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–+ servings

Cocktail Meatballs: Irresistible Holiday Party Appetizer

These cocktail meatballs are tasty, slow-cooked beef meatballs simmered in cranberry sauce, brown sugar, and chili sauce, perfect for holiday parties.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 40 minutes
Servings: 10 servings
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound lean ground beef
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1 12-ounce bottle chili sauce
  • 1 14-ounce can whole-berry cranberry sauce
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment or lightly grease it.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef with a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix gently until just combined to keep meatballs tender.
  3. Form the mixture into 1-inch meatballs, placing each on the prepared baking sheet.
  4. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the meatballs are just cooked through and browned on the edges.
  5. While the meatballs bake, prepare the sauce: in a medium saucepan, stir together cranberry sauce, brown sugar, and chili sauce over medium heat.
  6. Bring the sauce to a simmer, stirring occasionally, until smooth and thickened, about 5 minutes.
  7. Add the baked meatballs to the sauce, gently tossing to coat each one in the sweet-and-spicy glaze.
  8. Cover and simmer on low for an additional 15 minutes to let flavors meld.
  9. Transfer to a serving dish and garnish with fresh herbs if desired. Serve warm with toothpicks for easy party snacking.
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