I have two fantastic meatballs recipes for you today. These meatball ideas are perfect for your next gathering or a fun family dinner. I’ll show you easy steps to make each one so you can enjoy these tasty bites.
Whether you need a simple party snack or something fun for a special occasion, these recipes are quick to put together. You’ll love how easy these meatballs are to make!
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Cocktail Meatballs for Parties
These little meatballs are a classic party snack. They are sweet and tangy, and everyone always loves them when I make them.
You can make them in a slow cooker, which is perfect for events, or quickly on the stove.
Key Ingredients & Tips for Cocktail Meatballs
- Grape Jelly Secret: This gives the sauce its signature sweet taste. Don’t worry, it works really well with the chili sauce.
- Chili Sauce Kick: Use your favorite chili sauce to add a little heat without being too spicy. A mild one is great for most people.
What You Need for Cocktail Meatballs
- 1 bag (32 oz) frozen cooked meatballs
- 1 jar (12 oz) grape jelly
- 1 bottle (12 oz) chili sauce
- Optional: a dash of Worcestershire sauce
⏱️ Time: 3 hours (slow cooker) or 30 minutes (stovetop)🍽️ Yields: 20-30 servings
How to Make Cocktail Meatballs
Step 1: Combine the Easy Sauce
Get out your slow cooker or a large pot. Pour in the grape jelly and the chili sauce. If you want, add a little dash of Worcestershire sauce. Stir these together until they are well mixed and the jelly starts to loosen up.
Step 2: Cook the Meatballs
Add the frozen meatballs to the sauce. Stir gently to make sure all the meatballs get coated. If you are using a slow cooker, cook on low for 2 to 3 hours, or on high for 1 to 1.5 hours. If using a pot on the stove, cook on medium-low for 20 to 30 minutes, stirring sometimes, until they are heated through and the sauce is bubbly.
📝 Final Note
These meatballs are best served warm from a slow cooker at your event. You can also store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Fun Eyeball Meatballs for Halloween
Get ready for a fun dish that looks like eyeballs! These spooky meatballs are great for Halloween parties or any silly meal you want to make.
They are easy to put together and always get a good reaction from guests. I love how creative you can get with them!
Key Ingredients & Tips for Eyeball Meatballs
- Olive Pupils: Green olives with pimentos make the perfect “pupil” for your edible eyeballs. Cut them in half lengthwise.
- Mozzarella Whites: Small fresh mozzarella balls (like bocconcini) look just like the whites of the eyes. Make sure to get the small ones!
What You Need for Eyeball Meatballs
- 1 lb ground beef or turkey
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
- 1 package small fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini), drained
- 1 can (5.75 oz) green olives with pimentos, halved
⏱️ Time: 45 minutes🍽️ Yields: About 20 meatballs
How to Make Eyeball Meatballs
Step 1: Make the Meatballs
In a big bowl, mix the ground meat, egg, breadcrumbs, chopped onion, salt, and pepper. Roll the mixture into small balls, about 1 to 1.5 inches big. Cook them in a pan over medium heat until browned on all sides and cooked through, or bake them at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes.
Step 2: Assemble the Eyeballs
Warm your marinara sauce in a pot. Add the cooked meatballs to the warm sauce. Just before you are ready to serve, place a small fresh mozzarella ball on top of each meatball. Then, put a halved green olive on top of each mozzarella ball. This makes them look just like a spooky eyeball!
📝 Final Note
Serve these warm and watch everyone get a giggle! You can also arrange them on a platter with some extra marinara sauce around them for a “bloody” effect.