Description
Cranberry meatballs are a deliciously sweet and savory appetizer or main dish, perfect for holidays, parties, or casual meals. They combine tender meatballs simmered in a tangy cranberry and chili sauce for a crowd-pleasing flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 bag frozen meatballs (approximately 32 oz)
- 1 can whole berry cranberry sauce (14 oz)
- 1 bottle chili sauce (12 oz)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons orange juice (optional)
- 1 lb ground beef or turkey (optional for homemade meatballs)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional for homemade meatballs)
- 1 large egg (optional for homemade meatballs)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional for homemade meatballs)
- 1 teaspoon onion powder (optional for homemade meatballs)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (optional for homemade meatballs)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (optional for homemade meatballs)
- 1 can jellied cranberry sauce (optional for homemade sauce)
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce (optional for homemade sauce)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional for homemade sauce)
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (optional for homemade sauce)
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, combine whole berry cranberry sauce, chili sauce, and brown sugar. Heat over medium heat until sugar dissolves and sauce is well combined.
- If using frozen meatballs, place them in a slow cooker and pour the sauce over. Stir to coat evenly. Cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours. Alternatively, simmer meatballs and sauce together on stovetop for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- If making homemade meatballs, preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Mix ground meat, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Form into 1-inch balls and bake for 15-20 minutes until cooked through.
- For homemade sauce, mix jellied cranberry sauce, barbecue sauce, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce in a skillet. Heat and stir until smooth, then add cooked meatballs and simmer for 10-15 minutes.
- Serve meatballs warm, garnished with chopped parsley if desired. Provide toothpicks for easy serving at parties.
Notes
- Do not overcook meatballs to avoid dryness.
- Taste sauce as you cook to balance sweetness and tanginess.
- Adding chopped onions or bell peppers to the sauce can enhance flavor.
- Let meatballs sit in sauce before serving to meld flavors.
- Use fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, or rosemary for garnish.
- Substitute chili sauce with barbecue sauce if preferred.
- Omit brown sugar or replace with sugar alternative for lower sugar content.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4-5 meatballs
- Calories: Approx. 250 kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg
Keywords: cranberry meatballs, sweet and savory meatballs, holiday appetizers, party meatballs, slow cooker meatballs