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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!

Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
10 mins
Servings: 8 people
Calories: 300 kcal
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American

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
    Cup of Yum
  1. 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
  1. 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
  1. 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
  1. 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.

Nutrition Information

Calories 300kcal (15%) Carbohydrates 25g (8%) Protein 15g (30%) Fat 15g (23%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 8people

Amount Per Serving

Calories 300

% Daily Value*

Calories 300kcal 15%
Carbohydrates 25g 8%
Protein 15g 30%
Fat 15g 23%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.