This hearty and savory Stove Top Stuffing Meatballs recipe contains a not-so-secret ingredient that turns a simple meatball recipe into a gourmet dining experience!
When it comes to comfort food, meatballs are a crowd-pleasing classic that never fail to impress and satisfy.
But what if I told you that you could infuse them with the cozy flavors of your favorite holiday stuffing? And then smother them in a yummy homemade Cranberry BBQ sauce?
And if you can’t get enough meatballs, you also need to check out this recipe for Instant Pot Grape Jelly Meatballs, another savory appetizer with a sweet twist!
These super tasty meatballs use stuffing as the secret ingredient to turn them into a gourmet holiday treat!
You’re going to love the mouthwatering twist that brings together the rich textures of meatballs with the yumminess of traditional stuffing.
Imagine bites that burst with savory herbs, succulent meat, and a touch of fall and winter nostalgia. If you’re looking for a unique party appetizer, a hearty weeknight dinner, or an addition to your holiday dinners, make these!
These stuffing meatballs are guaranteed to impress evoke sentimental memories of festive gatherings!
Why You’ll Love Meatballs with Stove Top Stuffing
Revamp your meatball repertoire with a recipe that’s both inventive and utterly delicious – Stove Top Stuffing Meatballs!
These little flavor bombs combine the best of both worlds: the hearty comfort of meatballs and the aromatic holiday charm of your favorite stuffing.
As the weather cools and the craving for cozy food sets in, these meatballs are here to deliver a satisfying experience that’s perfect for any occasion.
Whether you’re hosting a gathering, preparing a family dinner, or simply seeking new and impressive side dishes, these meatballs are sure to steal the show.
With every tender bite, you’ll discover layers of flavor that evoke the warmth of holiday feasts and sharing meals with your loved ones.

Stovetop Stuffing Meatballs on a bed of rice
More Cranberry Recipes:
- This Royal Flush cocktail combines whiskey, schnapps, Chambord and cranberry juice for an elegant cranberry drink!
- These 5 ingredient Cranberry Apple Mimosas are the ultimate fall and winter party cocktail.
Easy Baked Stuffing Meatball Ingredients

Combine classic meatball ingredients with a unique cranberry BBQ sauce for a fancy and impressive appetizer, side, or main course.
- Ground Sirloin – you can also use regular ground beef, but ground sirloin will produce higher quality meatballs.
- Onion
- Stove Top Stuffing Mix – adding Stove Top stuffing instead of breadcrumbs as a binding agent packs your meatballs with delicious stuffing flavor.
- Italian Seasoning – helps bring out that classic stuffing flavor.
- Oregano
- Ketchup
- Milk – ensures the meatballs won’t be too thick to shape.
- Egg – another binding agent that helps your meatballs stick together.
- Brown Sugar – offsets the rich and savory flavors with a complex sweetness.
- Garlic
BBQ SAUCE
- Whole Berry Cranberry Sauce – adds a holiday flair and a slightly tart twist of flavor.
- Country Bob’s All Purpose Sauce – this versatile sauce serves as the perfect base for your homemade sauce with tangy, sweet, salty, and savory flavors.
- Garlic Powder
- Brown Sugar
Directions for Meatballs Made with Stove Top Stuffing
- In a large bowl place the ground sirloin and the chopped onion. Add the package of Stove Top Stuffing (both the cubed bread and the seasoning package).
Using a boxed stuffing mix instead of bread crumbs infuses your meatballs with a unique holiday twist.
- Add the Italian seasoning, ground oregano, ketchup, milk, egg, brown sugar, and the minced garlic. Use your hands to mix together well, ensuring that all ingredients are well blended.
- Roll the mixture into balls and place in a large pan sprayed with cooking spray. You can also arrange on lined baking sheets.
Baking the meatballs is an excellent way to ensure they cook properly and thoroughly without having to babysit them.
- Cook for 30 minutes, and turn the meatballs after 15 minutes, to ensure even cooking. Cook for about another 10 minutes (40 minutes total cooking time to this point).
- While the meatballs are cooking, make the sauce which will be spooned over top the meatballs after they have been in oven for 40 minutes.
BBQ Sauce Recipe
- In a medium bowl add the cranberry sauce, Country Bobs all purpose sauce, garlic powder and the brown sugar. Stir this well, ensuring ingredients are well mixed.
This homemade cranberry BBQ sauce will take your stuffing meatballs to the next level!
- When the meatballs have been cooking for 40 minutes, pour the sauce over the meatballs – while still in the pan in the oven – and toss or roll the meatballs in the sauce with a large spoon.
Add the BBQ sauce just before the meatballs are finished cooking to ensure they get nice and browned on the outside.
- Cook for another 10 minutes. Remove from the oven and cool for just a few minutes. Serve over mashed potatoes or rice.
FAQs
Is it better to bake or pan fry meatballs?
This ultimately comes down to the amount of effort. Baking is the more efficient option, as it only requires one or two turns of the meatballs.
This will still result in a crispy exterior and tender interior. However, if you really want to maximize the caramelization of the outside, pan frying would be the way to go.
Do you cook meatballs in sauce or brown first?
Brown the meatballs first to ensure that all of the flavors and moisture are locked in. Then add the sauce and cook for a bit longer so it can soak into the meatballs.
If you add the sauce too early, the outsides of your meatballs might turn out a bit soft or soggy.
Why put meatballs in fridge before cooking?
This is an optional step. If you’re worried about your meatballs holding their shape while they cook, you can chill them for up to 24 hours in the fridge before cooking.
This is also a great way to prepare them ahead of time and pop them in the oven right when you need them.
How long will Stove Top Stuffing meatballs last in the fridge?
Your meatballs should last 3 to 4 days if stored properly in an airtight container. Start checking around the third day to see if they are past their prime.

