This recipe is incredibly simple and packed with flavor. The combination of rich, savory meatballs and the bright, slightly sweet cranberry sauce creates a perfect balance. It’s ideal for holidays, parties, or quick family meals. Plus, it can be made ahead of time and reheats beautifully, making it a stress-free option for entertaining.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.) ground beef or a mix of beef and pork breadcrumbs egg milk garlic powder onion powder salt black pepper cranberry sauce chili sauce brown sugar lemon juice
Directions
Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large bowl, combine ground meat, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined. Shape the mixture into small meatballs and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until cooked through and lightly browned. While the meatballs are baking, prepare the sauce by combining cranberry sauce, chili sauce, brown sugar, and lemon juice in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir until the sauce is smooth and heated through. Add the cooked meatballs to the sauce and toss to coat evenly. Simmer for a few minutes to allow the flavors to blend. Serve warm.
You can use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. Add a bit of hot sauce or red pepper flakes for extra heat. Swap chili sauce with barbecue sauce for a smoky twist. You can also make them in a slow cooker by combining cooked meatballs with the sauce and heating on low.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through. These meatballs also freeze well for up to 2 months.
FAQs
Can I use frozen meatballs?
Yes, store-bought frozen meatballs work well and save time.
What type of cranberry sauce should I use?
Both jellied and whole berry cranberry sauce work for this recipe.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare and refrigerate it a day in advance.
How do I keep meatballs tender?
Avoid overmixing the meat mixture and include moisture like milk and egg.
Can I cook the meatballs in a skillet instead of baking?
Yes, you can brown them in a pan until fully cooked.
Is this dish very sweet?
It has a sweet and tangy balance, but you can adjust the sugar to taste.
Can I use a slow cooker?
Yes, combine everything and cook on low for 2–3 hours.
What can I serve with cranberry meatballs?
They pair well with rice, mashed potatoes, or as party appetizers.
Can I freeze cranberry meatballs?
Yes, they freeze well either before or after adding the sauce.
Can I make them gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free breadcrumbs as a substitute.
Conclusion
Cranberry meatballs are a delicious combination of sweet and savory flavors that are easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion. Whether served as an appetizer or a main dish, they’re sure to be a hit with family and guests alike.
Cranberry Meatballs are a delicious sweet and savory dish made with tender, juicy meatballs coated in a tangy cranberry sauce. This easy meatball recipe is perfect for holiday appetizers, party snacks, or quick family dinners, delivering bold flavor with minimal effort.
Ingredients
500 g ground beef (or beef )
1 cup breadcrumbs
1 egg
¼ cup milk
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
½ teaspoon black pepper
For the Sauce:
1 cup cranberry sauce (jellied or whole berry)
½ cup chili sauce
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, mix ground meat, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until just combined.
Shape into small meatballs and place on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake for 18–20 minutes until cooked through and lightly browned.
In a saucepan, combine cranberry sauce, chili sauce, brown sugar, and lemon juice over medium heat.
Stir until smooth and heated through.
Add baked meatballs to the sauce and toss to coat evenly.
Simmer for a few minutes to blend flavors.
Serve warm.
Notes
Do not overmix the meat to keep the meatballs tender.Both jellied and whole cranberry sauce work well.Adjust sweetness by reducing or increasing brown sugar.You can use frozen pre-cooked meatballs for convenience.
