Description
Juicy, saucy, and packed with flavor, these Quick Cranberry Meatballs are your go-to solution for a fast appetizer or a festive meal. This easy recipe brings together frozen meatballs and a tangy-sweet glaze made from cranberry sauce and BBQ — perfect for parties, potlucks, or simple weeknight dinners. It’s one of those quick dinner ideas that feels special but takes almost no effort. Great for holiday gatherings or last-minute food ideas, this easy recipe also works beautifully for meal prep or a healthy snack depending on your portion.
Ingredients
32 ounces frozen pre-cooked meatballs
14 ounces canned jellied cranberry sauce
1 cup barbecue sauce
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
1. In a large saucepan, combine cranberry sauce and BBQ sauce over medium heat. Stir until smooth.
2. Add Dijon mustard and Worcestershire sauce if using, and stir to combine.
3. Add frozen meatballs to the sauce. Stir to coat them evenly.
4. Cover and simmer over medium-low heat for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. If using a slow cooker, cook on low for 3–4 hours or high for 2 hours.
6. Once meatballs are heated through and coated in sauce, garnish with chopped parsley.
7. Serve hot from saucepan or slow cooker.
Notes
Use homemade meatballs if preferred—just make sure they’re fully cooked before simmering.
Whole berry cranberry sauce works as a delicious, textured alternative to jellied.
These meatballs freeze well, making them perfect for batch cooking or parties.
- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Stovetop or Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5–6 meatballs
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: quick appetizer, cranberry meatballs, holiday food, dinner ideas, easy recipe, party food, frozen meatball recipes