Cranberry-Sauerkraut Meatballs
Homemade meatballs slow-cooked in a tangy-sweet & spicy sauce make the perfect appetizer for the holidays!
Hello, sweet friends!
Let me start this post by saying that I am NOT a fan of sauerkraut.
Now that I’ve admitted that little tidbit let me also say that when I first ate these absolutely incredible meatballs, I had NO idea there was sauerkraut in them!
That’s saying, something friends. Because, well, I’m a VERY picky eater. When I first eat something new, I’m like one of those detectives on a murder mystery show. I ask a lot of questions!  I poke and sniff and ask even more questions until I know EXACTLY what it is I’m about to put in my mouth.
The family friend who had brought the meatballs to our gathering was smart enough to know I wouldn’t even TRY her meatballs if I had any clue there was sauerkraut in them.
A sneaky move I know, but I’m so darn glad she was!
Because I’m here to tell you all that YOU won’t know it’s in there either, nor will any of your family and friends!
They really are perfection and each ingredient(including the sauerkraut) adds another level of flavor that brings these meatballs over the top!
So let’s get started.
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First, we need the meatballs!!
If you’re pressed for time you can certainly buy a bag of meatballs. No judgment here. Been there done that plenty of times!
Whenever I have time, I always like to make my own homemade meatballs. My recipe is basic-ground beef, pork sausage, bread crumbs, eggs, and seasonings. Nothing fancy.
This recipe makes about 28 good-sized meatballs.
You will also need Cranberry sauce ( you can use homemade or canned), brown sugar, chili sauce, and yes, a whole darn can of sauerkraut!
Mix those four ingredients all together and pour them over the meatballs that you’ve placed in your slow cooker. Turn it on low and slow and walk away!
Super Easy, right?!
Most importantly, SUPER delicious!
These tangy meatballs have the perfect combination of sweetness and heat!
You can serve them as an appetizer or alongside sweet potato fries or mashed potatoes!
Either way, your family and friends are going to love them!
Here is the full recipe!
Cranberry Sauerkraut Meatballs
Moist-Homemade meatballs slow-cooked in a tangy cranberry-sauerkraut sauce.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lbs ground beef
- 1/2 lb ground pork
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup bread crumbs
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
- 1 14 oz can whole cranberry sauce
- 1 12 oz bottle chili sauce
- 1 14 oz can sauerkraut
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
Instructions
-
Preheat oven to 350. Combine ground beef and pork in a large mixing bowl. Beat eggs and add to the meat mixture. Add in breadcrumbs and seasonings. Mix until all is combined. Use a two-tablespoon cookie scoop to create meatballs. Place each on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 30 minutes. Remove meatballs from the oven and add to a 4-quart slow cooker. Combine cranberry sauce, sauerkraut, brown sugar, and chili sauce. Mix well. Pour over the meatballs. Cook on low in a slow cooker for 2-4 hours. Serve immediately. Makes 28-30 meatballs
Recipe Notes
***Can use frozen meatballs (thawed).
**The Nutritional information for this recipe is provided as a courtesy and is approximate only. We cannot guarantee the accuracy of the nutritional information given for any recipe on this site.
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Thank you so much for stopping by!
Have a FABULOUS Wednesday!
They sound delicious! I’m not a fan of sauerkraut, but I would at least try them. ?
Thank you, Michelle! I’m right there with you!!!
I am having several Christmas parties this season so your recipe is perfect timing. Thanks for sharing.
Oh good, Terrie! I hope you enjoy them! Thanks for stopping by!!!
Do you drain the sauerkraut?
No, I do not drain the sauerkraut, Linda! 🙂
I’ve been making these for over 20 years. I got the recipe from my father (the REAL cook in our family) and they have been devoured everywhere they’ve been served – from Florida to Illinois to South Carolina and back again. Easily re-heated and not bad cold (if there are any leftovers….)
That’s wonderful, Deborah! And yes, I agree! They are VERY easily re-heated and they always get devoured in our home too! 🙂
Thinking doing a Friday night snack and pick. What do I serve with them?
Oh my goodness, Pat! I LOVE a good snack and pick night! It’s one of our favorite ways to try new recipes! As for what to serve with the meatballs? Anything, really! But a few of our favorites are a good dip like maybe Spinach Artichoke or Caramelized Onion, along with our Bacon Cheddar Puffs and some yummy chicken wings!And now you’ve got ME hungry for some apps so maybe we’ll do a snack and pick night this weekend too! 🙂 Thank you so much for stopping by!
Do you drain your sauerkraut??
Hello, Tamara. Thank you for your question. As for the sauerkraut, it is totally your personal preference to do so, but I do not. Hope you enjoy the recipe!