Cape Cod Cocktail Meatballs are a nostalgic New England favorite, combining sweet, tangy, and savory flavors into an irresistible party appetizer. These meatballs are tender and juicy, baked to perfection, and then bathed in a glossy cranberry-ketchup sauce that strikes the perfect balance between comforting and festive. They’re the kind of dish guests gather around, toothpick in hand, going back for “just one more.”
The sauce is the heart of this recipe: a blend of ketchup, cranberry sauce, brown sugar, lemon juice, and Worcestershire that transforms into a rich, gently tangy glaze. The cranberry brings a distinctly New England flair, making this recipe especially popular around the holidays, though it’s delicious any time of year. A touch of dry mustard adds depth and subtle warmth, staying true to classic Cape Cod style.
Whether you bake them in the oven or let them simmer in a slow cooker, these meatballs are wonderfully low-maintenance. They’re perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, game days, and holiday dinners, where they stay warm and flavorful for hours. The aromas alone are enough to draw a crowd.
A splash of orange juice is a simple twist that brightens the sauce and enhances the cranberry’s natural sweetness—an easy upgrade that makes this dish truly shine. Serve them warm and watch them disappear quickly.
Servings and Timing
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Servings: 6–8
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
- 1 1/2 lbs ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup onion, finely minced
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Sauce:
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1 cup cranberry sauce (whole berry or jellied)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 tsp dry mustard (optional but traditional)
Instructions:
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