Updated: June 5, 2026
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These little bites are my longtime go-to recipe, and are guaranteed to be a hit at your next function. You could also alternatively make your own meatballs form scratch, but I’m usually in a rush when preparing appetizers. Therefore, I prefer using frozen ones to save on time. My favorite brand of meatballs to use are Rosina Meatballs, which can be found here on Instacart. Below you will find the recipe for these yummy treats:
Cocktail Meatball Recipe Ingredients
Cocktail style meatballs are the perfect appetizer to make for a party, tailgate, girls night, or any other special event. To make these yummy treats, all you need are five simple ingredients: frozen meatballs, grape jelly, yellow mustard, chili sauce, and parsley to garnish!
Party Meatballs Recipe
Ingredients
- 8 oz grape jelly
- 1 tbsp yellow mustard
- 2 jars Heinz chili sauce
- 26 oz frozen meatballs
- 1 tsp olive oil
- fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Take a pot or large sauce pan and drizzle in some olive oil. Remove the frozen meatballs from their package and place these in a pot over medium heat to defrost. You should lightly sear your meatballs before adding your sauce mixture in the next step. You can also cover your pot with a lid to speed up the cooking process.
- As your meatballs are defrosting, take a separate sauce pan and over medium heat, combine grape jelly, yellow mustard, and chili sauce. Occasionally stir until ingredients are combined. Once combined, remove from heat.
- Once your meatballs have defrosted and seared, and your sauce is ready, combine your meatballs and sauce mixture into one pan and stir. Allow this to simmer over medium heat for 5 minutes and then remove from heat.
- That's it! Your meatballs are ready to serve! Make your meatballs easy to serve for your guests by adding toothpicks and garnish with chopped parsley. Enjoy!
Notes
- For extra flavor, allow the meatballs to simmer in the sauce for at least 30 minutes before serving. This helps the sauce thicken and soak into the meatballs.
- Frozen homestyle meatballs work great for convenience, but homemade meatballs can also be used if preferred.
- If the sauce becomes too thick while cooking, stir in a small splash of water or beef broth to loosen it slightly.
- These cocktail meatballs can be made in a slow cooker, stovetop pot, or Dutch oven depending on your preferred cooking method.
- Leftovers store well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through.
- For a sweeter sauce, add a little extra grape jelly. For a smokier flavor, use a honey or hickory-style barbecue sauce.
- Serve these meatballs with toothpicks for easy entertaining or over rice or mashed potatoes for a heartier meal option.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
These will be a hit for the holidays. I may need to make a double batch so I can have some leftovers! I like the addition of chili sauce.
This looks so delicious! I love that is is a quick and easy recipe too. Thanks so much for sharing. 🙂
Uhm Uhm….you have my heart now! Meatballs+Mustard = my great love. Infact, why don’t I make my own, one of these days?
These looks yummy, nice to have at the ready with some red wine when guests arrive. I have never tried adding grape jelly to mine before, will have to give that a go!
Now that’s what I’m talking about! Nothing is a bigger hit at parties than meatballs. I love how easy this recipe is.
Perfect for holiday functions. Meatballs that taste good are always a big hit.
You can’t beat meatballs when it comes to pleasing a crowd. I’m a fan of how easy this recipe is. I love to serve up tasty treats to my guests, but I don’t love being in the kitchen for hours.
Yummy! I love meatballs and these are so simple and easy to make. Thanks for sharing! 🙂