Cranberry Sauce Meatballs Recipe
A Delicious Sweet and Savory Twist
Looking for a dish that will surprise and delight? Cranberry Sauce Meatballs are exactly what you need! These juicy, tender meatballs are coated in a sweet-tangy cranberry glaze, creating the perfect balance of savory and fruity flavors. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer, a main dish, or even a holiday favorite, these meatballs are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Why Youβll Love This Recipe
My Cranberry Sauce Meatballs are the ideal combination of convenience, flavor, and versatility. The meatballs are rich and savory, while the cranberry glaze adds a festive, sweet twist that pairs beautifully with the hearty meat. Plus, you can make these in advance and keep them warm in a slow cookerβperfect for busy holiday gatherings or family dinners. And yes, theyβre incredibly simple to make!
For even more recipe inspiration, check out my Roasted Maple Brussels Sprouts or the always-favorite Paula Deen Sweet Potato Casserole for the ultimate holiday spread.
Ingredients Youβll Need For Cranberry Sauce Meatballs
Hereβs a simple list of ingredients to get you started:
- Ground beef
- Ground pork
- Egg
- Bread crumbs
- Onion (finely chopped)
- Garlic powder
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Cranberry sauce
- Ketchup
- Brown sugar
- Apple cider vinegar
- Worcestershire sauce
All these ingredients are easy to find at your local grocery store and are affordable, making this recipe both budget-friendly and delicious. Plus, the combination of savory meat and tangy cranberry sauce makes for a flavor thatβs hard to beat.
Equipment Needed
To whip up these delicious Cranberry Sauce Meatballs, youβll need:
- A large mixing bowl
- Baking sheet or skillet
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Small saucepan (for the cranberry glaze)
- Slow cooker (optional for keeping the meatballs warm)
This minimal equipment list makes it even easier to prepare these meatballs ahead of time and still wow your guests!
Step-by-Step Instructions To Make Cranberry Sauce Meatballs
- Preheat the oven to 400Β°F (200Β°C).
- In a large bowl, mix together the ground beef, ground pork, egg, bread crumbs, onion, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them on a baking sheet. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the meatballs are golden and cooked through.
- While the meatballs are baking, make the cranberry glaze. In a small saucepan, combine cranberry sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce. Heat the sauce until it thickens slightly.
- Once the meatballs are cooked, transfer them to a large bowl and pour the cranberry glaze over the top, making sure to coat each meatball.
- Serve immediately, or if youβre serving for a party, keep them warm in a slow cooker on the “low” setting.
Nutritional Information
Cranberries are not just a festive addition to your holiday table; they are also packed with antioxidants and nutrients that can benefit your health. Rich in vitamin C, fiber, and other essential vitamins and minerals, cranberries support a healthy immune system and can help reduce inflammation. You can learn more about the extensive health benefits of cranberries here.
Each serving of these Cranberry Sauce Meatballs (about 5 meatballs) contains:
- Calories: 230
- Protein: 14g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fat: 12g
- Sugars: 10g
These meatballs are a great way to enjoy a rich, hearty dish without going overboard on calories.
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Tips for Perfect Meatballs
- Use a mix of ground meats: The combination of ground beef and pork adds more flavor and keeps the meatballs juicy. You can also use ground turkey or chicken if you prefer a lighter option.
- Cranberry glaze can be adjusted: Depending on how sweet or tangy you like it, adjust the amount of brown sugar to taste. For a more tangy glaze, reduce the sugar slightly.
- Make them ahead: These meatballs are great for meal prep. You can make them a day ahead and store them in the fridge. When ready to serve, reheat and coat them in the cranberry sauce.
- Homemade vs. store-bought cranberry sauce: Want to level up this dish even more? Try using homemade cranberry sauce instead of the canned variety for an extra fresh flavor.
Creating the perfect meatballs is all about texture and flavor. For the best results, ensure your meat mixture is well combined but not overworked, as this can lead to tough meatballs. Baking them instead of frying can also help retain moisture while keeping them tender. If you’re looking for tips on achieving the perfect meatball texture, check out these helpful meatball preparation tips.
Serving Suggestions
These Cranberry Sauce Meatballs are incredibly versatile. Serve them as a holiday appetizer alongside dishes like Cranberry Cheesecake for a sweet and savory combo. You can also pair them with other classic holiday sides like Roasted Maple Brussels Sprouts and Paula Deen Sweet Potato Casserole for a well-rounded festive meal.
For a more casual dinner, serve them over rice or mashed potatoes for a comforting meal any time of the year. These meatballs are also perfect for parties since they can be kept warm in a slow cooker and served as finger food with toothpicks.
Cost Breakdown
Making Cranberry Sauce Meatballs is super affordable. Hereβs a rough breakdown:
- Ground beef and pork: $5
- Egg: $0.30
- Bread crumbs: $0.50
- Onion: $0.50
- Cranberry sauce: $2
- Ketchup and seasonings: $1
In total, youβre looking at about $10 for this recipe, which makes it an economical option for feeding a crowd.
Notes and Substitutions
- Gluten-free option: Simply swap out the regular bread crumbs for gluten-free bread crumbs to accommodate dietary restrictions.
- Spice it up: Want to add a little heat? Toss in a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the cranberry glaze.
- Vegan version: You can substitute traditional meatballs with plant-based meatballs or a vegan meatball recipe to make this dish completely vegan.
- Storage: These meatballs freeze beautifully! After baking, let them cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven or slow cooker before serving.
Conclusion
Cranberry Sauce Meatballs offer the perfect sweet and savory combination that everyone will love. Whether youβre serving them as a holiday appetizer, a main dish, or just because youβre in the mood for something delicious, these meatballs wonβt disappoint. Their juicy, flavorful base and tangy cranberry glaze make them the kind of dish people will rememberβand request again!
Ready for more flavorful inspiration? Donβt forget to try my Cranberry Cheesecake for dessert and Roasted Maple Brussels Sprouts to round out your holiday menu. Be sure to subscribe to Not All Recipes for exclusive content, seasonal recipes, and tips!
With this recipe in your back pocket, your next gathering will be full of flavor, fun, and plenty of requests for seconds!
Recipe Summury
Cranberry Sauce Meatballs
Equipment
- A large mixing bowl
- Baking sheet or skillet
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Small saucepan (for the cranberry glaze)
- Slow cooker (optional for keeping the meatballs warm)
Ingredients
- Ground beef
- Ground pork
- Egg
- Bread crumbs
- Onion finely chopped
- Garlic powder
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Cranberry sauce
- Ketchup
- Brown sugar
- Apple cider vinegar
- Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400Β°F (200Β°C).
- In a large bowl, mix together the ground beef, ground pork, egg, bread crumbs, onion, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them on a baking sheet. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the meatballs are golden and cooked through.
- While the meatballs are baking, make the cranberry glaze. In a small saucepan, combine cranberry sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce. Heat the sauce until it thickens slightly.
- Once the meatballs are cooked, transfer them to a large bowl and pour the cranberry glaze over the top, making sure to coat each meatball.
- Serve immediately, or if youβre serving for a party, keep them warm in a slow cooker on the “low” setting.
Notes
- Gluten-free option: Simply swap out the regular bread crumbs for gluten-free bread crumbs to accommodate dietary restrictions.
- Spice it up: Want to add a little heat? Toss in a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the cranberry glaze.
- Vegan version: You can substitute traditional meatballs with plant-based meatballs or a vegan meatball recipe to make this dish completely vegan.
- Storage: These meatballs freeze beautifully! After baking, let them cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven or slow cooker before serving.