Stuffing mix meatballs are an easy to make savory appetizer.
Popular Variations and Substitutions
- Other types of meat can be substituted for a slightly lighter result. Use ground chicken or ground turkey instead of ground beef or ground sirloin. (Be aware that chicken and turkey may not last as long in the fridge as beef.)
- These meatballs can be served over potatoes or rice as a main course, with toothpicks or these tiny forks as an appetizer, or as a nice filling side dish for your holiday feast.
- Instead of the egg, you can use another ingredient a the binding agent. Per egg, use 3 tablespoons of plain yogurt or unsweetened applesauce, or 2 tablespoons of buttermilk.
- Feel free to pair with another kind of sauce. Cranberry sauce on its own would be a decent companion for this stuffing meatballs, or use a regular BBQ sauce. Experiment to see what sauce you like best as the coating!

Whether you’re serving these as a main course, a hearty side dish, or a fun and filling appetizer, stuffing meatballs are sure to impress!
More Recipes You’ll Love
- Cranberry Brie Bites – For another appetizer that features sweet-tart cranberries, make these yummy and festive finger foods!
- Cranberry Vodka Spritzer – This bubbly cocktail is excellent to serve alongside any holiday meal or brunch.
- Cranberry Moscow Mule – You’ll love this holiday twist on the classic ginger beer cocktail.
- Stuffing Muffins – This make ahead recipe from Chew Out Loud is another fun and unique way to enjoy your favorite stuffing!
Meatball Recipe with Stove Top Stuffing
Stove Top Stuffing Meatballs

These easy meatballs channel classic holiday flavors by using Stove Top stuffing mix instead of typical bread crumbs!
Ingredients
- 2 pounds of ground Sirloin
- 1 medium Onion - Chopped
- 1 Package of Stove top Stuffing
- 1 Tablespoon of Italian Seasoning
- 1 teaspoon of Ground Oregano
- 1 cup of Ketchup
- 1/2 cup of Milk
- 1 Egg
- 1/2 cup of Brown Sugar
- 1 Tablespoon of minced Garlic
- 1 can of Whole Berry Cranberry Sauce
- 1 cup of Country Bob's All Purpose Sauce
- 1 teaspoon of Garlic Powder
- 1/2 cup of Brown Sugar
Instructions
- In a large bowl, place the Ground Sirloin, chopped Onion and the package of Stove top Stuffing.
- Mix together well, then add the Italian Seasoning, Ground Oregano, Ketchup,
Milk, Egg, Brown Sugar, and Minced Garlic. - Roll into Balls, and place in a large pan sprayed with Cooking Spray.
- Cook for 30 minutes, and turn the Meatballs for even cooking.
- Cook for about another 10 minutes and finish cooking in Sauce.
BBQ Sauce
- In a medium bowl, add the cranberry sauce, Country Bobs, garlic powder, and brown sugar, and stir well to mix.
- When the meatballs have been cooking about 40 minutes, pour the sauce over the meatballs or roll the meatballs around in the sauce with a large spoon.
- Cook for another 10 minutes.
- Remove from the oven and cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Substitute ground beef, ground chicken, or ground turkey for the sirloin.
- Feel free to adjsut the size of the meatballs as necessary. Cooking time may also need to be adjusted.
- Serve over top of mashed potatoes or rice, or on their own as a side dish or appetizer.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
35Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 110Total Fat: 4gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 29mgSodium: 127mgCarbohydrates: 12gFiber: 0gSugar: 10gProtein: 8g