How many pounds of meat should I purchase to make cocktail meatballs for a party with 40 people?

Question

This will be one of two appetizers along with a dinner.

Answer 1

this will make 80 meat ball, but I would not make more because not everyone will eat meat and I am sure you are having other meats.  if you want 40 meat ball just make 1/2 this recipe.

Ingredients

1 1/2 lbs ground pork

1 1/2 lbs ground turkey or hamburger

2 tablespoons onions, minced

1 teaspoon parsley

2 teaspoons ground black pepper

2 teaspoons garlic salt

4 eggs

2-3 cups Italian seasoned breadcrumbs

Directions

1 In a large mixing bowl add the meats and blend together with your hands.

2 Add the onion, parsley, pepper, and garlic salt. Mix again with your hands until all the seasonings are well blended with the meat.

3 In a bowl beat the eggs until well beaten. While mixing the egg into the meat mixture, add the bread crumbs 1/2 cup at a time until the meat begins to feel slightly firm.

4 Form the meat into 1 1/2" balls with your hands.

5 Gently place in cooking pan so that the meatballs are close but not touching.

6 Cook in pre-heated oven at 450 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 minutes or until browned.

7 The meatballs will not be fully cooked yet.

8 Add meatballs to your favorite sauce and simmer for one hour.  

Answer 2

I usually buy around 5 lbs of meat when I have that many people over for a party. If you are having other appetizers, that should be plenty.