EASY CRANBERRY MEATBALLS
Easy Cranberry Meatballs are sweet, tangy, and savory—perfect for holiday parties, game nights, or a quick dinner. Juicy meatballs are coated in a delicious cranberry and BBQ sauce glaze, making them an irresistible crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients
- 1 lb frozen or homemade meatballs
- 1 cup cranberry sauce whole berry or jellied
- ½ cup BBQ sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional for spice
Instructions
STEP NO.1: PREPARE THE MEATBALLS
- If using homemade meatballs, cook them in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes until fully cooked. If using frozen meatballs, thaw slightly for even cooking.
STEP NO.2: MAKE THE CRANBERRY GLAZE
- In a saucepan, combine cranberry sauce, BBQ sauce, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir and simmer over medium heat for 3-5 minutes until well combined.
STEP NO.3: COAT THE MEATBALLS
- Add the meatballs to the saucepan and toss to coat evenly. Simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the glaze thickens and coats the meatballs.
STEP NO.4: SERVE HOT
- Transfer to a serving dish, garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve warm with toothpicks or over rice.
Notes
- Meatball Options: Use beef, turkey, or chicken meatballs.
- Spicier Version: Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
- Slow Cooker Method: Cook on low for 3-4 hours or high for 2 hours for easy serving.
- Make Ahead: Prepare the sauce in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Spicy Cranberry Meatballs: Add 1 tablespoon sriracha or hot sauce to the glaze.
- Tangy Cranberry Meatballs: Swap BBQ sauce for ¼ cup ketchup and ¼ cup apple cider vinegar.
- Honey Cranberry Meatballs: Replace brown sugar with 2 tablespoons honey for a richer sweetness.
- Balsamic Cranberry Meatballs: Add 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar for a deeper flavor.