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–+ servings
Cranberry Meatballs

Cranberry Meatballs

The Crispy Chef
Cranberry Meatballs are sweet, tangy, and savory — a festive appetizer perfect for holiday parties and potlucks. Juicy meatballs simmered in a cranberry BBQ glaze bring cozy flavor and holiday cheer to every bite.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Servings 6 servings
Calories 230 kcal

Equipment

  • Mixing bowl
  • skillet or sauté pan
  • Spatula or tongs
  • Slow cooker (optional)
  • serving platter or dish

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1/2 lb ground pork (or more beef)
  • 1 egg
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 2 tbsp minced onion
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 can cranberry sauce (14 oz, whole berry preferred)
  • 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • pinch of nutmeg or cinnamon (optional)
  • oil (for browning meatballs)
  • fresh parsley or rosemary (for garnish)

Instructions
 

  • In a bowl, mix ground beef, ground pork, egg, breadcrumbs, onion, garlic powder, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Roll into 1-inch meatballs.
  • Heat oil in a skillet. Brown meatballs on all sides for about 5 minutes. No need to cook through — just sear for flavor.
  • In the same pan or a clean pot, whisk together cranberry sauce, barbecue sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, onion powder, and optional spices. Simmer gently.
  • Add browned meatballs to the sauce. Cover and simmer on low for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until meatballs are cooked through and coated.
  • Slow Cooker Option: Place browned meatballs in a slow cooker. Pour sauce over top. Cook on low for 3 hours or high for 1.5 hours.
  • Serve warm with toothpicks or over rice. Garnish with fresh parsley or rosemary.

Notes

Mix the meat gently to keep meatballs tender. Browning adds great flavor, so don’t skip it! You can make them ahead, freeze, and reheat when needed. Garnish with herbs for a festive look, and serve with toothpicks or over rice for a heartier option.

Nutrition

Calories: 230kcalCarbohydrates: 18gProtein: 12gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 55mgSodium: 480mgPotassium: 240mgFiber: 1gSugar: 12gVitamin A: 80IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 30mgIron: 1.6mg
Keyword cocktail meatballs, cranberry meatballs, holiday appetizers, sweet and savory meatballs
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