Quick & Zesty Cranberry Meatballs Recipe for Festive Gatherings

Juicy cranberry meatballs burst with unexpected flavor combinations that’ll make your taste buds dance.

Ground beef meets tart berries in a delightful culinary adventure.

Warm spices and fresh herbs elevate these bite-sized treats beyond ordinary appetizers.

Mediterranean and Nordic influences merge seamlessly in this crowd-pleasing dish.

Tender meat mingles with sweet-tangy cranberry sauce, creating a perfect balance of richness and brightness.

Soft texture and complex flavors promise to impress even the most discerning palates.

You can’t wait to serve these irresistible morsels at your next gathering.

Cranberry Meatballs Combining Sweetness And Savory Delight

• Crowd-Pleasing Flavor Fusion: Combine sweet cranberry sauce with savory meatballs for a delightful taste sensation that surprises and delights everyone at the table.
• Super Simple Preparation: Create gourmet-style meatballs with minimal cooking skills, using basic ingredients and straightforward mixing and baking techniques that anyone can master.
• Perfect Party Starter: Serve as an irresistible appetizer for game days, holiday gatherings, or potluck events that will have guests coming back for seconds and asking for the recipe.
• Versatile Meal Option: Enjoy as a hearty appetizer, main course with rice or pasta, or even as a crowd-pleasing addition to your buffet spread that suits multiple dining occasions.

Ingredients To Assemble Cranberry Meatballs

• Ground Beef: A protein-packed foundation that provides the primary texture and flavor for the meatballs.

• Breadcrumbs, Egg: Help hold the meatballs together and create a smooth, consistent texture.
• Onion, Garlic Powder: Add depth and aromatic flavor to the meat mixture.

• Salt, Pepper: Enhance the overall taste of the meatballs.

• Jellied Cranberry Sauce: Offers a sweet and tangy base for the glaze.
• Chili Sauce: Brings a subtle heat and complexity to the sauce.
• Brown Sugar: Adds richness and balances the tangy cranberry flavor.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Provides a deep, savory undertone to the glaze.

• Fresh Parsley: Adds a bright, fresh visual appeal and subtle herb flavor.

How To Cook Cranberry Meatballs Properly

Step 1: Prepare Oven and Baking Surface

Crank up the oven to a toasty 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for hassle-free cleanup and easy meatball removal.

Step 2: Create Meatball Mixture

• Ground beef
• Breadcrumbs
• Egg
• Finely chopped onion
• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Pepper

Dive in with your hands and blend everything until the mixture feels cohesive and holds together perfectly.

Step 3: Shape Delicious Morsels

Using your hands or a trusty spoon, roll the meat mixture into bite-sized balls about 1 inch in diameter.

Arrange them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some breathing room between each meatball.

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven.

Bake for 15-20 minutes until the meatballs turn a beautiful golden brown. To confirm they’re fully cooked, slice one open and ensure no pink remains.

Step 5: Craft Cranberry Glaze

• Jellied cranberry sauce
• Chili sauce
• Brown sugar
• Worcestershire sauce

Stir over medium heat until the mixture transforms into a smooth, glossy sauce.

Step 6: Marry Meatballs with Glaze

Transfer the freshly baked meatballs into the saucepan.

Gently coat each morsel in the vibrant cranberry glaze. Let them simmer for 5-10 minutes, allowing flavors to dance and mingle.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Plate the glistening meatballs while they’re warm. Sprinkle with fresh parsley for an extra pop of color and flavor.

Bon appétit!

Useful Tips To Improve Cranberry Meatballs

• Mix meatball ingredients the night before and refrigerate to let flavors meld, making cooking faster and easier the next day.
• Use lean ground beef (85/15 or 90/10) to prevent greasy meatballs and ensure a perfect texture without excess fat.
• Whisk sauce ingredients thoroughly to create a smooth, glossy coating that clings evenly to each meatball for maximum flavor.
• Rotate baking sheet halfway through cooking to ensure even browning and prevent any meatballs from burning or staying undercooked.
• Store cooled meatballs in an airtight container for up to 3 months, making them a convenient make-ahead appetizer or main dish.

