Cocktail Meatballs, Mama's - Master Cookbook Recipe # 31

Name: Cocktail Meatballs, Mama's - Master Cookbook Recipe # 31
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 40-50
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: 2 lb. ground sirloin; 2 large eggs; 1 cup crushed cornflakes (or saltine crackers); 1/3 cup ketchup; 1/3 cup parsley flakes; 2 Tbsp dried onion flakes; 2 Tbsp soy sauce; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 16 oz. can jellied cranberry sauce (or grape jelly); 12 oz. jar chili sauce; 2 Tbsp lemon juice; 2 Tbsp firmly packed brown sugar

These tangy and tender meatballs are the perfect party appetizer, featuring a unique crushed cornflake binder that locks in moisture for a light, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Coated in a sweet and zesty cranberry-chili glaze, they offer a classic Southern flair that’s incredibly easy to prep and serve for any crowd.

This is recipe #31 in Tammy’s Master Cookbook.

Prep time: 20 minCook time: 25 minTotal time: 45 min

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Ingredients

For the Meatballs

2 lb. ground sirloin
2 large eggs
1 cup crushed cornflakes (or saltine crackers)
1/3 cup ketchup
1/3 cup parsley flakes
2 Tbsp dried onion flakes
2 Tbsp soy sauce
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper

For the sauce:

16 oz. can jellied cranberry sauce (or grape jelly)
12 oz. jar chili sauce
2 Tbsp lemon juice
2 Tbsp firmly packed brown sugar

Instructions

Prep Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.
Mix Meatballs: In a large bowl, combine the ground sirloin, eggs, onion flakes, black pepper, ketchup, crushed cornflakes, parsley, soy sauce, and salt. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
Form & Bake: Roll the mixture into walnut-sized balls and arrange them on your prepared baking sheet. Bake for 25 minutes.
Make the Sauce: While the meatballs bake, add the jellied cranberry sauce, lemon juice, chili sauce, and brown sugar to a saucepan. Stir over medium heat until the mixture is smooth and bubbling.
Combine: Once the meatballs are done, add them to the saucepan with the sauce. Toss gently to coat and heat through.
Serve: Keep the meatballs warm for serving.

Notes

The Perfect Binder: Crushed cornflakes give these meatballs a unique, light texture that holds the moisture in beautifully.
Host Tip: To keep these warm throughout a party, transfer the meatballs and sauce to a slow cooker set to the "low" or "warm" setting.
Time Saver: If you're in a pinch, you can use high-quality frozen meatballs and simmer them directly in the homemade sauce until heated through.
Sauce Swap: If you don't have cranberry sauce on hand, grape jelly is a classic Southern substitute that works perfectly with the chili sauce!