Cranberry Appetizer Meatballs

Name: Cranberry Appetizer Meatballs
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: about 7 dozen.
Ingredients: 2 large eggs, lightly beaten; 1 cup dry bread crumbs; 1/3 cup minced fresh parsley; 1/3 cup ketchup; 2 tablespoons finely chopped onion; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon pepper; 2 pounds ground beef; CRANBERRY SAUCE:; 1 can (14 ounces) whole-berry cranberry sauce; 1 bottle (12 ounces) chili sauce; 1 tablespoon brown sugar; 1 tablespoon prepared mustard; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 2 garlic cloves, minced

For a memorable meatball party snack with a tangy non-traditional sauce, I suggest this recipe. The meatballs are mouthwatering.—Jim Ulberg, Elk Rapids, Michigan

Ingredients

2 large eggs, lightly beaten
1 cup dry bread crumbs
1/3 cup minced fresh parsley
1/3 cup ketchup
2 tablespoons finely chopped onion
2 tablespoons soy sauce
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
2 pounds ground beef
CRANBERRY SAUCE:
1 can (14 ounces) whole-berry cranberry sauce
1 bottle (12 ounces) chili sauce
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 tablespoon prepared mustard
1 tablespoon lemon juice
2 garlic cloves, minced

Directions

Preheat oven to 400°. Combine the first nine ingredients. Crumble beef over mixture and mix well. Shape into 1-in. balls.
Place meatballs on a rack in a shallow baking pan. Bake until no longer pink, about 15 minutes. Transfer to a 3-qt. slow cooker or chafing dish.
Meanwhile, in a large saucepan, combine all sauce ingredients; simmer 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Pour over meatballs. Serve warm.

Nutrition Facts

1 meatball: 39 calories, 1g fat (1g saturated fat), 11mg cholesterol, 124mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.

Originally published as Cranberry Appetizer Meatballs in Taste of Home October/November 1998

Reviews

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Average Rating:

robbrd

Jan 1, 2018

I made these meatballs for our party along with the Sweet and Spicy Asian Meatballs. While I favored the other meatballs, a large number of our guests commented more on these. I love cranberries and these didn't disappoint. Followed the recipe exactly.
ChrisD1717

Sep 2, 2017

WOW! The sauce was fantastic. I brought to a party and they were the first thing gone. Everyone wanted the recipe. Did not change a thing. Thanks for a great recipe.
poppadude

Jul 30, 2015

EX!!!!!
matsugirl

Dec 28, 2013

I used frozen meatballs and followed the recipe posted here for the sauce. Made this for Christmas and it was delicious! Plan on making this again for New Years. This is a keeper! Thank you!
grniis2

Feb 4, 2013

Made this recipe for work New Year's Eve. Everyone wanted the recipe. The sauce is a perfect combination of sweet and tangy. I like the idea of using the little smokies. Next time I will make a double batch of sauce and make half meatballs and smokies. Thanks for the recipe.
chaz14

Nov 19, 2012

I never make my own meatballs but use frozen ones instead. However, the sauce recipe makes a yummy accompaniment for the meatballs. I nuke the meatballs and keep them warm in an electric chafing dish.
grandmagogof8

Feb 6, 2012

I haven't made your meatball recipe yet, but I am going to next time I make meatballs but the sauce was EXCELLENT! I followed the recipe to a T and also added little smokies in the sauce with the pre-made meatballs...so YUMMY!! Didn't bring any home. Thanks for a wonderful recipe, as I have tried lots of different sauce recipes.
wethepeople

Apr 5, 2010

I've made this over and over with rave reviews from those who've eaten them. I even used this recipe to camouflage ground venison's gamey flavor. love this!