Variations To Add Fun To Cranberry Meatballs

• Turkey Meatball Swap: Replace ground beef with lean ground turkey for a lighter protein option that's lower in fat and calories.
• Vegetarian Cranberry Bites: Substitute meat with plant-based crumbles or lentil mixture, using eggs or flax eggs as binding agents for a meat-free version.
• Gluten-Free Friendly Approach: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour instead of traditional breadcrumbs, ensuring those with wheat sensitivities can enjoy the dish.
• Spicy Cranberry Kick: Add red pepper flakes or sriracha to the sauce for those who prefer a more intense, heated flavor profile with the sweet cranberry base.

Side Dish Ideas That Go Well With Cranberry Meatballs

The sweet-tart cranberry glaze matches perfectly with a cold, crisp apple cider that complements the meatballs’ rich flavor and cuts through the meat’s richness.

Creamy, smooth potatoes provide a neutral base that allows the tangy cranberry sauce to shine while absorbing the delicious glaze.

A peppery green salad with light vinaigrette offers a fresh, zesty contrast to the sweet and savory meatballs, balancing the dish’s intense flavors.

A light-bodied red wine with subtle fruity notes enhances the cranberry’s sweetness and stands up to the meat’s robust character without overwhelming the delicate sauce.

Best Storage Solutions For Cranberry Meatballs

• Store cooked meatballs in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Ensure they cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Pack meatballs in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. They'll stay fresh for 2-3 months.
• Place meatballs in a microwave-safe dish. Cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until warmed through.
• Spread meatballs on a baking sheet. Cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, checking periodically to maintain juiciness.

FAQs

• Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey works perfectly as a lean alternative. Just ensure the meatballs are fully cooked through since turkey has different moisture content.

• How do I prevent meatballs from falling apart?

Use fresh breadcrumbs and an egg as a binder. Mix ingredients gently and avoid overworking the meat mixture, which can make meatballs tough.

• Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Absolutely! These meatballs can be prepared ahead and stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat gently in the sauce to maintain moisture and flavor.

• Can I make these meatballs spicier?

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meatball mixture or include a dash of hot sauce in the cranberry glaze for extra kick.

Cranberry Meatballs Recipe

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4.6 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Homemade Cranberry Meatballs bring festive Mediterranean flavors to your holiday table, blending savory ground beef with tangy cranberry glaze. Tender meat mingles with sweet-tart sauce, creating an irresistible appetizer that sparks conversation and delights guests.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat:

• 1 lb (454 grams) ground beef

Binders and Aromatics:

• 1/2 cup (60 grams) breadcrumbs
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 cup (40 grams) onion, finely chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

Seasonings and Sauce:

• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 can (14 ounces/396 grams) jellied cranberry sauce
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) chili sauce
• 1 tablespoon (15 grams) brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) Worcestershire sauce

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Instructions

1. Heat oven to 400°F and prepare a parchment-lined baking sheet for seamless cooking and cleanup.
2. In a spacious mixing bowl, thoroughly blend ground beef with breadcrumbs, egg, diced onion, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until ingredients form a cohesive mixture.
3. Craft uniform 1-inch meatballs using hands, carefully positioning them on the prepared baking sheet with adequate spacing to ensure even roasting.
4. Roast meatballs in preheated oven for 15-20 minutes until golden brown and completely cooked through, verifying doneness by checking internal color.
5. Simultaneously, construct the cranberry glaze by whisking jellied cranberry sauce, chili sauce, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce in a saucepan over medium heat until smooth and glossy.
6. Transfer baked meatballs directly into the simmering sauce, gently coating each piece to absorb the sweet-tangy flavor profile.
7. Allow meatballs to simmer in sauce for 5-10 minutes, intensifying taste and ensuring complete flavor integration.
8. Plate the glazed meatballs while warm, optionally garnishing with fresh parsley for a vibrant presentation and additional aromatic touch.

Notes

• Ensure meat mixture isn’t overmixed to keep meatballs tender and prevent dense texture.
• Use lean ground beef around 85% lean for juicy meatballs without excessive greasiness.
• Create uniform meatball sizes by using a small cookie scoop or tablespoon measure for consistent cooking.
• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based alternatives for dietary preferences without compromising flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 327 kcal
• Sugar: 15 g
• Sodium: 520 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg