Sweet & Savory Cranberry Meatballs – Perfect for Any Occasion

Cranberry meatballs are a delightful blend of sweet and savory that tantalizes your taste buds. Imagine sinking your teeth into tender meatballs, enveloped in a tangy cranberry sauce that dances on your palate with every bite.

These meatballs are perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy family dinners. The aroma wafting through your kitchen will have everyone asking, “What’s cooking?” Trust me, once you make these, they’ll be your go-to dish for any occasion.

I still remember the first time I made cranberry meatballs for a family Thanksgiving. My cousin took one bite and exclaimed, “This is like Thanksgiving in a meatball!” It was a hit!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Ground Beef: Use lean ground beef for juicy meatballs without excess grease; turkey is also a great alternative.

• Breadcrumbs: Fresh breadcrumbs work best; they help absorb moisture and keep the meatballs tender.

• Eggs: One large egg binds everything together perfectly; make sure it’s at room temperature for better mixing.

• Onion: Finely chop a medium onion for sweetness; sautéing it brings out its natural flavors.

• Garlic: Minced garlic adds depth; use fresh cloves for the best taste.

• Dried Cranberries: Sweetened dried cranberries add chewy texture and burst of flavor in each bite.

• Cranberry Sauce: Use store-bought or homemade sauce to coat the meatballs; it’s the star of the dish!

• Salt & Pepper: Essential seasonings; adjust to taste.

• Fresh Parsley: Chopped parsley adds freshness as a garnish; don’t skip this vibrant touch!

For the Sauce:

• Soy Sauce: Low-sodium soy sauce balances sweetness and saltiness in the sauce; use it sparingly.

• Brown Sugar: This adds caramelized sweetness that complements the tartness of cranberries beautifully.

• Mustard (optional): A hint of mustard can enhance flavor complexity in the sauce if you’re feeling adventurous!

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Cranberry Meatballs

Prepare the Meatball Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, garlic, chopped onion, salt, and pepper until thoroughly mixed. The mixture should feel slightly sticky but not overly wet.

Form the Meatballs: Shape tablespoon-sized portions of the mixture into balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Remember not to overwork them to keep them tender.

Bake Until Golden: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake meatballs for 20-25 minutes or until they reach an internal temperature of 160°F (70°C). They should be golden brown on the outside.

Create the Sauce: While meatballs bake, combine cranberry sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, and mustard in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir until well blended and heated through.

Add Meatballs to Sauce: Once baked, transfer the meatballs into the saucepan with the warm sauce. Gently stir to coat each meatball evenly in that luscious cranberry goodness.

Garnish & Serve: After coating all meatballs with sauce, let them simmer for about 5 minutes while you set up your serving dish. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving hot for maximum appeal.

Now your cranberry meatballs are ready to delight everyone at dinner!

These little bites of joy are not only delicious but also easy to whip up—perfect for those busy days when you want something impressive without spending hours in the kitchen! Enjoy every bite as laughter fills your home during meals shared with family and friends!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by browning the meatballs in a skillet for extra flavor, then simmer them in the cranberry sauce until fully cooked through. This ensures both texture and taste are on point.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out ground turkey or chicken for beef if you’d like a lighter option. You can also add spices like cayenne for some heat or freshly chopped herbs for a fresh twist.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover cranberry meatballs in an airtight container for up to three days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water to keep them moist.

Sharing my first attempt at cranberry meatballs brings back fond memories of my kitchen disaster turning into family laughter and compliments. It was a holiday miracle!

FAQ

Can I use frozen cranberry meatballs?

Yes, you can freeze them before cooking for easy future meals.

What can I serve with cranberry meatballs?

They pair well with rice, pasta, or even as appetizers with toothpicks.

How do I make cranberry sauce from scratch?

Simmer fresh cranberries with sugar and orange juice for a quick homemade sauce.

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📖 Recipe Card

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Cranberry Meatballs

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• Author: Jennifer
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 12 meatballs 1x

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Description

Cranberry meatballs offer a delightful fusion of sweet and savory flavors, perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy dinners. These tender meatballs are enveloped in a tangy cranberry sauce that will have your guests asking for seconds. Whether served as an appetizer or a main dish, their vibrant red color and delicious taste make them a must-try. Plus, they are quick and easy to prepare, making them an ideal choice for busy weeknights or entertaining.

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Ingredients

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• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 1 cup fresh breadcrumbs
• 1 large egg (room temperature)
• 1 medium onion (finely chopped)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries (sweetened)
• 1 cup cranberry sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• Salt & pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped)
• 2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
• 3 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tsp mustard (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, onion, salt, and pepper until combined.
3. Shape the mixture into tablespoon-sized meatballs and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
4. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 160°F).
5. Meanwhile, combine cranberry sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, and mustard in a saucepan over medium heat; stir until blended.
6. Once baked, add meatballs to the saucepan and coat evenly with the sauce; simmer for about 5 minutes before serving.
7. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Appetizer/Main Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 3 meatballs (150g)
• Calories: 290
• Sugar: 14g
• Sodium: 550mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 16g
• Cholesterol: 70mg