Holiday Cranberry Orange Meatballs Recipe

Introduction

These Holiday Cranberry Orange Meatballs bring a festive twist to a classic appetizer. The tangy cranberry sauce combined with bright orange and warming spices creates a sweet and savory glaze that’s perfect for any celebration.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds fully cooked beef meatballs
• 1 can (about 14 ounces) whole cranberry sauce
• 1 cup orange juice
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Zest of 1 orange

Instructions

1. Step 1: Place the fully cooked beef meatballs evenly in the crockpot.
2. Step 2: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the cranberry sauce, orange juice, brown sugar, soy sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and orange zest until smooth.
3. Step 3: Pour the prepared sauce over the meatballs and stir gently to ensure each meatball is coated evenly.
4. Step 4: Cover the crockpot and cook on low heat for 3 hours, allowing the sauce to thicken and cling to the meatballs.
5. Step 5: Stir the meatballs before serving to redistribute the glaze evenly. Garnish with additional orange zest or parsley if desired, and serve warm.

Tips & Variations

• Use turkey or chicken meatballs for a leaner option without sacrificing flavor.
• For extra zest, add a splash of fresh lime juice to the sauce before cooking.
• If you prefer a spicier kick, stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce mixture.
• To make this dish gluten-free, ensure the soy sauce is tamari or a gluten-free variety.

Storage

Store leftover meatballs and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in a microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to maintain the glaze’s texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this recipe without a crockpot?

Yes, you can cook the meatballs and sauce in a covered skillet on low heat for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally until the sauce thickens and coats the meatballs.

Can I use fresh cranberries instead of canned cranberry sauce?

Fresh cranberries can be used, but you’ll need to cook them with sugar and orange juice until they break down into a sauce before combining with the meatballs.

Holiday Cranberry Orange Meatballs Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 130 reviews

• Author: Hugo
• Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 8 servings 1x

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Description

These Holiday Cranberry Orange Meatballs offer a festive twist on a classic appetizer, combining tangy cranberry sauce and bright orange juice with savory beef meatballs. Slow-cooked in a crockpot, the meatballs soak up the rich, sweet, and slightly zesty sauce, making them perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy dinners.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meatballs

• 2 pounds fully cooked beef meatballs

Sauce

• 1 can (about 14 ounces) whole cranberry sauce
• 1 cup orange juice
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Zest of 1 orange

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Instructions

1. Add Meatballs to Crockpot: Place the fully cooked beef meatballs evenly in the crockpot to prepare for sauce infusion.
2. Prepare Sauce Mixture: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the whole cranberry sauce, orange juice, brown sugar, soy sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and orange zest until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
3. Combine Meatballs and Sauce: Pour the prepared sauce over the meatballs in the crockpot and gently stir to coat each meatball evenly with the festive sauce.
4. Slow Cook Meatballs: Cover the crockpot and cook on low heat for 3 hours to allow the sauce to thicken and fully infuse the meatballs with flavor.
5. Final Stir and Serve: Before serving, stir the meatballs to redistribute the glaze evenly. Garnish with additional orange zest or fresh parsley if desired, and serve warm for a delightful holiday treat.

Notes

• Serve these meatballs as appetizers or alongside rice or mashed potatoes for a main dish.
• For added texture, garnish with chopped fresh parsley or orange zest.
• Ensure meatballs are fully cooked before adding—they will only absorb flavor and heat during slow cooking.
• This recipe can be doubled for larger gatherings; adjust cooking time slightly if crockpot is very full.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 3 hours
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: holiday meatballs, cranberry orange sauce, slow cooker meatballs, festive appetizers, beef meatballs, party recipes