1 Cocktail Beef, Veal and Pork Meatballs is a delicious and simple recipe to add to your meal planning. Each meatball contains only 12 calories, making it a perfect option for those wanting a low-calorie meal or snack.
These meatballs are made with a combination of beef, veal, and pork, providing a flavorful and juicy bite. They are also packed with protein, offering 7 grams of protein per meatball.
In this article, we'll explore everything you need to know to make these cocktail meatballs, including cooking methods, serving suggestions, and keto and low-carb options.
To make 1 Cocktail Beef, Veal and Pork Meatballs, you will need: - 1/2 cup of ground beef
- 1/2 cup of ground veal
- 1/2 cup of ground pork
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup of breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons of chopped parsley
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1/2 cup of your favorite sauce (optional) Each meatball contains 12 calories, 0.5 grams of fat, 1 gram of carbs, and 7 grams of protein.
Cooking Method
To cook the meatballs, follow these simple steps: - Preheat your oven to 375°F.
- In a large bowl, mix together the ground beef, veal, and pork.
- Add the egg, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, salt, and pepper to the bowl and mix well.
- Roll the mixture into small, bite-sized meatballs.
- Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the meatballs are fully cooked through.
- Serve warm with your favorite sauce, if desired.
Serving Suggestions
These cocktail meatballs are perfect for a variety of occasions. Here are a few serving suggestions: - Appetizer for a dinner party or holiday gathering
- Finger food for a game day or movie night
- Topping for a salad or pasta dish
- Protein-packed snack between meals
Meatball Varieties
While this recipe calls for a combination of beef, veal, and pork, you can easily make substitutions or variations to suit your taste preferences. Some options include: - Ground turkey, chicken, or lamb instead of beef, veal, or pork
- Different seasonings or herbs, such as cumin, coriander, or rosemary
- Different sauces or toppings, such as marinara, barbecue, or teriyaki sauce
Appetizer Ideas
Need some inspiration for appetizers? Here are a few ideas to get you started: - Skewer meatballs with cherry tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella for a Caprese-inspired appetizer
- Serve meatballs with a dipping sauce, such as honey mustard, ranch, or aioli
- Top meatballs with a slice of cheese and broil until melted for a mini slider
Party Food Fun
Serving meatballs at your next party or gathering? Try these fun party food ideas: - Create a meatball bar with various sauces and toppings for guests to customize their own meatball bowls
- Serve meatballs in mini phyllo cups or on toothpicks for easy finger food
- Make a meatball sub sandwich with your favorite toppings
Keto and Low-Carb Option
For those following a keto or low-carb diet, these meatballs are a great option. Each meatball contains only 1 gram of carbs, making them a perfect snack or meal addition. Here are a few ways to incorporate these meatballs into your keto meal plan: - Pair meatballs with a salad or roasted vegetables for a low-carb dinner
- Make a meatball casserole with low-carb ingredients, such as cauliflower rice, cheese, and almond flour
- Top meatballs with a sugar-free tomato sauce for a keto-friendly spaghetti and meatballs dinner
Slow Cooker Instructions
Prefer to use a slow cooker instead of an oven? Here's how to make these meatballs in a slow cooker: - In a large bowl, mix together the ground beef, veal, and pork.
- Add the egg, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, salt, and pepper to the bowl and mix well.
- Roll the mixture into small, bite-sized meatballs.
- Pour your favorite sauce into the slow cooker.
- Add the meatballs to the slow cooker, making sure they are fully covered in the sauce.
- Cook on low for 4-6 hours, or until the meatballs are fully cooked through.
- Serve warm with additional sauce, if desired.
Make-Ahead Tips
Short on time? These meatballs can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator or freezer for later use. Here's how: - After rolling the meatballs, place them on a baking sheet and freeze for 1-2 hours, or until fully frozen.
- Once frozen, transfer the meatballs to a labeled freezer bag or container and store in the freezer for up to 3 months.
- To reheat, bake the meatballs in the oven at 375°F for 10-15 minutes or until heated through.
- To save time, make a large batch of meatballs ahead of time and freeze them in portioned bags for easy meal prep.
Leftover Ideas
Have leftover meatballs? Don't let them go to waste! Here are a few ideas for using up leftover meatballs: - Make a meatball sub with marinara sauce and cheese
- Chop up meatballs and add them to a soup or stew
- Top leftover meatballs with a fried egg for a protein-packed breakfast
5 FAQ About Cocktail Beef, Veal and Pork Meatballs
1. How many meatballs are in a serving?
The serving size may vary depending on the brand, but typically a serving is around 3-4 meatballs.
2. Are these meatballs pre-cooked?
It depends on the brand, but many cocktail meatballs are pre-cooked and just need to be reheated before serving.
3. How should I cook these meatballs?
Again, it depends on the brand, but most cocktail meatballs can be heated in the oven or on the stovetop in a sauce. Be sure to check the packaging for specific instructions.
4. Can I freeze these meatballs?
Yes, these meatballs can be frozen either before or after cooking. Just be sure to follow proper storage procedures and thaw them thoroughly before reheating.
5. Are these meatballs a healthy choice?
Cocktail meatballs can be high in sodium and fat, so they should be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. However, they can also be a good source of protein and iron.