Sweet and Tangy Cranberry Meatballs Recipe

The Big Game will be here before you even know it.  For all of you out there having parties my Sweet and Tangy Cranberry Meatballs are guaranteed  to be a hit with your guests.  Not only are they delicious, they are super easy to make so you can spend more time with your guests and not in the kitchen!  They are sweet with a hit of tang- they just melt in your mouth.  Any leftovers?  These meatballs are also delicious over egg noodles or even white rice!

1 large bag (or two small) frozen meatballs

1 16 oz can of whole-berry cranberry sauce

1 bottle of sweet chili sauce

1 tablespoons of brown sugar (you can always add more if you want them sweeter)

2 tablespoons of prepared mustard

1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce

2 tablespoons of fresh parsley, chopped roughly

2 cloves of garlic, minced

1.  Place frozen meatballs in a crockpot under low heat.

2.  Mix the remaining ingredients in a medium size bowl and pour over the meatballs. 

3. 3.   Cover and cook for at least 3 hours (the longer the better)  Stir occasionally  so the meat doesn’t stick to the bottom.  If the  sauce is too thick add water. 

Italian Meatball Sub Sandwich Recipe

Sometimes nothing quite hits the spot than homemade meatballs.  These are simple to make, and every time I make these with spaghetti I always get compliments!  I like to pair these sandwiches with a simple arugula salad to balance out the huge hoagies!  But make sure you make my FRESH tomato sauce and don't cheat by using jarred. 

For The Meatballs

1 lb. of ground beef ( I like to use the kind that is 97% fat free, trust me you won't be missing a thing, other than of course the fat)

2 garlic cloves, minced

2 tablespoons italian flat leaf parsley, chopped finely

1 egg

1/4 cup of parmesan romano cheese

1/4 cup of italian style breadcrumbs

Salt and Fresh Ground Pepper to taste

1 loaf of Italian Bread

4 slices of mozzarella cheese

1 1/2 cups of my Homemade Italian Tomato Sauce

1.  Preheat oven to 450 degrees.  In a medium bowl, combine all the ingredients and combine well with your hands.  Form meat into 1 1/2 inch meatballs and place on a baking sheet.

Homemade Italian Tomato Sauce Recipe

2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil

1 yellow onion, diced

3 cloves of garlic, minced

10 ripe tomatoes, diced

1/3 cup of white wine

1 teaspoon of chili pepper flakes

20 leaves of basil, cut into long strips

1 can of tomato paste

In a large pot, add the olive oil, onion and garlic.  Saute for a few minutes, or until the onions begin to get soft.  Stir in the tomatoes, wine, chili flakes and fresh basil.  Bring up to a boil and then turn down under low.  Cook for about 20 minutes, then add in the can of tomato paste to thicken.  Cook for about another 20 minutes and then serve.  If desired you can add up too a 1/4 cup of water to sauce for a less thick sauce.  

2.  Bake for about 20-25 minutes.  Half way through make sure you turn the meat balls with a spatula.  

3.  Slice the bread lengthwise.  Add about a half cup of sauce on the the bread.  Add the meatballs and then top with the remaining tomato sauce.  Add slice cheese and bake for about 5 minutes or until lightly toasted.