The best, classic, quick and easy cocktail meatballs recipe, homemade with simple ingredients in one pot in 30 minutes. A sweet and spicy appetizer! Also known as party meatballs.
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These are a "must make" item at Christmas holidays, dinner parties and game day parties, just like my Instant Pot Grape Jelly Meatballs or these Grape Jelly Little Smokies (One Pot). Honestly, people love them and there are never any leftovers!
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Key ingredients
- Ketchup- This adds a little bit of tanginess and sweetness.
- Worcestershire sauce- This adds a lovely umami flavor.
- Steak sauce- You can use a homemade version or buy this from the grocery store.
- Chili paste- This adds a subtle spice without becoming overwhelming.
- Liquid smoke- One of my favorite ways to add a little bit of smoke to a recipe without actually smoking it.
- Spices- Use a combination of salt, pepper, garlic powder and onion powder.
- Soda/Pop- You can use Coca Cola or Pepsi or the generic brands work well too.
- Meatballs- I like to use frozen pre-cooked meatballs for convenience.
- Green onions-Finely chop them and use them as a garnish.
Variations
- Make it spicy- By adding jalapenos, red chili flakes or additional chili sauce.
- Use other types of meatballs- Such as turkey meatballs, chicken meatballs or pork meatballs.
- Add other herbs and spices- Try Italian seasoning, Cajun seasoning or taco seasoning.
- Add grape jelly or Homemade Cranberry Sauce- Add a couple of tablespoons of either one of these to add a different flavor profile.
- Coca Cola vs. Pepsi- Either can be used and it doesn't make a difference in flavor.
How to make easy one pot cocktail meatballs recipe?
1. Add ingredients for sauce - In nonstick pan.
2. Mix- Until combined.
3. Add soda pop- Like Pepsi or Coca Cola.
4. Mix and cook- Until sauce is thickened.
5. Add- Meatballs.
6. Mix- Until meatballs are fully coated in sauce.
7. Cover- And cook for a few minutes.
8. Garnish- With finely chopped green onions.
What to serve with them?
- They are typically served on their own as an appetizer with just toothpicks and bamboo picks.
- However, you can take it a step further and serve it alongside a dipping sauce or Homemade Veggie Dip.
- Turn them into mini sandwiches or mini sliders, similar to how I made these Ham and Cheese Sliders.
Tips and techniques
- Serve a crowd- By doubling all the ingredients and using a bigger pot or pan.
- Homemade meatballs vs. Frozen meatballs- Either can be used. Frozen is obviously more convenient because it's already pre-cooked. If you are using homemade ones, you will need to bake or pan-fry them first. Then, prepare the sauce and mix them in, until fully coated.
- Don't omit liquid smoke- Because it gives this appetizer an awesome BBQ smokey flavor. However, go easy on it. If you add too much, the flavor and smell will become overwhelming.
- How do you keep these warm for a party? After they are fully cooked, put them in a slow cooker and set up the "Low" setting. If you are worried about the sauce getting too thick or burning, add a splash of water.
Recipe FAQs
Typically, 1 serving is considered to be 2 meatballs per person but I prefer at least 3 meatballs per person.
Since they are being served as an appetizer, they should about 2 inches in diameter. If they are any bigger, they would no longer be bite sized and it would be hard to eat them on a toothpick.
Let it cook uncovered until excess liquid evaporates and sauce is reduced. Alternatively, if the sauce is too thick, mix in a little water to thin it out.
Storage
- Refrigerate- In a sealed container for up to 2 days.
- Freeze- Once they have cooled to room temperature, store in a sealed container for up to 1 month.
- Reheat- In the microwave or stovetop in a nonstick pot or pan. You may have to add a splash of water to get the right consistency.
- Make ahead instructions- Make them, as per instructions below and store them in the fridge for 1 day. Reheat in the microwave or stovetop, prior to serving.
More one pot appetizers
- Caprese Skewers (One Pan)
- Crockpot Little Smokies Recipe (Cocktail Sausages)
- Bacon Wrapped Dates (One Pan)
- Bacon Wrapped Smokies (One Pan)
Recipe
One Pot Cocktail Meatballs
Video
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Ingredients
- 1 cup Ketchup
- ¼ cup Worcestershire sauce
- ¼ cup Steak sauce
- 1 teaspoon Liquid smoke
- ½ teaspoon Onion powder
- ½ teaspoon Garlic powder
- Salt To taste
- Pepper To taste
- 1 tablespoon Chili paste Or chili sauce
- 1 cup Coca Cola Or Pepsi
- 25 Meatballs Frozen, Pre-cooked
- 1 tablespoon Green onions Thinly sliced, For garnish
Instructions
- Heat a wide non-stick pan over medium-high heat and add ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, Steak sauce, liquid smoke, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, pepper, chili paste and mix.Â
- Add Coke and mix until smooth.
- Allow the Coca-Cola bbq sauce to cook until the liquid is reduced and mixture becomes thick.
- Add meatballs and toss until fully coated.Â
- Cover and cook for 3-5 minutes.Â
- Garnish with green onions and enjoy!Â
Notes
- Read all my tips above.
- Leftovers can be stored in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 2 days and can be reheated in the microwave.Â
Nutrition
An automated tool is used to calculate the nutritional information. As such, I cannot guarantee the accuracy of the nutritional information provided for any recipe on this site.
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