These cocktail meatballs are tender, juicy, and coated in a sweet-and-tangy chili sauce that makes them irresistible. A crowd-pleasing appetizer for parties, holidays, or anytime!
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Easy Cocktail Meatballs Recipe
These cocktail meatballs are a classic appetizer for parties and potlucks. The homemade meatballs bake up juicy in the oven and make the best finger food for holidays or game day.
Instead of the retro grape jelly chili sauce meatballs, this version uses a quick homemade sweet chili sauce for a sticky, sweet and tangy glaze. If you love easy meatball appetizers, try my cranberry meatballs next for more crowd-pleasing flavors.
Why You’ll Love Them
- Quick and easy: No long simmer in the slow cooker, just bake the meatballs, warm sauce on the stovetop and serve with toothpicks!
- Crowd-pleasing flavor: The sweet chili glaze gives every bite of these cocktail meatballs a sticky, sweet-and-tangy finish. Everyone from kids to adults love them!
Ingredients Notes
Find the full printable recipe with specific measurements below.
- Ground beef: I use 80% lean ground beef for the best juicy texture.
- Egg: Helps bind the meatballs and prevents them from falling part.
- Breadcrumbs: Keeps the meatballs tender, panko or regular breadcrumbs both work great.
- Minced garlic: Fresh or jarred works.
- Salt & pepper: Simple seasoning that goes a long way.
- Sweet chili sauce: Heinz chili sauce is a popular brand, and it’s more sweet than spicy, so it’s great for kids and picky eaters.
- Brown sugar: Adds sweetness and helps the sauce caramelize.
How to Make Cocktail Meatballs
Mix the ground beef, egg, breadcrumbs, garlic, salt and pepper in a large bowl until just combined.
Scoop the mixture with a small cookie scoop and place the meatballs on prepared cooling rack over a foil lined baking sheet.
Bake meatballs at 400°F for about 15 minutes, or until they’re no longer pink in the center. While they bake, warm the sweet chili sauce and brown sugar in a saucepan over medium heat until smooth and glossy.
Once the meatballs are cooked, move them into the saucepan and gently stir to coat every piece. Serve the cocktail meatball warm on a platter and watch them disappear!
Recipe Tips
- Bake on a rack: Placing a cooling rack on top of the baking sheet helps the meatballs stay juicy without sitting in grease.
- Using frozen meatballs: You can skip the baking step and warm frozen meatballs right in the sweet chili sauce on the stovetop.
- Prefer a sweeter sauce? Try my grape jelly and BBQ meatballs for a richer, sweeter flavor.
- Want to pan-fry instead of bake? Follow the frying instructions in the recipe card for a crispy outside and juicy center.
- Serving idea: Stick each cocktail meatball with a long toothpick or appetizer skewer to make them easy to grab at parties.
More meatball favorites include honey garlic meatballs, Korean meatballs and Instant Pot meatballs.
More Meatball Recipes
Cocktail Meatballs
Video
Ingredients
Meatballs
- 1 pound ground beef , 80% lean
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup breadcrumbs
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
Sauce
- 1 cup sweet chili sauce
- ⅓ cup brown sugar
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare: Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with foil and spray with non-stick cooking spray. Place a cooling rack on top of the foil.
- Mix ingredients: In a large bowl, combine 1 pound ground beef, 1 egg, 1/4 cup breadcrumbs, 2 teaspoons minced garlic, 1/2 teapsoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper.
- Form meatballs: Use a small cookie scoop to scoop the meat mixture. Place on the cooling rack that is on the baking sheet.
- Bake: Bake uncovered for 15 minutes, or until no longer pink in the middle.
- Warm sauce: In a large saucepan, add 1 cup chili sauce and 1/3 cup brown sugar. Cook on medium, until warm.
- Add meatballs: Move meatballs into the saucepan and stir well to coat.
Last step: Please leave a comment and rating after you make the recipe.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition provided is an estimate. It will vary based on specific ingredients used.
Substitutions and Variations
- Swap beef meatballs for a leaner ground meat like turkey or chicken to make ground turkey meatballs or chicken meatballs.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or sriracha for heat.
- Stir in a splash of soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce for extra depth.
- Garnish with chopped green onions or cilantro for freshness.
Recipe FAQs
No. Sweet chili sauce is mostly sweet with a mild tang and very little heat. It’s kid-friendly and great for guests who don’t love spicy food.
About 20, depending on the size of your scoop.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave until warm. Add a splash of water or broth to loosen up the meatballs if needed.
Yes. Bake the meatballs, let them cool, then freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge and warm them in the sauce before serving.
