Spicy Cranberry BBQ Meatballs Recipe
These Spicy Cranberry BBQ Meatballs combine the sweet and tangy flavors of whole cranberry sauce with a spicy barbecue kick, creating a perfect appetizer or main dish. Ready in just 30 minutes, they’re easy to prepare on the stovetop or in a slow cooker, making them ideal for gatherings or a flavorful weeknight meal.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Meatballs
- 28 ounces frozen meatballs (about 50 small or 30 medium size if homemade)
Sauces
- 14 ounces whole cranberry sauce
- 18 ounces spicy barbecue sauce (18-20 ounce bottle, about 2-3 cups)
Instructions
- Combine the sauces: In a large deep skillet over medium heat, combine the whole cranberry sauce and spicy barbecue sauce. Cook the mixture until it becomes bubbly, ensuring the sauces are well blended.
- Add the meatballs: Place the frozen meatballs in a single layer within the skillet. Stir gently to coat all meatballs completely with the sauce mixture. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the skillet, and cook. For frozen meatballs, heat through for about 15-20 minutes; for fresh meatballs, heat for approximately 10 minutes.
- Reduce the sauce: Remove the skillet cover and continue cooking the meatballs for several more minutes. Stir occasionally until the sauce reduces and thickens, fully coating each meatball with a glossy finish.
- Serve: Enjoy the meatballs as a flavorful appetizer or serve them over rice for a hearty main dish.
- Optional slow cooker method: In a slow cooker, stir the cranberry and barbecue sauces together. Add the meatballs and stir gently to coat. Cover and cook on low for 2-3 hours until heated through. Stir just before serving.
Notes
- For homemade meatballs, aim for about 50 small or 30 medium-sized meatballs to match the quantity specified.
- The sauce can be adjusted for sweetness or heat by modifying the amount of cranberry or barbecue sauce used.
- This recipe works well both on the stovetop and in a slow cooker for flexibility.
- Serve over rice or alongside crusty bread to soak up extra sauce.
Find it online: https://recipefeastful.com/spicy-cranberry-bbq-meatballs-recipe/
