The Best Easy Cranberry Meatballs Recipe for Holiday Joy

These juicy cranberry meatballs capture everyone’s imagination with a perfect blend of sweet and savory.

Holiday gatherings deserve something special that looks impressive yet feels effortless.

Home cooks searching for crowd-pleasing appetizers will adore this simple recipe.

Succulent beef mingles with tart cranberry sauce, creating an irresistible combination.

Each bite promises a delightful balance of flavors that surprises and delights.

The smiles around your table when you serve these elegant, easy-to-make morsels.

You’ll want to bookmark this recipe for every festive occasion.

Grab a plate and get ready to impress everyone at your next potluck.

Top Tips for Juicy Easy Cranberry Meatballs

• Boost Meat Texture: Use a mixture of ground beef and pork for juicier, more flavorful meatballs that hold together perfectly.
• Control Sauce Consistency: Adjust the sauce thickness by simmering longer for a more reduced, concentrated flavor or adding a splash of water if too thick.
• Customize Spice Levels: Swap Dijon mustard with sriracha or add red pepper flakes for an extra kick of heat in the sauce.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare meatballs and sauce separately up to 2 days in advance, storing them in the refrigerator for easy last-minute entertaining.
• Dietary Swap Options: Use ground turkey for a leaner version or gluten-free breadcrumbs to make the recipe more diet-friendly.

How to Keep Easy Cranberry Meatballs Fresh

• Refrigerate: Store leftover cranberry meatballs in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. They'll stay fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator, maintaining their delicious flavor and texture.
• Freeze: Carefully pack meatballs in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. Frozen meatballs can last up to 3 months without losing quality.
• Reheat in Microwave: Place meatballs in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.
• Reheat in Oven: Spread meatballs in a single layer on a baking sheet. Cover with foil to prevent drying out. Warm at 350°F for 10-15 minutes until heated completely through and sauce bubbles slightly.

What to Serve with Easy Cranberry Meatballs

• Pair with Zesty Red Wine: Select a medium-bodied red wine like Zinfandel or Syrah that complements the tangy cranberry and rich barbecue sauce flavors, cutting through the meatballs' richness.
• Serve with Crisp Herb Salad: Create a light green salad with fresh arugula, parsley, and a lemon vinaigrette to balance the hearty meatballs and provide a refreshing contrast.
• Match with Creamy Goat Cheese Appetizer: Spread soft goat cheese on crusty bread and top with a small dollop of the cranberry meatball sauce for a delightful starter that enhances the dish's sweet and savory profile.
• Accompany with Craft Beer: Choose a hoppy IPA or amber ale that can stand up to the robust flavors of the meatballs, offering a complementary bitter and malty undertone.

New Ideas for Easy Cranberry Meatballs

• Spicy Cranberry Kick: Add diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes to the sauce for a fiery flavor boost that'll wake up your taste buds.
• Mediterranean Herb Blend: Mix fresh chopped oregano, basil, and parsley into the meatball mixture for a Mediterranean-inspired version with aromatic herbs.
• Citrus Cranberry Fusion: Stir orange zest and a splash of fresh orange juice into the sauce to create a bright, tangy flavor profile that complements the cranberry.
• Asian-Inspired Fusion: Replace barbecue sauce with soy sauce and add ginger and garlic to transform the meatballs into an Asian-inspired appetizer with an exciting fusion twist.

Easy Cranberry Meatballs Questions Answered

• What makes these cranberry meatballs special?

These meatballs combine the tangy sweetness of cranberry sauce with the rich, smoky flavor of barbecue sauce, creating a unique and delicious appetizer or main dish that’s perfect for holiday gatherings or game day.

• Can I use frozen meatballs instead of making them from scratch?

Absolutely! Store-bought frozen meatballs work perfectly in this recipe. Just make sure to fully cook them before adding to the sauce, saving you time and effort while still delivering amazing flavor.

• Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes! These meatballs can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. They actually taste even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld together, making them an excellent option for make-ahead meals or parties.

• How can I make the meatballs more kid-friendly?

To make the sauce less tangy, you can reduce the amount of Dijon mustard or use a sweeter barbecue sauce. Kids typically love the sweet and savory combination of these meatballs.

Why Everyone Loves Easy Cranberry Meatballs

• Whip Up a Flavor Explosion: These cranberry meatballs deliver a tantalizing sweet-savory punch that dances between tangy cranberry and rich barbecue sauce, creating an irresistible taste experience that'll have everyone asking for seconds.
• Master Quick-Prep Cooking: With just 30 minutes from start to finish, this recipe offers busy home cooks an effortless solution for delicious entertaining, requiring minimal kitchen skills and standard pantry ingredients.
• Versatile Party Pleaser: Perfect for game day gatherings, holiday parties, or casual family dinners, these meatballs seamlessly transition from appetizer to main course, making them a crowd-pleasing option for any occasion.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ground meats, adjust sauce intensity, or serve over different bases like rice or pasta, allowing home chefs to personalize the dish while maintaining its core deliciousness.

