Name: Grape Sticky Cocktail Meatballs
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; ½ cup breadcrumbs; 1 large egg; ¼ cup milk; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; 1 cup grape jelly; ½ cup ketchup; 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; 1 tablespoon brown sugar

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I really enjoy making these grape sticky cocktail meatballs because they are sweet, savory, and incredibly comforting. The sauce turns thick and glossy as it cooks, coating every meatball perfectly. I like serving them for family gatherings or casual parties because they always feel familiar yet special at the same time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it is easy to prepare and delivers big flavor with simple ingredients. The meatballs stay tender, and the grape sauce adds a rich sweetness that pairs beautifully with the savory base. I also appreciate how well they work as a make-ahead dish, saving me time on busy days.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of Ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Meatballs
1 lb ground beef
½ cup breadcrumbs
1 large egg
¼ cup milk
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper

Sauce
1 cup grape jelly
½ cup ketchup
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon brown sugar

Directions

I begin by preheating the oven to 400°F. In a large bowl, I mix the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until just combined. I avoid overmixing so the meatballs remain soft.

I shape the mixture into evenly sized meatballs and place them on a lined baking sheet. I bake them for about 15 to 18 minutes, until they are fully cooked.

While the meatballs bake, I add the grape jelly, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and brown sugar to a saucepan. I heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened.

I gently add the baked meatballs to the sauce and stir until they are well coated. I let them simmer together for another 10 to 15 minutes, allowing the sauce to become sticky and rich.

Servings And Timing

I usually get about 4 to 6 servings from this recipe.
Preparation time is around 15 minutes, cooking time is about 30 minutes, and the total time is approximately 45 minutes.

Variations

I sometimes add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat. When I want a deeper savory flavor, I mix a small amount of smoked paprika into the meatball mixture. I also like serving these over rice or with toothpicks as an appetizer.

Storage/Reheating

I store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, I warm them gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally so the sauce heats evenly.

FAQs

Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?

I often prepare them a day ahead and store them in the refrigerator. I reheat them slowly before serving.

Can I freeze these meatballs?

I freeze the cooked meatballs with the sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.

How do I keep the meatballs tender?

I make sure not to overmix the meat and include the milk and breadcrumbs for moisture.

Can I cook these in a slow cooker?

I transfer the baked meatballs and sauce to a slow cooker and keep them warm on low for serving.

What should I serve with these meatballs?

I like serving them with rice, mashed potatoes, or as a party appetizer with toothpicks.

Conclusion

I enjoy this grape sticky cocktail meatballs recipe because it is simple, comforting, and always a crowd-pleaser. The sweet sauce and tender meatballs come together beautifully, making it a dish I return to again and again.