Savory Sweet Cocktail Meatballs are perfect for parties and gatherings, combining the rich flavor of seasoned ground beef with a unique sweet and tangy sauce. The meatballs are tender and moist, thanks to a blend of breadcrumbs and milk, while the chili sauce, grape jelly, soy sauce, and hoisin sauce create a deliciously sticky glaze that will have your guests reaching for more. A hint of fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness, making these meatballs a delightful addition to any appetizer spread. Serve them warm in a chafing dish for a crowd-pleasing treat everyone will love!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
Ground Beef
1 lb (fresh, ready to use)
Dry Breadcrumbs
1/2 cup (plain)
Milk
1/4 cup (whole or reduced fat)
Egg
1 (beaten)
Pepper
1/8 teaspoon (freshly ground)
Salt
to taste (kosher or sea salt recommended)
Worcestershire Sauce
1 teaspoon (plain)
Fresh Parsley
1 tablespoon (chopped)
Crisco
1/4 cup (for frying)
Chili Sauce
1 (12 ounce) bottle (ready to use)
Grape Jelly
1 (10 ounce) jar (adjust sweetness to taste)
Soy Sauce
3 tablespoons (to taste)
Hoisin Sauce
3 tablespoons (to taste)
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, dry breadcrumbs, milk, egg, pepper, salt, Worcestershire sauce, and fresh parsley. Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined.
2
Lightly shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and set them aside.
3
In a large skillet or sauté pan, heat 1/4 cup of Crisco over medium heat. Add the meatballs in batches, browning them on all sides. They do not need to be fully cooked through at this stage. Once browned, transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess fat.
4
In the same skillet, combine the chili sauce, grape jelly, soy sauce, and hoisin sauce, stirring well to create a smooth sauce.
5
Return the browned meatballs to the skillet with the sauce, ensuring they are well coated. If you prefer, you can freeze the meatballs at this point for future use.
6
Cover the skillet and let the meatballs simmer on low heat for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will allow the flavors to meld and the meatballs to finish cooking.
7
Serve the savory sweet cocktail meatballs warm in a chafing dish, and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Savory Sweet Cocktail Meatballs?
They are a party appetizer made of ground beef meatballs tossed in a sticky, sweet, and tangy glaze composed of chili sauce, grape jelly, soy sauce, and hoisin sauce.
What type of meat is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of fresh ground beef.
How do you ensure the meatballs stay moist?
The blend of 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs and 1/4 cup of milk helps keep the meatballs tender and moist during cooking.
What size should the meatballs be shaped into?
The meat mixture should be lightly shaped into 1-inch meatballs.
Do I need to fully cook the meatballs in the skillet?
No, you only need to brown them on all sides in the skillet; they will finish cooking while simmering in the sauce.
What is used for frying the meatballs?
The recipe uses 1/4 cup of Crisco to brown the meatballs in a skillet.
What ingredients make up the sauce?
The sauce is a combination of chili sauce, grape jelly, soy sauce, and hoisin sauce.
How long do the meatballs need to simmer?
The meatballs should simmer on low heat for approximately 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld and cooking to finish.
Can I freeze these cocktail meatballs?
Yes, the recipe indicates you can freeze the meatballs after they have been browned and coated in the sauce.
What is the best way to serve these meatballs at a party?
Serve them warm in a chafing dish to keep them at the ideal temperature for guests.
What kind of jelly is recommended for the sauce?
A 10-ounce jar of grape jelly is used to provide the signature sweetness of the glaze.
How much chili sauce is required?
The recipe requires one 12-ounce bottle of ready-to-use chili sauce.
Is fresh parsley used in the meatballs?
Yes, 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh parsley is mixed into the ground beef for color and flavor.
What kind of breadcrumbs should I buy?
The recipe specifies 1/2 cup of plain dry breadcrumbs.
Can I use different types of milk?
You can use whole or reduced-fat milk as part of the meatball binder.
How much hoisin sauce is added to the glaze?
The recipe calls for 3 tablespoons of hoisin sauce.
Is soy sauce a part of the recipe?
Yes, 3 tablespoons of soy sauce are added to the skillet to help create the savory-sweet glaze.
How are the meatballs seasoned?
They are seasoned with pepper, salt, and 1 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce.
Should the egg be prepared any specific way?
The egg should be beaten before being added to the meatball mixture.
Why should I drain the meatballs on paper towels?
Draining them helps remove excess fat from the browning process before they are added to the sauce.
Can I adjust the sweetness of the sauce?
Yes, the recipe suggests you can adjust the amount of grape jelly to reach your desired level of sweetness.
Is this recipe suitable for a slow cooker?
While the recipe describes a skillet method, it is tagged as a 'slow-cooked' style dish which could be adapted for a crockpot.
How many total ingredients are needed?
The recipe consists of 13 distinct ingredients.
What type of salt is recommended?
Kosher or sea salt is recommended for seasoning the ground beef.
What is the primary flavor profile of this dish?
The profile is savory and sweet, with a hint of tanginess from the chili and hoisin sauces.
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey or even ground pork could be used as a substitute for the ground beef.
What kitchen equipment is needed?
You will need a large mixing bowl, a large skillet or saute pan, and a serving dish like a chafing dish.
How much pepper is added to the meat?
The recipe uses 1/8 teaspoon of freshly ground pepper.
Does the sauce need to be pre-mixed?
The instructions suggest combining the sauce ingredients in the skillet and stirring well to create a smooth base before adding the meatballs back.
Are these meatballs considered an easy recipe?
Yes, the recipe is tagged as 'easy recipes' and is straightforward to prepare for any skill level.