The Best Classic Crockpot Cocktail Meatballs

Imagine the aroma of savory meatballs wafting from your slow cooker, filling your home with an irresistible scent that teases the taste buds. The Best Classic Crockpot Cocktail Meatballs are a masterclass in flavor and convenience, perfect for parties or family gatherings. With each bite, the tender meat gives way to a rich, tangy sauce that will leave you craving more.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the quality of its ingredients. Much like our popular recipe for The Best Homemade Chocolate Chip Cookies, which is renowned for its attention to detail and commitment to using the finest ingredients, these meatballs are elevated by the careful selection of each component. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is sure to become a staple.

Why This Recipe Works

• The combination of ground meats (beef, pork, and veal) provides a depth of flavor and texture that is hard to achieve with a single type of meat.
• The use of a crockpot makes the cooking process incredibly efficient, allowing for a hands-off approach that’s perfect for busy days.
• The tangy, slightly sweet sauce, made with a mixture of ketchup, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce, adds a rich, velvety texture and an explosion of flavor to each meatball.

Key Ingredients

When it comes to making the perfect cocktail meatballs, the quality of your ingredients can make all the difference. For instance, using fresh breadcrumbs instead of stale ones can significantly impact the texture of your meatballs. For more tips on selecting the best ingredients for your recipes, check out How to make The Best Classic Crockpot Cocktail Meatballs.

Additionally, don’t overlook the importance of using a good quality ketchup in your sauce. It may seem like a minor detail, but it can add a depth of flavor that cheaper alternatives often lack.

Recipe Courtesy of Our Kitchen

The Best Classic Crockpot Cocktail Meatballs

★★★★★ (55 Reviews)

Level:
Easy

Prep:
15 min

Cook:
25 min

Yield:
4 Servings

Ingredients

1 pound ground beef

1/2 pound ground pork

1/4 pound ground veal

1/2 cup breadcrumbs

1 egg

1/4 cup milk

1/4 cup grated Parmesan

1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

Directions

1

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.

2

In a large bowl, combine the ground meats, breaking them up with a spoon as you add them. Add the breadcrumbs, egg, milk, Parmesan, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together with your hands or a wooden spoon until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

3

Use your hands to shape the mixture into meatballs, about 1 1/2 inches (3.8 cm) in diameter. Place the meatballs onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each to allow for even cooking.

4

Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until cooked through. While the meatballs are baking, prepare the sauce by mixing all the sauce ingredients in a bowl until smooth.

5

Once the meatballs are done, remove them from the oven and carefully place them into the crockpot with the sauce. Cook on low for 2-3 hours, until the meatballs are fully coated in the sauce and heated through.

Storage & Reheating

These meatballs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months. To reheat, simply place the desired number of meatballs in the microwave or oven until warmed through. Serve with additional sauce if desired.