Description
These Cranberry Meatballs combine tangy cranberry sauce with savory pre-cooked meatballs in a deliciously sweet and tangy glaze. Perfect as an appetizer or a festive party snack, this versatile recipe can be made using an Instant Pot, Ninja Foodi, or slow cooker for convenience and ease.
Ingredients
Sauce Ingredients
- 2 cups cranberries
- ½ cup water
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ tablespoon lemon juice
- ½ cup barbecue sauce
- 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
Meatballs
- 1 (1.5 lb) package pre-cooked frozen meatballs (approximately 24 to 28 meatballs)
Instructions
- Prepare Cranberry Sauce: Turn your Instant Pot or Ninja Foodi to Sauté mode. Add water and granulated sugar, stirring gently until the sugar dissolves. Add cranberries and lemon juice, sautéing for 3 to 4 minutes until the cranberries pop and the sauce thickens slightly. For slow cooker method, bring water and sugar to a low boil on stovetop in a saucepan, then add cranberries and lemon juice, boiling until cranberries pop and soften, then simmer for 5-7 minutes.
- Add Barbecue Sauce and Brown Sugar: Stir barbecue sauce and brown sugar into the cranberry mixture until fully combined, creating a rich tangy glaze.
- Combine Meatballs and Sauce: Pour frozen pre-cooked meatballs into the sauce mixture and stir to fully coat them in the cranberry barbecue sauce.
- Pressure Cook (Instant Pot or Ninja Foodi): Secure the lid and set the pressure valve to Seal. Select Pressure Cook/Manual mode, set cooking time to 5 minutes. Allow the device to come to pressure and cook. Once completed, perform a quick pressure release safely and open the lid. Stir the meatballs and serve warm.
- Slow Cook Method: Transfer the meatballs and cranberry sauce into a slow cooker. Cover and cook on High for 2 hours or Low for 4 to 5 hours until heated through and flavors meld together.
Notes
- If using the Instant Pot or Ninja Foodi, make sure to use the quick release technique carefully to avoid steam burns.
- Pre-cooked meatballs can be substituted with homemade meatballs but adjust cooking time accordingly.
- This recipe is perfect for make-ahead and reheats well for entertaining guests.
- You can adjust the sweetness by altering the brown sugar and granulated sugar to taste.
- Serve as an appetizer, party snack, or alongside rice or mashed potatoes for a hearty meal.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: American
