Description
Cranberry Meatballs are sweet, tangy, and savory party appetizers made with tender meatballs simmered in a cranberry barbecue sauce—perfect for holidays, gatherings, and potlucks.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lbs ground beef (or a mix of beef and turkey)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup minced onion
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1 can (14 oz) cranberry sauce
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp brown sugar (optional for added sweetness)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, onion, garlic, salt, pepper, and paprika until combined.
- Roll mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place on the baking sheet.
- Bake for 15–18 minutes until cooked through.
- In a saucepan, combine cranberry sauce, barbecue sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and brown sugar. Heat over medium until smooth.
- Add baked meatballs to the sauce and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Serve warm as an appetizer or over rice as a main dish.
Notes
- Make meatballs ahead and freeze; add directly to simmering sauce when needed.
- Use whole-berry cranberry sauce for extra texture.
- Garnish with parsley for a festive touch.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baked + Simmered
- Cuisine: American