Try my delicious take on a traditional party favorite—Cranberry BBQ Meatballs.
The dish blends the tangy sweetness of cranberries, the smokey depth of barbecue sauce, and the savory richness of delicate meatballs.
These meatballs are a hit at potlucks, family dinners, and holiday get-togethers because they give a festive touch to any occasion.
Every bite of this delectable dish is a delightful celebration because to the harmonic blending of tastes that produce an appealing dish that is both comforting and adventurous.
These simple-to-make Cranberry BBQ Meatballs will wow your visitors regardless of your level of culinary experience.
So, grab a plate, some elbow grease, and get ready to serve up some happiness with this special and tasty recipe.
How To Make Cranberry BBQ Meatballs?
Preparation Times: 20 minutes
Cooking Times: 25 minutes
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American
Yields: Approximately 24 meatballs
Equipment Needed
- Large mixing bowl
- Baking sheet
- Medium saucepan
- Mixing spoon
- Whisk
Ingredients
For the Meatballs
- 1 pound extra lean ground beef
- 1-pound mild country sausage
- 1 cup quick oats
- 1/2 cup finely diced onion
- 1 egg
- 2/3 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
For the Cranberry BBQ Sauce
- 1 cup cranberry sauce (canned or homemade)
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Instructions
Step-1. Prepare the Meatballs
● Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
● In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, sausage, quick oats, finely diced onion, egg, milk, salt, ground black pepper, garlic powder, and chili powder.
● Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated. Shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
● Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until fully cooked and browned.
Step-2. Make the Cranberry BBQ Sauce
● While the meatballs are baking, prepare the sauce.
● In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberry sauce, BBQ sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, cayenne pepper (if using), garlic powder, and onion powder.
● Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is well blended and heated through, about 10 minutes.
Step-3. Combine and Serve
● Once the meatballs are cooked, transfer them to a large serving bowl or slow cooker.
● Pour the cranberry BBQ sauce over the meatballs, stirring gently to coat each meatball evenly.
● Serve hot as an appetizer or over rice for a main dish.
Nutrition Facts Of Cranberry BBQ Meatballs
| Nutrition | Amounts |
|---|---|
| Calories | 250 |
| Protein | 12g |
| Fat | 15g |
| Carbohydrates | 18g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sugar | 10g |
| Sodium | 500mg |
Serving Suggestions
Cranberry BBQ Meatballs are versatile and can be served in several ways:
❖ As an appetizer with toothpicks for easy picking.
❖ Over a bed of steamed rice for a hearty main dish.
❖ Alongside mashed potatoes and green beans for a complete meal.
❖ In a hoagie roll with melted cheese for a delicious sandwich.
Tips and Variations
✱ For a leaner option, use ground turkey instead of ground beef.
✱ Make sure to finely dice the onions to ensure they blend well into the meatballs.
✱ If you prefer spicier meatballs, increase the amount of cayenne pepper in the sauce.
✱ Substitute the cranberry sauce with apricot preserves for a different fruity flavor.
✱ Add a teaspoon of smoked paprika to the sauce for a smoky twist.
✱ Use ground chicken and Italian sausage for a different meat combination.
Special Note
Ground turkey or chicken can be used in place of ground beef and sausage for a lighter version.
FAQS
Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare and bake the meatballs ahead of time. Store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven or microwave before serving with the sauce.
Can I freeze the meatballs?
Yes, after baking, let the meatballs cool completely. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat before adding the sauce.
Can I use store-bought cranberry sauce?
Yes, store-bought cranberry sauce works perfectly for this recipe. If you prefer homemade, that works just as well.
How can I make the sauce less sweet?
To make the sauce less sweet, reduce the amount of brown sugar or use a tangier BBQ sauce.
What can I substitute for Worcestershire sauce?
Soy sauce or a mixture of soy sauce and a little bit of vinegar can be used as a substitute for Worcestershire sauce.
Conclusion
Cranberry BBQ Meatballs are a delicious and versatile dish that can be served as an appetizer or main course.
With their flavorful combination of ingredients and simple preparation, they are sure to become a favorite in your home. Enjoy making and sharing this delightful recipe with family and friends!
Cranberry BBQ Meatballs
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Baking sheet
- Medium saucepan
- Mixing spoon
- Whisk
Ingredients
- For the Meatballs
- 1 pound extra lean ground beef
- 1- pound mild country sausage
- 1 cup quick oats
- 1/2 cup finely diced onion
- 1 egg
- 2/3 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- For the Cranberry BBQ Sauce
- 1 cup cranberry sauce canned or homemade
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper optional, for heat
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Instructions
- ● Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- ● In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, sausage, quick oats, finely diced onion, egg, milk, salt, ground black pepper, garlic powder, and chili powder.
- ● Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated. Shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- ● Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until fully cooked and browned.
- ● While the meatballs are baking, prepare the sauce.
- ● In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberry sauce, BBQ sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, cayenne pepper (if using), garlic powder, and onion powder.
- ● Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is well blended and heated through, about 10 minutes.
- ● Once the meatballs are cooked, transfer them to a large serving bowl or slow cooker.
- ● Pour the cranberry BBQ sauce over the meatballs, stirring gently to coat each meatball evenly.
- ● Serve hot as an appetizer or over rice for a main dish.
Notes
Welcome to Arora’s Sauce Recipe, where every drop tells a story of tradition, innovation, and a boundless love for culinary arts. My name is Brazen, and I am the founder and chief sauce creator at Arora’s Kitchen. Born into a family with a rich heritage of culinary arts, I grew up surrounded by the aromas of spices and the sounds of simmering pots, which ignited my passion for cooking from a young age.
Inspired by generations of culinary expertise, I embarked on a professional quest to capture these fleeting aromas and flavors in bottles of sauce that could bring a gourmet experience to every meal.
As the founder of Arora’s Sauce Recipe, my mission is to inspire your culinary adventures with the finest sauces. Whether you’re a professional chef or a home cook, our sauces are crafted to elevate your cooking with every spoonful.
Thank you for choosing Arora’s Sauce Recipe. Here’s to a journey filled with flavor, passion, and unforgettable meals.