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Christmas Cranberry Meatballs

Tender meatballs simmered in a sweet and tangy cranberry-BBQ glaze. The perfect easy holiday appetizer for parties and Christmas gatherings.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 40 meatballs
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American, Holiday
Calories: 170

Ingredients
  

Meatballs
  • 1.5 lbs ground beef
  • 0.5 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 egg
  • 1 onion finely minced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
Cranberry Glaze
  • 14 oz whole berry cranberry sauce
  • 1 cup BBQ sauce
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar optional
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tbsp ketchup
  • water 1-2 tbsp to thin if needed

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Baking sheet
  • Saucepan
  • Slow cooker (optional)

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment.
  2. Mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, onion, garlic, salt, pepper, and Worcestershire until combined.
  3. Roll into 1-inch balls and bake 15–18 minutes.
  4. In a saucepan, combine cranberry sauce, BBQ sauce, brown sugar, vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, and ketchup. Heat until smooth.
  5. Add cooked meatballs to sauce or transfer both to a slow cooker.
  6. Simmer 20 minutes on stovetop or 2–3 hours on LOW in slow cooker.
  7. Serve warm, garnished with parsley.

Notes

Use frozen meatballs for a quick version. Keep warm in slow cooker for parties.