Cranberry Jalapeño Meatballs Costco Recipes To Try Today

If you’re looking for a delightful crowd-pleaser that combines sweet, spicy, and savory flavors, cranberry jalapeño meatballs from Costco are an absolute must-try. This recipe takes those classic frozen meatballs you love and transforms them into a festive appetizer or main dish with a punch of heat and a hint of tartness.

Whether you’re hosting a holiday party, a casual get-together, or just craving something unique and delicious, these meatballs hit the mark every time. The vibrant cranberry jalapeño sauce perfectly complements the juicy meatballs, creating a balance of flavors that will leave your guests coming back for more.

Best of all, this recipe is incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute entertaining. With ingredients you can easily find at Costco and a simple step-by-step method, you’ll have this tasty dish ready in no time.

Plus, it’s versatile enough to customize according to your taste preferences!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Cranberry jalapeño meatballs are the perfect fusion of sweet and spicy, making them an irresistible appetizer or party snack. The sweetness of the cranberries balances out the heat from the jalapeños, creating a harmonious flavor profile that excites the palate.

Using Costco’s pre-made meatballs saves you valuable prep time without sacrificing quality or taste. The sauce is simple to make but packs a flavorful punch, and this dish can be easily doubled or tripled for larger gatherings.

Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a kitchen newbie, this recipe is straightforward and forgiving. Plus, it reheats wonderfully, making it great for meal prepping or leftovers.

Ingredients

• 1 package (about 3 pounds) Costco frozen meatballs (beef, pork, or turkey)
• 12 oz fresh or frozen cranberries
• 1-2 fresh jalapeños, finely diced (remove seeds for less heat)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Optional garnish: fresh cilantro or parsley

Equipment

• Large skillet or saucepan
• Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Sharp knife and cutting board
• Serving platter or dish
• Slow cooker (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the meatballs: If using frozen Costco meatballs, thaw them according to package instructions or cook directly from frozen by heating them in the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes until warmed through.
2. Make the cranberry jalapeño sauce: In a large skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add the minced garlic and diced jalapeños. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and slightly softened.
3. Add cranberries, sugar, water, and apple cider vinegar: Stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to simmer. Cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens.
4. Season the sauce: Add salt and black pepper to taste. Adjust sugar or vinegar if you prefer a sweeter or tangier sauce.
5. Add the cooked meatballs to the sauce: Stir gently to coat all meatballs evenly. Let them simmer together for another 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
6. Serve warm: Transfer meatballs and sauce to a serving platter and garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley if desired.
7. Optional slow cooker method: Combine sauce ingredients in a slow cooker, add meatballs, and cook on low for 2-3 hours until heated through and flavors develop deeply.

Tips & Variations

For less heat, remove the seeds and membranes from the jalapeños before dicing. If you love spice, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or using a serrano pepper instead.

For a tangier sauce, increase the apple cider vinegar by a tablespoon or two. To add texture, stir in chopped walnuts or pecans just before serving.

Try swapping out the sugar for honey or maple syrup for a more natural sweetness. You can also experiment with ground meatballs or even vegetarian meatballs for a meatless twist.

Want to make this recipe even easier? Use Costco’s pre-made cranberry jalapeño salsa alongside their frozen meatballs for a quick, no-cook sauce option that’s just as delicious.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

Cranberry jalapeño meatballs are incredibly versatile and pair well with many sides. Serve them over fluffy rice or quinoa for a hearty meal.

They also make excellent sliders: place meatballs in mini buns with a smear of cream cheese or mayo for a fun appetizer.

For a lighter option, serve these meatballs alongside a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables. They also work wonderfully as party finger food, paired with toothpicks for easy serving.

Don’t forget to check out Veg Grilled Sandwich Recipes That Are Quick and Delicious for more quick and tasty meal ideas or explore Backpacking Dehydrated Vegan Meal Recipes for Easy Camping if you want something portable and nutritious for your outdoor adventures.

More Costco Recipes to Try

If you loved this recipe, here are some other delicious Costco-inspired dishes you should try next:

1. Costco BBQ Meatballs with Sweet and Tangy Sauce: A smoky alternative to cranberry jalapeño, perfect for summer cookouts.
2. Costco Chicken Meatball Stir Fry: Toss meatballs with colorful veggies and a savory soy sauce glaze for a quick weeknight dinner.
3. Costco Italian Meatball Subs: Warm meatballs smothered in marinara sauce and melted mozzarella on hoagie rolls.
4. Costco Vegetarian Meatball Curry: A flavorful plant-based twist using vegetarian meatballs simmered in a rich curry sauce.

For more vegetarian inspiration, explore Chinese Vegetarian Nasi Lemak Recipe Made Easy and Delicious or indulge in sweet treats like Berry Cobbler Recipe Vegan: Easy, Delicious, and Healthy.

Conclusion

Cranberry jalapeño meatballs are a fantastic way to elevate a simple appetizer into something special and memorable. By combining the tartness of cranberries with the kick of jalapeños, this recipe brings a perfect balance of flavors that appeal to a wide range of tastes.

Using Costco’s convenient frozen meatballs allows you to spend less time prepping and more time enjoying your delicious creation with family and friends.

This recipe is not only easy to make but also adaptable to your preferences, whether you prefer more heat, less sugar, or even a vegetarian version. It’s a versatile dish that shines at holiday gatherings, potlucks, or casual dinners.

Give it a try, and you might just find a new favorite go-to recipe in your kitchen repertoire!

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