If you’re searching for a spectacularly tasty and festive appetizer that will instantly become a crowd favorite, this Cranberry Meatballs Recipe is exactly what you need. It combines juicy, perfectly seasoned meatballs with a luscious cranberry glaze that offers a tangy punch balanced by a hint of sweet warmth. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or a cozy family dinner, these meatballs bring together classic comfort food vibes with a bright, flavorful twist. Trust me, once you try this Cranberry Meatballs Recipe, it’s going to be on your go-to list for every special occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is the secret behind a delicious Cranberry Meatballs Recipe. Each item plays a vital role – from the hearty ground beef that provides the base to the vibrant cranberry sauce that delivers a pop of festive flavor.
- 1 lb ground beef: The star protein that makes these meatballs juicy and satisfying.
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs: Helps bind the meatballs while keeping them tender.
- 1 large egg: Works as a natural binder, keeping everything together with ease.
- 1/4 cup onion, finely chopped: Adds subtle sweetness and depth without overpowering the dish.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Brings a gentle garlic undertone for extra flavor complexity.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to bring out all the natural flavors.
- 1 can (14 oz) jellied cranberry sauce: This is the key ingredient that lends the classic tart and sweet cranberry character.
- 1/2 cup chili sauce: Enhances the glaze with a tangy, slightly spicy kick.
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar: Balances the tartness with rich sweetness for a well-rounded sauce.
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: Adds depth and umami, elevating the glaze to savory perfection.
How to Make Cranberry Meatballs Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet
Start by heating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a non-stick mat to ensure your meatballs don’t stick and come out beautifully browned.
Step 2: Mix the Meatball Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, finely chopped onion, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly but gently so the meat stays tender. This combination is the backbone of your meatballs’ flavor and texture.
Step 3: Form the Meatballs
Shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs, making sure they’re uniform in size for even cooking. Place each meatball on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between them for proper browning.
Step 4: Bake the Meatballs
Pop the meatballs into your preheated oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes. They should brown on the outside while cooking through to juicy perfection inside.
Step 5: Prepare the Cranberry Glaze
While the meatballs are baking, combine the jellied cranberry sauce, chili sauce, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce in a medium saucepan. Heat over medium, stirring often until you have a smooth, bubbling glaze that smells heavenly.
Step 6: Coat and Simmer the Meatballs
Once baked, carefully transfer the meatballs into the saucepan with your cranberry glaze. Gently stir to coat each meatball with the luscious sauce. Let them simmer together for 5 to 10 minutes, allowing all those festive flavors to meld beautifully.
How to Serve Cranberry Meatballs Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a dash of color and freshness, cutting through the richness of the meatballs and enhancing visual appeal. You could also try chopped green onions or a light zest of orange for a citrus twist.
Side Dishes
These meatballs pair wonderfully with creamy mashed potatoes or buttery egg noodles, soaking up every bit of that sweet-tart cranberry glaze. For a healthier option, fresh green beans or a crisp winter salad will complement the savory profile nicely.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or gatherings, present the Cranberry Meatballs Recipe in a warmed slow cooker to keep them saucy and hot throughout your event. Another fun idea is to serve them on wooden skewers for easy handling and a charming appetizer display.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers, no worries! Store the cooled meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors tend to deepen overnight, making for an even tastier bite the next day.
Freezing
You can freeze fully cooked and sauced meatballs by spreading them on a baking sheet and freezing until firm, then transferring to a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months and are perfect for quick meals later on.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the meatballs in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally so the glaze doesn’t burn. Alternatively, microwave them covered, stirring halfway through, until hot and inviting once again.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef for this Cranberry Meatballs Recipe?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works well and makes the meatballs a bit leaner. Just be mindful that turkey tends to dry out faster, so don’t overbake and consider adding a splash of olive oil or an extra egg to keep them moist.
What if I don’t have chili sauce—can I substitute it?
Yes! You can use ketchup mixed with a little hot sauce or a spoonful of barbecue sauce to mimic the tangy and sweet flavor profile that chili sauce provides in this recipe.
Are these meatballs good for freezing before cooking?
They’re best frozen after cooking with the sauce for optimum flavor and texture. If you freeze raw meatballs, make sure to bake them straight from frozen and adjust baking time accordingly.
Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?
You can! After forming and browning the meatballs in a skillet or oven, transfer them to a slow cooker, pour over the prepared cranberry glaze, and cook on low for 2 to 3 hours for melt-in-your-mouth results.
Is this recipe suitable for holidays only?
Not at all! While the cranberry glaze feels festive, these meatballs are so delicious and easy to make that they’re perfect for any day you crave a cozy, flavorful bite anytime of year.
Final Thoughts
This Cranberry Meatballs Recipe is truly a kitchen win—effortless to put together, bursting with festive flavor, and versatile enough for both casual dinners and special occasions. I can’t wait for you to make this and watch everyone’s eyes light up with each tangy, sweet, and savory bite. Give it a try, and soon it’ll be one of your all-time favorites too!
Print
Cranberry Meatballs Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
These Cranberry Meatballs are a delightful blend of savory ground beef meatballs baked to perfection and coated in a sweet and tangy cranberry glaze. Perfect for a festive appetizer or a comforting main dish, this recipe combines simple pantry ingredients to create a flavorful meal in just 35 minutes.
Ingredients
Meatballs
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cranberry Glaze
- 1 can (14 oz) jellied cranberry sauce
- 1/2 cup chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure the meatballs won’t stick during baking.
- Prepare the meatball mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, finely chopped onion, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Form the meatballs: Roll the meat mixture into 1-inch diameter meatballs and place them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake the meatballs: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the meatballs are browned on the outside and cooked through on the inside.
- Prepare the cranberry glaze: While the meatballs bake, mix the jellied cranberry sauce, chili sauce, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce in a medium saucepan. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is smooth and warmed through.
- Coat the meatballs: Once the meatballs are done baking, transfer them carefully into the saucepan with the cranberry glaze. Stir gently to evenly coat all the meatballs in the sauce.
- Simmer the meatballs: Allow the meatballs to simmer in the cranberry glaze for 5-10 minutes on low heat, letting the flavors meld beautifully.
- Serve: Serve the glazed meatballs warm. Optionally, garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Enjoy!
Notes
- For extra flavor, you can add finely chopped fresh herbs like parsley or thyme to the meatball mixture.
- If you prefer smaller or larger meatballs, adjust the baking time accordingly to ensure they are fully cooked.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently on the stovetop to avoid drying out the meatballs.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
