Cranberry BBQ Meatballs Recipe
Introduction
Cranberry Meatballs are a deliciously tangy and sweet twist on classic meatballs, perfect for gatherings or a cozy dinner. The combination of cranberry and BBQ sauce creates a flavorful glaze that everyone will love.
Ingredients
- Frozen or homemade meatballs (beef or turkey)
- 1 cup cranberry sauce (whole berry, canned or homemade)
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand and flavor)
- For homemade meatballs: ground beef, milk, breadcrumbs, egg, and seasonings
Instructions
- Step 1: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the cranberry sauce and BBQ sauce. Stir and bring to a simmer.
- Step 2: Add the meatballs to the saucepan and stir to coat them evenly with the sauce.
- Step 3: Cover the pan and simmer for 10-20 minutes. Fresh meatballs typically take about 10 minutes to heat through; frozen meatballs will take closer to 20 minutes.
Tips & Variations
- Use your preferred BBQ sauce flavor to customize the dish. Sweet or smoky varieties work great.
- For a party, try cooking the meatballs in a slow cooker to keep them warm and ready to serve.
- Serve with white rice or coconut rice and a green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Storage
Store leftover cranberry meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 4-5 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. For longer storage, freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 6 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat on the stove. If the sauce is too thin after reheating, simmer uncovered on low until it thickens.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use homemade meatballs instead of frozen?
Yes, homemade meatballs work wonderfully. Just ensure they are fully cooked before adding to the sauce. Adjust simmering time to about 10 minutes to heat through.
What type of cranberry sauce should I use?
Whole berry cranberry sauce is best for this recipe, whether homemade or canned. Avoid jellied cranberry sauce as it doesn’t provide the same texture or flavor balance.
PrintCranberry BBQ Meatballs Recipe
Cranberry Meatballs combine tangy cranberry sauce with savory BBQ sauce, creating a perfect sweet and smoky glaze over tender meatballs. This easy-to-make dish can be prepared quickly on the stovetop or conveniently slow-cooked for parties and gatherings, making it ideal as an appetizer or a hearty dinner served with rice and vegetables.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Meatballs
- 1 pound frozen or fresh meatballs (beef or turkey)
- For homemade meatballs: 1 pound ground beef, 1/4 cup milk, 1/4 cup breadcrumbs, 1 egg, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper
Sauce
- 1 cup whole cranberry sauce (canned or homemade)
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (any brand or flavor, such as Sweet Baby Ray’s)
Instructions
- Prepare the sauce: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the BBQ sauce and cranberry sauce. Stir the mixture and bring it to a gentle simmer.
- Add meatballs: Add the frozen or fresh meatballs to the simmering sauce. Stir to coat all meatballs thoroughly with the sauce.
- Simmer the meatballs: Cover the pan with a lid and simmer the meatballs. Fresh meatballs will take about 10 minutes to heat through, while frozen meatballs require about 20 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Slow cooker option: For parties, pour the combined sauces into a slow cooker. Add the meatballs, cover with the lid, and cook on low for 2-3 hours or until heated through. Keep on warm or low setting for up to 8 hours ready to serve.
- Serve and enjoy: These meatballs are perfect as an appetizer kept warm in a slow cooker, or served for dinner alongside white rice, coconut rice, and green salad or steamed vegetables.
Notes
- You can make your own meatballs for a fresher, homemade touch or use frozen meatballs for convenience.
- Whole cranberry sauce is preferred over jellied to add texture and bursts of flavor to the dish.
- Slow cooker method is great for parties to keep meatballs warm and ready to serve for several hours.
- Leftovers store well refrigerated for 4-5 days or frozen for up to 6 months.
- Reheat leftovers on the stovetop or microwave; simmer sauce if it’s too thin after reheating.
Keywords: cranberry meatballs, BBQ meatballs, sweet and smoky meatballs, holiday appetizers, easy party recipes, slow cooker meatballs
