Juicy Cranberry Meatballs Recipe: Sweet & Tangy Party Favorite

Succulent meatballs dancing with tangy cranberry sauce are a winter dinner dream.

These delectable cranberry meatballs bring warmth to any table.

Tender ground beef mingles perfectly with bright, zesty cranberry flavors.

Each bite promises a delightful balance of savory and sweet that will surprise your palate.

Packed with simple ingredients and easy preparation, this recipe becomes an instant crowd-pleaser.

The combination of hearty meat and sharp cranberry notes creates a memorable meal that feels both comforting and elegant.

Serve these meatballs and watch everyone ask for seconds.

Cranberry Meatballs Key Points

• Whip up a crowd-pleasing dish with minimal prep that transforms frozen meatballs into a festive centerpiece.
• Perfect for gatherings, potlucks, and holiday events where you need a delicious appetizer that impresses without complicated steps.
• Blend sweet and tangy cranberry sauce with zesty chili sauce creates an irresistible coating that elevates basic meatballs into a gourmet-style treat.
• Hands-off cooking method allows busy hosts to prepare a mouthwatering dish while focusing on other party preparations or simply relaxing.

Cranberry Meatballs Ingredient List

• Frozen Meatballs: Pre-made meat mixture that provides the hearty base for this slow cooker dish.

• Cranberry Sauce: Adds sweet and tangy flavor to the meatball coating.
• Chili Sauce: Provides a subtle spicy kick and depth to the sauce.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Enhances the overall savory profile of the dish.
• Brown Sugar: Balances the tangy and spicy elements with a rich sweetness.

• Green Onions: Adds a fresh, crisp finish and light onion flavor to the meatballs.

Equipment for Cranberry Meatballs

• Slow Cooker: Essential for cooking meatballs evenly and keeping them warm.
• Whisk: Perfect for blending sauce ingredients smoothly.
• Measuring Cups: Helps accurately measure sauces and sugar.
• Cutting Board: For chopping green onions as garnish.
• Sharp Knife: Needed to slice green onions neatly.

Making Cranberry Meatballs

Step 1: Prep The Slow Cooker

Drop your frozen meatballs directly into the slow cooker, arranging them evenly across the bottom of the pot.

Step 2: Whip Up The Zesty Sauce

• Cranberry sauce
• Chili sauce
• Worcestershire sauce
• Brown sugar

Whisk until the mixture becomes smooth and well combined.

Step 3: Marry The Meatballs And Sauce

Pour the vibrant sauce over the meatballs, ensuring every single meatball gets coated with the tangy mixture.

Step 4: Slow And Steady Cooking

Cover the slow cooker and set it to low heat.

Let the meatballs simmer and absorb the flavors for 4 hours.

Give the meatballs a gentle stir every hour to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.

Step 5: Finishing Touches

Switch the slow cooker to warm setting.

Sprinkle freshly chopped green onions on top for a pop of color and extra flavor.

Serve hot and enjoy these mouthwatering cranberry meatballs as an appetizer or main dish.

Pro Tips for Cranberry Meatballs

• Use frozen meatballs to keep moisture locked in during slow cooking.
• Adjust brown sugar and chili sauce ratio to create perfect sweet-tangy blend.
• Stir occasionally to ensure even sauce coating and prevent sticking.
• Chop fresh green onions just before serving for vibrant color and crisp garnish.
• Make sauce ahead of time and store in refrigerator for quick assembly on cooking day.

Cranberry Meatballs Variations

• Vegetarian Meatball Swap: Replace frozen meatballs with plant-based meatballs made from lentils, beans, or soy protein for a meat-free version.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free cranberry sauce and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free to accommodate sensitive diets.
• Spicy Kick Variation: Add red pepper flakes or sriracha sauce to the original sauce mixture for those who enjoy extra heat and bold flavors.
• Low-Sugar Alternative: Substitute brown sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia to reduce overall sugar content while maintaining a similar sweet profile.

Serving Cranberry Meatballs

• Festive Party Platter: Arrange meatballs on a decorative tray with toothpicks for easy elegant appetizer that guests can grab and enjoy during holiday gatherings.
• Holiday Dinner Side: Serve alongside fluffy mashed potatoes or crisp roasted vegetables to create a complete meal with balanced flavors and textures.
• Game Day Snack: Present in a warm slow cooker at sports watch parties, allowing friends to scoop meatballs throughout the event with small plates nearby.
• Leftovers Transformation: Shred remaining meatballs and mix into sandwich filling or wrap for a delicious next-day lunch option with tangy cranberry sauce flavor.

Storage for Cranberry Meatballs

• Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Transfer cooled meatballs and sauce to freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags. Freeze for maximum 2-3 months. Label with date for easy tracking.
• Place meatballs in microwave-safe dish. Cover with damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.
• Warm meatballs in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add splash of water or extra sauce to prevent drying. Stir gently until heated through, about 5-7 minutes.

FAQs

• What type of meatballs work best for this recipe?

Frozen store-bought meatballs are perfect. Pre-cooked beef or turkey meatballs will work great and save you preparation time.

• Can I make this recipe spicier?

Yes, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture to increase the heat level according to your preference.

• Is this dish good for meal prep?

Absolutely! These cranberry meatballs can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, making them excellent for advance preparation and quick meals.

• How can I serve these meatballs?

They’re fantastic as an appetizer at parties, a main dish over rice, or as a protein option in holiday gatherings. Green onion garnish adds a fresh touch and extra flavor.

Cranberry Meatballs Recipe

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4.9 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Savory cranberry meatballs blend Swedish and American culinary traditions in one delightful dish. Juicy beef combines with tart cranberry sauce, creating a festive meal that satisfies winter cravings and delights dinner guests.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 26 ounces (737 grams) frozen meatballs

Sauces and Sweeteners:

• 14 ounces (397 grams) cranberry sauce
• 12 ounces (340 grams) chili sauce
• 1 1/2 tablespoons (22 milliliters) Worcestershire sauce
• 1 1/2 tablespoons (22 grams) dark brown sugar

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Instructions

1. Nestle frozen meatballs into the slow cooker, positioning them evenly across the base.
2. Create a vibrant sauce by thoroughly blending cranberry sauce, chili sauce, Worcestershire, and brown sugar until smooth and well-integrated.
3. Cascade the prepared sauce over the meatballs, ensuring each piece is generously coated and saturated.
4. Cover the slow cooker and allow the meatballs to simmer on low temperature for 3-4 hours, gently stirring midway through cooking to promote even flavor distribution.
5. Once cooking is complete, transition the slow cooker to warm setting to maintain optimal serving temperature.
6. Before presenting, delicately sprinkle finely chopped green onions across the top for a fresh, aromatic garnish that adds visual appeal and subtle flavor enhancement.

Notes

• Opt for homemade meatballs to elevate the flavor profile and control sodium levels.
• Swap cranberry sauce with fresh cranberries for a tangier, less sweet result.
• Reduce sugar content by using sugar-free cranberry sauce or substituting with honey for a more natural sweetener.
• Consider using turkey or plant-based meatballs for a lighter, dietary-friendly alternative that maintains the dish’s delicious essence.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 4 hours
• Category: Appetizer, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 200
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg