If you love a perfect blend of savory and tangy flavors wrapped in bite-sized indulgence, then this Cranberry Meatballs Recipe is going to be your new favorite. Imagine juicy ground beef meatballs baked to tender perfection, then lovingly coated in a glossy cranberry chili glaze that’s bright, sweet, and just a hint spicy. This dish is a delightful crowd-pleaser that works beautifully as an appetizer or a main course, bringing warmth and cheer to any table. Once you try it, you’ll see why this Cranberry Meatballs Recipe becomes a go-to for gatherings, cozy dinners, and holiday spreads alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These simple yet essential ingredients come together to create a harmonious balance of flavors and textures. Each one plays a key role, contributing to juicy meatballs complemented by a vibrant, tangy sauce that makes this dish unforgettable.
- 1 lb ground beef: The hearty protein base that ensures each meatball is tender and flavorful.
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs: Helps bind the meatballs while keeping them light and tender.
- 1 large egg: Acts as a glue to hold the mixture together perfectly.
- 1/4 cup onion, finely chopped: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth to the meat mixture.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses a warm, aromatic note to balance the savory elements.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasoning to enhance all the other flavors.
- 1 can (14 oz) jellied cranberry sauce: The star ingredient in the glaze, delivering a fruity tang and vibrant color.
- 1/2 cup chili sauce: Brings a delightful sweet heat to the sauce without overpowering it.
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar: Adds a caramelized sweetness that rounds out the tartness of the cranberry.
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: Gives the sauce a complex umami depth that ties everything together.
How to Make Cranberry Meatballs Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Baking Sheet and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and help with easy cleanup — a simple step that makes the process that much smoother.
Step 2: Combine the Meatball Ingredients
In a large bowl, toss together the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, finely chopped onion, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Use your hands or a spoon to mix everything until fully combined but avoid overmixing, so your meatballs stay tender.
Step 3: Shape the Meatballs
Roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs, making sure they’re all roughly the same size for even cooking. Place each one gently on the lined baking sheet with some space between them.
Step 4: Bake the Meatballs
Pop the tray into your preheated oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes. Keep an eye on them — you want a beautiful golden brown exterior while ensuring they’re cooked through and juicy inside.
Step 5: Prepare the Cranberry Glaze
While your meatballs bake, combine the jellied cranberry sauce, chili sauce, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce in a medium saucepan. Stir over medium heat until the sauce is warm, smooth, and well blended — this glaze brings all those flavors together in a luscious coating.
Step 6: Coat the Meatballs in Sauce
Once baked, carefully transfer the meatballs to the saucepan and gently stir them into the cranberry glaze. Make sure each meatball is lovingly coated, which is where all the magic happens.
Step 7: Simmer for Full Flavor
Let the meatballs simmer in the sauce for another 5-10 minutes on low heat. This step allows the rich cranberry chili sauce to permeate the meatballs, marrying every bite with a burst of sweet and savory goodness.
Step 8: Serve Warm and Enjoy
Serve these crowd-pleasing cran-tastic meatballs warm, optionally garnished with freshly chopped parsley for a touch of color and freshness. They’re ready to steal the spotlight at your next meal.
How to Serve Cranberry Meatballs Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh herbs like finely chopped parsley or even some green onions spruced on top adds a fresh brightness that cuts through the richness of the sauce. A sprinkle of cracked black pepper or a light dusting of grated Parmesan can also elevate the presentation and flavor.
Side Dishes
Cranberry meatballs pair beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes, buttery egg noodles, or even a crisp green salad to balance the hearty meat. For a festive touch, you could also serve them alongside roasted root vegetables or a zesty coleslaw for contrasting crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, serve these meatballs on skewers with a drizzle of extra sauce, turning them into easy-to-enjoy finger food. Alternatively, nestle the meatballs in a slow cooker to keep them warm during gatherings, or turn them into sliders for a fun twist that everyone will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover cranberry meatballs store wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making them taste even better the next day.
Freezing
If you want to get ahead, freeze the cooked meatballs in their sauce in freezer-safe containers for up to three months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently to enjoy a quick and comforting meal anytime.
Reheating
Reheat cranberry meatballs gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to warm evenly without drying out the meatballs or sauce. Add a splash of water or broth if the sauce seems too thick.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken works well for a lighter version. Just be mindful they may cook a bit faster, and the flavor will be a little milder, so adjust seasoning as needed.
Is the sauce spicy?
The cranberry chili sauce has a gentle sweetness with a mild kick from the chili sauce, but it’s not overwhelmingly spicy. You can always adjust the heat by swapping regular chili sauce for a milder or spicier version depending on your preference.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Simply replace the regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
What’s the best way to ensure juicy meatballs?
Don’t overmix the meat mixture, and avoid packing the meatballs too tightly when shaping. Baking at a high temperature helps seal in the juices while getting a lovely browned exterior.
Can I prepare the meatballs ahead of time?
Definitely! You can shape and bake the meatballs in advance, then refrigerate or freeze them. When ready to serve, just warm them gently in the cranberry sauce to bring everything together.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about this Cranberry Meatballs Recipe that keeps people coming back for more. It’s an effortless yet impressive dish that blends classic comfort with a bright, festive twist. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or looking for a cozy weeknight supper, these meatballs deliver warmth and flavor on every bite. I can’t wait for you to give them a try and see how quickly they become a treasured recipe in your kitchen!
Print
Cranberry Meatballs Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 4.4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Cranberry Meatballs are a flavorful and festive dish perfect for gatherings or a hearty meal. Ground beef meatballs are baked to juicy perfection and then simmered in a tangy, sweet cranberry chili glaze that balances savory and sweet beautifully. This easy-to-make recipe offers a delightful combination of textures and tastes, ideal for entertaining or a comforting family dinner.
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 Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the meatballs from sticking during baking.
- Prepare Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, finely chopped onion, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Form Meatballs: Roll the meat mixture into approximately 1-inch diameter meatballs and arrange them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake Meatballs: Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes until they are browned on the outside and fully cooked through internally.
- Make Cranberry Glaze: While the meatballs bake, combine the jellied cranberry sauce, chili sauce, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce in a medium saucepan. Stir over medium heat until the sauce is smooth and heated through.
- Combine Meatballs and Sauce: Once baked, transfer the meatballs into the saucepan with the cranberry glaze. Gently stir to coat all the meatballs evenly with the sauce.
- Simmer to Meld Flavors: Allow the meatballs to simmer in the cranberry glaze for 5-10 minutes over low heat so the flavors fully meld and penetrate the meatballs.
- Serve: Serve the meatballs warm, optionally garnished with fresh parsley for color and freshness. Enjoy your sweet and savory cranberry meatballs!
Notes
- Using jellied cranberry sauce helps the glaze to have a smooth consistency, but whole berry cranberry sauce may be used for added texture.
- Adjust the chili sauce amount for desired spice level; you can substitute with ketchup for a milder flavor.
- These meatballs can be made ahead and reheated gently in the cranberry sauce before serving.
- For a gluten-free option, substitute breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers.
- Leftover meatballs and sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
