Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef or pork (or a mix of both)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 tsp dried parsley)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
For the Sauce:
- 1 cup ketchup
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Meatballs
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground meat, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, onion, Parmesan (if using), parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Roll the mixture into small, bite-sized meatballs (about 1 inch in diameter) and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
2. Cook the Meatballs
- Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until they are browned and fully cooked. Alternatively, you can pan-fry them in batches over medium heat until golden brown.
3. Make the Sauce
- While the meatballs cook, prepare the sauce. In a medium saucepan, combine the ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and red pepper flakes.
- Heat the sauce over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it begins to simmer. Reduce the heat to low and cook for another 5-7 minutes until the flavors meld.
4. Combine and Serve
- Once the meatballs are cooked, add them to the saucepan with the sauce. Gently toss to coat each meatball evenly.
- Transfer the meatballs to a serving dish and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Serving Suggestions
Serve cocktail meatballs warm with toothpicks for easy snacking. Pair them with crackers, veggies, or a fresh salad for a complete appetizer spread.
Enjoy these flavorful and juicy bites at your next party or family gathering!
