Lean Classic Crockpot Cocktail Meatballs

As the Lean Classic Crockpot Cocktail Meatballs simmer in the crockpot, the aromatic scent of sweet and tangy sauce wafts through the air, tantalizing the taste buds and building anticipation. The first bite is a harmonious balance of juicy meatballs, rich sauce, and a hint of spice, leaving you craving more.

What makes these Lean Classic Crockpot Cocktail Meatballs truly special is their versatility and ease of preparation. Perfect for holiday gatherings, parties, or a cozy night in, this recipe offers a stress-free solution to feed a crowd. For a unique twist on a classic recipe, be sure to try our Lean Classic Crockpot Cocktail Meatballs variant featuring cranberries and orange zest.

Why This Recipe Works

• Using lean ground meat and a judicious amount of breadcrumbs, these meatballs retain their moisture and texture, while minimizing excess fat.
• By preparing the sauce ingredients and cooking the meatballs in a crockpot, this recipe shines with its efficiency and hands-off cooking time.
• A combination of classic cocktail sauce flavors and a hint of spice creates a rich, complex taste experience that complements the meatballs perfectly.

Key Ingredients

When selecting ingredients for this recipe, it’s essential to use high-quality ground meat with minimal added fat. Also, be sure to use a sweet and tangy cocktail sauce for the best results. To find more great recipes utilizing your crockpot, be sure to visit this fantastic resource.

To elevate the dish further, consider using a flavorful all-purpose seasoning to add depth to your meatballs. If desired, you can also experiment with various spices and herbs to create your unique cocktail meatball creation.

Recipe Courtesy of Our Kitchen

Lean Classic Crockpot Cocktail Meatballs

★★★★★ (55 Reviews)

Level:
Easy

Prep:
15 min

Cook:
25 min

Yield:
4 Servings

Ingredients

1 lb lean ground beef (90% lean)

1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs

1 egg

1/4 cup finely chopped onion

1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley

1 tsp dried oregano

1/2 tsp salt

1/4 tsp black pepper

1 cup cocktail sauce

Directions

1

Preheat your crockpot to the low heat setting.

2

In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, panko breadcrumbs, egg, chopped onion, parsley, oregano, salt, and pepper. Gently mix the ingredients with your hands or a wooden spoon until just combined, avoiding overmixing.

3

Use your hands to shape the mixture into small meatballs, about 1-inch (2.5 cm) in diameter. You should end up with around 20-25 meatballs.

4

Add the meatballs to the preheated crockpot and carefully pour the cocktail sauce over them. Cover the crockpot and cook for 2-3 hours, or until the meatballs are cooked through and the sauce has thickened slightly.

5

Serve the Lean Classic Crockpot Cocktail Meatballs warm, garnished with chopped fresh parsley if desired. Enjoy!

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the meatballs in a saucepan with a tablespoon of water over low heat, covering the pan with a lid. Let the meatballs simmer gently until warmed through, adding more water if necessary. You can also reheat the meatballs in the microwave or oven, but be cautious not to overcook them.