Description
Juicy meatballs simmered in a sweet-tart cranberry and barbecue sauce, making the ultimate crowd-pleasing party appetizer perfect for holiday gatherings or casual get-togethers.
Ingredients
Meatballs
- 1 lb ground beef or turkey
- 1 egg
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt & pepper to taste
Sauce
- 1 can (14 oz) cranberry sauce
- ½ cup barbecue sauce
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400 °F (200 °C) to prepare for baking the meatballs.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef or turkey with the egg, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until well mixed, then roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs.
- Bake Meatballs: Arrange the meatballs on a baking sheet and bake for 15 to 18 minutes until they are browned and cooked through.
- Prepare Sauce: While the meatballs bake, combine the cranberry sauce and barbecue sauce in a skillet over medium heat. Stir and heat until the mixture is smooth and heated through.
- Simmer Meatballs in Sauce: Add the baked meatballs to the skillet with the sauce, simmering for 5 to 10 minutes. This allows the meatballs to absorb the flavors and become coated in the sweet-tart sauce.
Notes
- Keep the meatballs warm in a slow cooker during parties to serve them hot throughout the event.
- Use ground turkey instead of beef for a lighter, leaner version of this appetizer.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer / Party Food
- Method: Baking and Simmering
- Cuisine: American
