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Spicy Cranberry BBQ Meatballs Recipe

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4 from 9 reviews

These Spicy Cranberry BBQ Meatballs offer a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors, ideal as a flavorful appetizer or a hearty main dish served over rice. Using frozen or homemade meatballs, the combination of whole cranberry sauce and spicy barbecue sauce creates a rich, bubbly glaze that coats each meatball with a delicious kick, perfect for quick weeknight dinners or entertaining.

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

  1. Heat Sauces: Combine the whole cranberry sauce and spicy barbecue sauce in a large, deep skillet over medium heat. Cook the mixture until it becomes bubbly, which helps the flavors meld together.
  2. Add Meatballs: Place the meatballs in a single layer in the skillet and stir to ensure each meatball is fully coated with the sauce. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the skillet, and cook until the meatballs are heated through—about 15-20 minutes for frozen meatballs or 10 minutes if fresh.
  3. Reduce Sauce: Remove the cover and continue cooking for a few minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and thoroughly coats each meatball, giving a glossy finish.
  4. Serve: Serve the meatballs hot as an appetizer on their own or make it a main dish by serving them over rice for a satisfying meal.
  5. Alternative Slow Cooker Method: Combine the cranberry and BBQ sauces in the slow cooker, add the meatballs, and stir to coat. Cover and cook on low for 2-3 hours, or until meatballs are heated through. Stir again just before serving.

Notes

  • If using homemade meatballs, adjust cooking time accordingly to ensure they are fully cooked.
  • For a less spicy option, substitute the spicy barbecue sauce with a mild one.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated on the stovetop or microwave.
  • Serve with steamed rice, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce.
  • For a thicker sauce, you can simmer uncovered longer, stirring frequently.

Find it online: https://simpleplatter.com/spicy-cranberry-bbq-meatballs-recipe/