BBQ Meatballs With Cranberry
BBQ Meatballs With Cranberry is a sweet and tangy appetizer made with tender meatballs simmered in a flavorful sauce of cranberry sauce and barbecue sauce. Perfect for parties or holiday gatherings, they offer a delicious balance of savory and fruity flavors with minimal prep.
Equipment
- Large saucepan
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Serving dish
Ingredients
- 1 bag 32 oz frozen cooked meatballs (pork, turkey, or beef)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ⅓ cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 can cranberry sauce
- 1 bottle BBQ sauce choose your favorite variety
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- Salt to taste
- Fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- In a large skillet or saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant (30–60 seconds).
- Stir in ketchup, cranberry sauce, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, black pepper, and a pinch of salt. Let simmer 5–10 minutes to combine flavors.
- Pour in the bottle of BBQ sauce and stir until everything is well combined. Let the sauce simmer on low heat for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Taste and adjust with salt if needed.
- Add the frozen meatballs to the sauce. Cover and simmer on low heat for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
- Sprinkle with chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
Meatballs can be baked, pan-fried, or slow-cooked. Slow cooking in cranberry BBQ sauce allows flavors to meld beautifully.