The Butcher Shop, Inc.

Locally Sourced Quality Food

Classic Cocktail Meatballs

by

Sometimes the best recipe for a yummy party appetizer is to stick with a classic.  The classic cocktail meatball has been a standard favorite since the 1960s.  The original recipe calls for grape jelly and chili sauce.  This more modernized version is slightly more sophisticated, but you’ll love it just as much.  Besides, after you make these, you’ll never want to buy premade meatballs in a bag again! Stop by the Butcher Shop today to find the freshest beef and pork to make these simple and delicious classic cocktail meatballs.

Ingredients for classic cocktail meatballs:

  • 1 pound TBS ground beef.  85% works best and will make the meatballs juicy.
  • 1 pound TBS ground pork
  • 2 eggs
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • 1 ½ cups breadcrumbs
  • 1 clove of garlic, minced
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 ½ teaspoon salt
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • Green onion, chopped, for garnish

Ingredients for the sauce:

  • 1 cup of ketchup
  • 1 cup dark brown sugar
  • ¼ cup water
  • 3 tablespoons cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 tablespoons shallots, finely minced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Directions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 325°F.  
  2. Place a baking rack on top of a baking tray.  Spray the rack well with nonstick cooking spray.
  3. In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs and heavy cream.  Stir in the breadcrumbs and allow them to absorb the liquid.
  4. Use a stand mixer with a paddle attachment to mix together the pork, garlic, black pepper, salt, and baking powder for about two minutes.  The mixture should become smooth.  Add the breadcrumb mixture and beat on high speed for about one minute.  Add the ground beef and mix on medium speed until well combined.
  5. Using your hands, form the mixture into 1 ½ inch meatballs.  Place onto the baking rack.
  6. Bake the meatballs for 25 minutes.

While the meatballs are baking, prepare the sauce:

  1.  In a large skillet over medium heat, add all the ingredients for the sauce and whisk together until combined.  Bring the mixture to a boil, and then reduce to a simmer.  Cook the sauce for about 10 to 12 minutes until it becomes thick.
  2. Once the meatballs have baked, add the meatballs to the sauce and simmer for a few more minutes until everything is warmed through.
  3. Serve your classic cocktail meatballs on a platter with festive toothpicks.  Spoon extra sauce over the top and garnish the dish with green onion if desired.

How easy is that?  You’ll have a delicious, tangy appetizer everyone will love with very little prep work required.  

The Butcher Shop has everything you need for an amazing holiday party.

Why purchase meat and produce from a grocery store that comes from who knows where?  We have such excellent, fresh meat and produce available to us locally!  The Butcher Shop is your one-stop-shop for locally sourced meats and produce from farms right here in Southern Oregon.  At TBS, you’ll find the perfect cut of meat for your meal, plus fresh-baked loaves of bread, fresh fruit and vegetables, local wine and beers, and even quality food specifically for your canine.  Stop by today or call ahead to pre-order your ingredients.