Cranberry Meatballs

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Difficulty: Medium (2/5 Intensity)

---

🥄 Introduction

There’s something irresistibly festive and comforting about Cranberry Meatballs — tender, juicy beef meatballs bathed in a tangy-sweet cranberry glaze. They’re a holiday favorite, but honestly, they’re too delicious to limit to just Thanksgiving or Christmas.

This recipe combines savory and sweet flavors in perfect harmony: the richness of ground beef (or turkey, if you prefer a lighter version) is balanced by a sauce made with cranberry sauce, chili sauce, and a touch of brown sugar. The result is an appetizer that’s elegant enough for parties yet simple enough for weeknight dinners.

In this step-by-step recipe, we’ll guide you through making the perfect meatballs — golden on the outside, tender inside — and a cranberry glaze that clings beautifully to every bite.

---

🧂 Ingredients

For the Meatballs:

• 1 ½ pounds ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)

• 1 large egg

• ½ cup breadcrumbs (plain or Italian-style)

• ¼ cup finely chopped onion

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 tablespoons milk

• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

• 1 teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• ½ teaspoon dried parsley (optional)

• 2 tablespoons olive oil (for browning)

For the Cranberry Sauce Glaze:

• 1 can (14 oz) whole-berry cranberry sauce

• 1 cup chili sauce (like Heinz or similar)

• 2 tablespoons brown sugar

• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (optional for tanginess)

• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)

---

⏲️ Time and Intensity Breakdown

This recipe requires minimal skill but benefits from patience and attention during browning and simmering.

---

🍳 Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Meatball Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, chopped onion, garlic, milk, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and parsley.

Using your hands or a wooden spoon, mix until just combined — avoid overmixing, which can make the meatballs dense.

Roll the mixture into balls about 1 inch in diameter (you should get around 24–30 meatballs).

---

Step 2: Brown the Meatballs

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Add the meatballs in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Brown each side for 2–3 minutes until golden. You don’t need to cook them all the way through — just create a nice crust.

Transfer browned meatballs to a paper towel-lined plate.

Pro Tip: You can also bake the meatballs instead of pan-frying. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), place meatballs on a lined baking sheet, and bake for 15–18 minutes until browned.

---

Step 3: Make the Cranberry Sauce

In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, combine the cranberry sauce, chili sauce, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar.

Heat over medium flame, stirring frequently, until the mixture is smooth and begins to bubble. Taste and adjust sweetness or acidity — add more vinegar for tang or brown sugar for sweetness.

---

Step 4: Combine and Simmer

Add the browned meatballs to the cranberry sauce. Gently stir to coat each one evenly.

Reduce the heat to low and cover the pan. Let the meatballs simmer for 30–35 minutes, stirring occasionally. The sauce will thicken slightly and develop deeper flavor as it reduces.

---

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Once the meatballs are cooked through and the sauce is glossy and thickened, remove from heat.

Serve warm, either as an appetizer with toothpicks or as a main dish over mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles.

Garnish with fresh parsley or orange zest for an extra pop of color and brightness.

---

🥗 Serving Suggestions

• Party Appetizer: Keep warm in a slow cooker on the “Low” setting and serve with cocktail picks.

• Dinner Idea: Serve over creamy mashed potatoes or buttered egg noodles.

• Holiday Touch: Sprinkle with chopped pecans or serve with orange slices for festive flair.

---

🌟 Tips for the Best Cranberry Meatballs

1. Choose the Right Meat: A mix of beef and pork adds extra juiciness and flavor.

2. Avoid Overmixing: Mix ingredients gently to keep meatballs light and tender.

3. Don’t Skip Browning: It locks in flavor and helps the meatballs hold their shape.

4. Simmer Slowly: Low and slow simmering allows the sauce to thicken beautifully.

5. Add a Kick: For spicy lovers, toss in red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.

---

🧠 Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on exact ingredients used.

---

🧊 Storage and Reheating

Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Place cooled meatballs in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months.

To Reheat:

• Stovetop: Simmer on low for 10 minutes.

• Microwave: Reheat on medium power for 2–3 minutes, stirring halfway.

• Oven: Warm at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes.

---

🍴 Variations

1. Turkey Cranberry Meatballs

Use ground turkey instead of beef for a leaner, lighter version — perfect for post-holiday leftovers.

2. Crockpot Cranberry Meatballs

Add browned (or even frozen store-bought) meatballs and sauce ingredients to a slow cooker. Cook on Low for 4 hours or High for 2 hours. Easy and hands-free!

3. Spicy Cranberry Meatballs

Add 1 tablespoon of sriracha or a pinch of cayenne to the sauce for a fiery balance to the sweetness.

4. BBQ Cranberry Fusion

Mix ½ cup of your favorite barbecue sauce into the cranberry glaze for a smoky, tangy twist.

5. Vegetarian Version

Use plant-based “meat” and vegan chili sauce to create a delicious vegetarian-friendly appetizer.

---

🎉 Occasions

Cranberry Meatballs are versatile and crowd-pleasing. They’re ideal for:

• Thanksgiving or Christmas parties

• Potlucks and game days

• Family dinners

• Holiday buffets and catering events

They look beautiful served in a slow cooker or decorative serving bowl, glistening under the sauce with that deep ruby-red sheen that screams holiday magic.

---

🕯️ Final Thoughts

This Cranberry Meatball Recipe combines everything people love about comfort food: savory, sweet, tangy, and deeply satisfying. It’s the kind of dish that invites second helpings and leaves everyone asking for the recipe.

The magic lies in the sauce — the cranberry brings a fruity brightness, while the chili sauce adds a mild spice that cuts through the richness of the meat. Whether you serve them as party bites or a cozy dinner, they’ll always steal the spotlight.

So next time you’re planning a gathering or just craving something hearty and delicious, whip up a batch of Cranberry Meatballs — it’s a recipe that turns any occasion into something special.