What Goes Into Easy Cranberry Meatballs

• Ground Meat: The core protein that forms the base of the meatballs, providing rich and hearty flavor.
• Egg: Helps bind the meatball ingredients together for a perfect texture.

• Breadcrumbs: Adds structure and helps keep the meatballs moist and tender.
• Garlic Powder: Provides a subtle, warm garlic essence throughout the meatballs.
• Onion Powder: Brings a mild, sweet onion flavor without adding chopped onion chunks.

• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and brings out the meat's natural taste.
• Pepper: Adds a gentle, warming spice to the meatball mixture.

• Cranberry Sauce: Offers a sweet and tangy base for the meatball glaze.
• Barbecue Sauce: Provides a smoky and slightly sweet undertone to the sauce.
• Dijon Mustard: Introduces a sharp, tangy element to balance the sweetness.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Adds depth and umami flavor to the sauce.

How to Prepare Easy Cranberry Meatballs Fast

Step 1: Craft Delectable Meatballs

• Ground meat
• Breadcrumbs
• Egg
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Salt
• Pepper

Fire up the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a spacious mixing bowl, blend the ground meat with breadcrumbs, egg, and seasonings. Massage the ingredients together until they form a harmonious mixture. Roll the blend into bite-sized spheres, each about the size of a golf ball. Arrange the meatballs on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they’re not touching. Slide the tray into the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes until they’re golden brown and cooked through.

Step 2: Whip Up Tangy Cranberry Sauce

• Cranberry sauce
• Barbecue sauce
• Dijon mustard
• Worcestershire sauce

Heat a large skillet over medium flame. Pour in the cranberry sauce, barbecue sauce, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir the mixture with a wooden spoon, watching it transform into a glossy, vibrant concoction. Let the sauce simmer and meld together, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 3: Marry Meatballs With Sauce

Gently nestle the cooked meatballs into the simmering sauce. Twirl them around to ensure each morsel gets a luxurious coating. Lower the heat and let the meatballs luxuriate in the sauce for 10-15 minutes. The flavors will dance and intertwine, creating a mouthwatering masterpiece.

Step 4: Serve With Flair

Transfer the saucy meatballs to a beautiful serving dish. For appetizers, arm guests with toothpicks for easy picking. If serving as a main course, nestle the meatballs over a bed of fluffy rice. Watch as your guests dive into this irresistible dish, savoring every last bite.

Easy Cranberry Meatballs Recipe

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4.8 from 25 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Sizzling cranberry meatballs bring festive holiday cheer to dinner tables across North America. Juicy beef combined with tangy cranberry sauce creates a mouthwatering dish you’ll love serving to family and friends.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound (450 grams) ground beef or turkey

Binding and Seasoning:

• ½ cup (50 grams) breadcrumbs
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Sauce Ingredients:

• 1 14-ounce (400 grams) can jellied cranberry sauce
• ½ cup (120 milliliters) barbecue sauce
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

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Instructions

1. Craft succulent meatballs by thoroughly blending ground meat with breadcrumbs, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a spacious mixing vessel. Shape the mixture into uniform spherical portions approximately one inch in diameter.
2. Position the meatball formation on a parchment-lined baking sheet, ensuring adequate spacing between each sphere. Roast in a preheated oven at 375F (190C) for 15-20 minutes until the internal temperature reaches a safe, fully cooked state.
3. While meatballs are roasting, construct a tangy sauce by whisking together cranberry sauce, barbecue sauce, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce in a capacious skillet. Heat the mixture over medium temperature, stirring periodically until ingredients meld seamlessly.
4. Once meatballs complete cooking, gently transfer them into the simmering sauce. Carefully coat each morsel, allowing them to absorb the robust flavor profile for 10-15 minutes over reduced heat.
5. Present the glazed meatballs in an elegant serving dish, offering toothpicks for effortless sampling or nestle them atop fluffy rice for a more substantial meal. The resulting dish promises a delightful blend of sweet, tangy, and savory elements.

Notes

• Customize meat selection by using ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option that keeps the dish light and healthy.
• Swap breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour or crushed pork rinds to make the recipe suitable for gluten-sensitive diners.
• Enhance sauce complexity by adding a splash of orange zest or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle tangy and spicy kick that elevates the flavor profile.
• Prep meatballs ahead of time and freeze them uncooked, allowing quick weeknight meal preparation or unexpected guest entertaining with minimal effort.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 290
• Sugar: 16 g
• Sodium: 550 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 24 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 14 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg