If you’re searching for a dish that’s bursting with flavor and perfect for any occasion, the Cranberry Meatballs Recipe is guaranteed to become one of your new favorites. These tender, juicy meatballs are enveloped in a sweet and tangy cranberry glaze that adds a festive pop of color and a delightful twist to classic comfort food. Whether you’re serving them as a party appetizer, a cozy dinner, or a holiday treat, this recipe balances savory and sweet beautifully, making every bite a celebration of taste and texture.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Cranberry Meatballs Recipe plays a crucial role, coming together to create a dish that’s rich in flavor, pleasing in texture, and vibrant in color. The combination of ground beef and spices builds the savory base, while the glaze introduces that irresistible fruity sweetness.
- 1 lb ground beef: Choose fresh, preferably lean beef for moist and tender meatballs that hold together well.
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs: Adds structure and helps keep the meatballs juicy by absorbing moisture.
- 1 large egg: Acts as a binder, ensuring the meatballs don’t fall apart while baking.
- 1/4 cup onion, finely chopped: Brings subtle sweetness and enhances the savory depth of the meat.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Offers a gentle garlicky warmth without overpowering the dish.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and bringing out all the other flavors.
- 1 can (14 oz) jellied cranberry sauce: The star ingredient in the glaze, providing sweet and tangy notes.
- 1/2 cup chili sauce: Adds a mild kick and balances sweetness with a touch of acidity.
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar: Deepens the glaze’s sweetness and contributes a hint of caramel flavor.
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: Offers a savory umami punch that complements both the meat and the cranberry glaze.
How to Make Cranberry Meatballs Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Begin by heating your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius), and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to keep those meatballs from sticking as they bake to golden perfection. This simple prep step makes cleanup a breeze and ensures an even cook.
Step 2: Mix the Meatball Base
Grab a large bowl and combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, finely chopped onions, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix everything just until combined — overmixing can make the meatballs tough, and you want them tender and juicy.
Step 3: Shape and Bake
Roll the mixture into uniform 1-inch meatballs and arrange them on your baking sheet, giving each space to cook evenly. Pop them in the oven for about 15 to 20 minutes, allowing the meat to brown beautifully while cooking through.
Step 4: Prepare the Cranberry Glaze
While the meatballs bake, whisk together your jellied cranberry sauce, chili sauce, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce in a medium saucepan. Warm over medium heat, stirring until smooth and glossy—a glaze that perfectly balances sweet and savory notes.
Step 5: Combine and Simmer
Carefully transfer the cooked meatballs into the saucepan with the cranberry glaze. Gently stir so every meatball is luxuriously coated, then let them simmer together for 5 to 10 minutes. This simmering step deepens the flavor and lets the meatballs soak up that wonderful sauce.
How to Serve Cranberry Meatballs Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley adds a fresh, green pop of color and a subtle herbaceous note that brightens the dish beautifully. You might also enjoy a dash of cracked black pepper on top to lift the flavors even more.
Side Dishes
Cranberry meatballs pair wonderfully with warm, buttery mashed potatoes or creamy polenta, which soak up the tangy glaze with joy. For a lighter touch, serve alongside a crisp green salad or roasted seasonal vegetables to complete the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, serve these meatballs on cocktail sticks for easy finger food that’s both elegant and practical. You can also spoon extra cranberry glaze over warm dinner rolls for a fun sandwich twist, or serve over cooked rice to soak up every last drop of sauce.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your Cranberry Meatballs Recipe, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This keeps the meatballs moist and the glaze flavorful, making them perfect for a quick meal the next day.
Freezing
You can freeze these meatballs either coated or uncoated in the cranberry glaze. Lay them out on a baking sheet to freeze individually first, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll keep well up to 3 months, ideal for meal prepping or holiday entertaining.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. You can also microwave in short bursts, just be careful not to dry them out — a splash of water helps keep the meatballs nice and juicy.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken works well in this Cranberry Meatballs Recipe, though the flavor and texture will be slightly lighter. You might want to add a bit more seasoning or moisture to keep the meatballs tender.
Is it possible to make these meatballs gluten-free?
Yes, simply swap out regular breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs or use almond flour as a binder. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making this an accessible recipe for many diets.
Can I prepare the meatballs in advance?
Definitely! You can form the meatballs and store them raw in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. This is ideal if you want to save time on cooking day or prepare ahead for a gathering.
What can I substitute for the jellied cranberry sauce?
If you don’t have jellied cranberry sauce on hand, you can use whole berry cranberry sauce and blend it slightly or cook it down to reduce chunks. It will still impart that lovely tart-sweet flavor integral to the dish.
How spicy is the cranberry glaze with chili sauce?
The chili sauce adds a gentle warmth but nothing too overpowering—perfectly balanced for those who enjoy a subtle kick without intense heat. You can always adjust the amount based on your taste preferences.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the Cranberry Meatballs Recipe that makes it a standout—comforting meatballs kissed with a vibrant, tangy glaze that’s both nostalgic and exciting. I encourage you to whip up a batch and see how effortlessly it brings warmth and joy to your table. Whether it’s a casual family dinner or a festive gathering, this recipe is a delicious way to surprise your taste buds and impress your loved ones!
Print
Cranberry Meatballs Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Cranberry Meatballs are a delightful fusion of savory and sweet flavors, combining juicy baked beef meatballs with a tangy cranberry glaze. Perfect as an appetizer or a main dish, this recipe offers a straightforward baking method that yields tender, flavorful meatballs coated in a rich sauce that’s ideal for holiday gatherings or cozy dinners.
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 and prepare baking sheet: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Make meatball mixture: In a large bowl, mix together the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, finely chopped onion, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until all ingredients are well combined and evenly distributed.
- Shape meatballs: Roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs, shaping them tightly to hold together, and arrange them evenly on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake meatballs: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the meatballs are browned on the outside and fully cooked through in the center.
- Prepare cranberry glaze: While the meatballs bake, combine the jellied cranberry sauce, chili sauce, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce in a medium saucepan. Stir the mixture over medium heat until the sauce is smooth and warmed through.
- Coat meatballs in glaze: Transfer the baked meatballs into the saucepan with the cranberry glaze and gently stir to evenly coat each meatball with the sauce.
- Simmer to meld flavors: Let the meatballs simmer in the cranberry glaze for an additional 5-10 minutes over low to medium heat, allowing the flavors to blend and the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Serve: Serve the cranberry meatballs warm, optionally garnished with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Enjoy this sweet and savory treat!
Notes
- For a lower-fat version, substitute ground turkey or chicken for ground beef.
- Use gluten-free breadcrumbs to make this recipe gluten-free.
- Meatballs can be prepared a day ahead and reheated in the cranberry sauce before serving.
- Adjust the sweetness of the cranberry glaze by adding more or less brown sugar according to taste.
- These meatballs freeze well; freeze cooked meatballs separately from the sauce and combine when reheating.
