Cranberry Meatballs have always held a special place in my heart. Growing up, my family would gather during the holidays, and the aroma of sweet and tangy cranberry-infused meatballs would fill our home. The combination of savory meat and the unique flavor of cranberries created a dish that was both comforting and exciting. Whether for Thanksgiving or casual family dinners, these meatballs never failed to impress. The juicy texture and the slight sweetness from the cranberry sauce make them unforgettable. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Meatballs
- Perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors.
- Quick prep time of just 10 minutes!
- Family-friendly dish that appeals to all ages.
- Budget-friendly using affordable ingredients.
- Great for meal prep and can be made ahead.
- Versatile, can be served as appetizers or main dishes.
- Exciting flavor twist with cranberry BBQ meatballs.
Ingredients for Cranberry Meatballs
Here’s everything you need to whip up these delicious meatballs:
- 26 ounces frozen bite-size meatballs – choose your favorite brand.
- 14 ounces whole cranberry sauce – can substitute with grape jelly for a different taste.
- 12 ounces Heinz Chili Sauce – adds a zesty kick.
- 1 1/2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce – enhances the savory depth.
- 1 1/2 tablespoons dark brown sugar – for that perfect touch of sweetness.
How to Make Cranberry Meatballs
Making these meatballs is incredibly simple and satisfying:
- Step 1: Place the frozen bite-sized meatballs directly into the slow cooker, spreading them evenly across the base.
- Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together the whole cranberry sauce, Heinz chili sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and dark brown sugar until well combined and smooth.
- Step 3: Pour the prepared sauce evenly over the meatballs in the slow cooker. Cover with the lid and cook on low heat for 4 hours, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking and coating of sauce.
- Step 4: After cooking, set the slow cooker to the warm setting to maintain temperature until serving. Garnish the meatballs with chopped green onions if desired, and serve warm as an appetizer or main dish.
Pro Tips for the Best Cranberry Meatballs
To ensure your meatballs are always a hit, consider these tips:
- Use frozen meatballs for convenience, but feel free to make your own from scratch.
- Adjust the sweetness by varying the amount of brown sugar based on your preference.
- For a unique twist, try adding crushed pineapple for cranberry meatballs with pineapple.
What’s the secret to perfect Cranberry Meatballs?
The key is in the sauce. The combination of cranberry sauce and chili sauce creates a rich, tangy flavor that complements the meatballs beautifully. I’ve found that slow cooking allows the flavors to meld perfectly.
Can I make Cranberry Meatballs ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce and meatballs up to 24 hours in advance. Just store them in the refrigerator and cook them in the slow cooker when you’re ready to serve.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Cranberry Meatballs?
Be careful not to overcook the meatballs; they can become dry. Stirring occasionally helps keep them well-coated with sauce without overcooking.
Best Ways to Serve Cranberry Meatballs
These meatballs can be served in various delightful ways:
- As a standalone appetizer, perfect for holiday parties.
- Over a bed of rice for a comforting main dish.
- With toothpicks for easy snacking at gatherings, making them ideal savory cranberry meatballs appetizers.
Nutrition Facts for Cranberry Meatballs
Per serving (recipe makes about 8 servings):
- Calories: 120
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 200mg
Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
How to Store and Reheat Cranberry Meatballs
To store your leftovers:
- Allow the meatballs to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container.
- Refrigerate for 3-4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- To reheat, simply thaw in the fridge overnight and warm in the slow cooker or microwave until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cranberry Meatballs
Can I freeze cranberry meatballs?
Yes, freezing them is a great option. Just ensure they are in a freezer-safe container and they can last up to 3 months.
What can I use instead of cranberry sauce?
You can substitute with grape jelly or even a homemade sauce for a personalized twist.
Are there healthier options for cranberry meatballs?
Absolutely! You can make healthy cranberry meatballs with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
Variations of Cranberry Meatballs You Can Try
Feel free to experiment with these variations:
- Cranberry turkey meatballs: Swap beef with ground turkey for a leaner meal.
- Cranberry infused meatballs: Add herbs and spices to your meat mixture for extra flavor.
- Cranberry meatballs in the oven: Cook in the oven with the same sauce for a different texture.
Cranberry Meatballs: 5 Savory and Sweet Flavors to Enjoy
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: None
Description
These Cranberry Meatballs are a perfect blend of savory and sweet, slow-cooked to tender perfection with a tangy cranberry sauce and a hint of chili spice.
Ingredients
- 26 ounces frozen bite-size meatballs
- 14 ounces whole cranberry sauce (can substitute grape jelly)
- 12 ounces Heinz Chili Sauce
- 1 1/2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 1/2 tablespoons dark brown sugar
Instructions
- Place the frozen bite-sized meatballs directly into the slow cooker, spreading them evenly across the base.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the whole cranberry sauce, Heinz chili sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and dark brown sugar until well combined and smooth.
- Pour the prepared sauce evenly over the meatballs in the slow cooker. Cover with the lid and cook on low heat for 4 hours, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking and coating of sauce.
- After cooking, set the slow cooker to the warm setting to maintain temperature until serving. Garnish the meatballs with chopped green onions if desired, and serve warm as an appetizer or main dish.
Notes
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 meatball
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
