Stove Top Stuffing Meatballs

This hearty and savory Stove Top Stuffing Meatballs recipe contains a not-so-secret ingredient that turns a simple meatball recipe into a gourmet appetizer!

When it comes to comfort food, meatballs are a crowd-pleasing classic that never fails to impress and satisfy—thanksgiving flavors in each bite of these ground beef meatballs. The whole family will be reaching for seconds! You only need a few simple ingredients and a box of stuffing mix, for a wholesome dinner. 

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?  These are some of the best meatballs you will make, and it takes minimal effort on your part. 

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’ll love the mouthwatering twist that combines 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. Make these if you’re looking for a unique party appetizer, a hearty weeknight dinner, or an addition to your holiday dinners!

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 an inventive and utterly delicious recipe – Stove Top Stuffing Meatballs! These are a tiktok- make recipe where it becomes a viral sensation. It is called Thanksgiving meatballs and stuffing meatballs, as you get flavors of Thanksgiving in each bite. 

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 deliver a satisfying experience that’s perfect for any occasion.

Serve along with these garlic bread knots for a savory and comforting snack.

Whether you’re hosting a gathering, preparing a family dinner, or simply seeking new and impressive side dishes, these meatballs will surely 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. This dish is perfect for the holidays and fall and winter months. Even picky eaters gobble this right up. 

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

• Ground Sirloin—You can also use regular ground beef, but ground sirloin will produce higher-quality meatballs. If you prefer turkey meatballs, you can reach for ground turkey. You can even swap to make chicken meatballs for a leaner meatball. 
• Onion – Yellow or white onion work best for this recipe. 
• 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—I wanted to add a bit more flavor, so some oregano worked great. You can use fresh herbs or dried.
• Ketchup – The ketchup adds flavor and offers a tender texture. 
• Milk – ensures the meatballs won’t be too thick to shape and will keep the meatballs moist. 
• Egg – another binding agent that helps your meatballs stick together.
• Brown Sugar – offsets the rich and savory flavors with a complex sweetness.
• Garlic – this is going to enhance the ground meat mixture quite a bit. 
•  

BBQ SAUCE

• Whole Berry Cranberry Sauce – adds a holiday flair and a slightly tart flavor twist.
• 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 – A little bit of garlic powder will dress up the sauce just a tad. 
• Brown Sugar – Add in some brown sugar to sweeten up the flavor of the sauce even more. 

Instructions for Meatballs Made with Stove Top Stuffing

1. 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).

1. 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.

1. Roll the mixture into balls and place in a large pan sprayed with cooking spray. You can also arrange on parchment paper lined baking sheets. 
2. 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).
3. 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

1. 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!

2. 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.

3. 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 want to maximize the caramelization of the outside, pan frying in a skillet over medium heat would be the way to go.

Do you cook meatballs in sauce or brown first?

Brown the meatballs first to lock in all of the flavors and moisture. 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 become 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, chill them for up to 24 hours in the fridge before cooking.

This is also a great way to prepare them ahead and pop them in the oven right when you need them.

How long will Stove Top Stuffing meatballs last in the fridge?

If you store cooled meatballs properly in an airtight container, your meatballs should last 3 to 4 days. You can reheat them in the microwave. Check around the third day to see if they are past their prime.

Why don’t I have to add salt and pepper to this recipe?

I never add either salt or black pepper, because I find there is enough seasoning in the stuffing packet already.

 

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 an excellent filling side dish for your holiday feast.
• You can substitute another ingredient for the egg as the binding agent. For each 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!
• You can vary the types of herbs used; great alternatives include sage, thyme, or spices such as red pepper flakes if you want to ramp up the heat more.

 

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! Plus these leftover meatballs reheat beautifully the next day!

Whip up a double batch, then use some for open faced meatballs sandwiches with the sauce as a gravy over top. 

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!

published Sept 2023, latest update Sept 2024