Hey fellow food lovers! Nyla here, ready to welcome you into my delicious corner of the internet! Get ready to turn every meal into something truly special with my latest obsession: Cranberry Meatballs! Seriously, these aren’t your average meatballs – we’re talking a burst of sweet and savory that’ll have everyone doing a little happy dance.

These Cranberry Meatballs were born out of a late-night kitchen experiment. Picture this: I was craving something comforting but with a twist, something that would make my taste buds sing. I started playing around with flavors, adding a little of this and a little of that. Then, BAM! The magic happened. The sweet tanginess of cranberries paired with savory meatballs was a flavor explosion!

What started as a happy accident quickly became a family favorite, especially during game nights and holiday gatherings. The best part? They’re surprisingly easy to make, even on busy weeknights. I’m so excited to share this Cranberry Meatballs recipe with you all!

Ready to kick things up a notch? Let’s dive into this flavor adventure together and create some seriously amazing Cranberry Meatballs! Get ready to experience comfort food with a bold twist!

INGREDIENTS You Need

This Cranberry Meatballs ingredient list is all about flavors that POP! You can grab these at your regular shopping trip.

1 pound ground beef: 80/20 blend works great for juicy meatballs.
1/2 cup breadcrumbs: I use plain breadcrumbs for this.
1/4 cup milk: This helps keep the meatballs moist.
1 egg: To bind everything together.
1/4 cup finely chopped onion: Adds a savory depth.
1 teaspoon garlic powder: A must for flavor!
1/2 teaspoon salt: Seasoning is key.
1/4 teaspoon black pepper: For a little kick.
1 (14-ounce) can whole berry cranberry sauce: The star of the show!
1/2 cup ketchup: Adds a tangy sweetness.
1/4 cup brown sugar: For a rich caramel flavor.
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar: Adds a touch of acidity.
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: My secret ingredient for extra depth!

No worries if you don’t have apple cider vinegar – I use white vinegar all the time in my Cranberry Meatballs. It works just as well!

Here’s my secret: a dash of cinnamon in the meatball mixture. It adds a warm, comforting note that complements the cranberry sauce beautifully. This Cranberry Meatballs recipe is sure to be a hit!

Store any leftover ingredients in airtight containers. Ground beef should be used within 1-2 days, and cranberry sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks after opening.

This Cranberry Meatballs gets its amazing taste from the Worcestershire sauce – it adds that umami flavor we all crave! I love adding extra pepper to my Cranberry Meatballs for that extra kick!

Let’s Make Some!

This is my favorite part of making Cranberry Meatballs – watch the delicious magic happen! Follow these steps and get ready for some serious flavor!

Get Started: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it’s heating up, grab a large bowl.
Mix the Meatballs: In the bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, onion, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together gently with your hands until just combined. Don’t overmix!
Shape the Meatballs: Roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs. I usually get about 24 meatballs from this recipe.
Bake the Meatballs: Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until they are cooked through and lightly browned. In my kitchen, this Cranberry Meatballs usually takes about 18 minutes.
Make the Cranberry Sauce: While the meatballs are baking, prepare the sauce. In a saucepan, combine the cranberry sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce.
Simmer the Sauce: Bring the sauce to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly. This is where the magic starts happening!
Combine Meatballs and Sauce: Add the cooked meatballs to the saucepan with the cranberry sauce. Stir gently to coat the meatballs evenly.
Simmer Together: Reduce the heat to low and simmer for another 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Don’t worry if your Cranberry Meatballs looks a little messy – that’s part of the charm!
Serve and Enjoy: Serve your delicious Cranberry Meatballs hot and get ready to impress everyone. While your Cranberry Meatballs is doing its thing, get ready for some amazing aromas!

These Cranberry Meatballs are perfect for entertaining. For an even easier version, you can make Crockpot Meatballs by combining all ingredients in the crockpot on low for 2-3 hours or on high for 1-2 hours. If your kids love this, they’ll go crazy for French Onion Meatballs!

How to Serve Up This!

People literally do happy dances when this Cranberry Meatballs hits the table with mashed potatoes! The sweet and savory combination is seriously addictive.

I love to serve this Cranberry Meatballs over mashed potatoes or rice. The creamy potatoes and fluffy rice soak up that delicious sauce perfectly! You can also serve them as an appetizer with toothpicks for easy grabbing. Garnish the Cranberry Glazed Meatballs for a beautiful presentation.

These Cranberry Meatballs are perfect for holiday gatherings, game day parties, or even a cozy weeknight dinner. I once served them at a potluck, and they were gone in minutes! For presentation, I like to garnish the Cranberry Glazed Meatballs with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of chopped green onions. It adds a pop of color and freshness.

Got leftovers? No problem! You can use them in meatball subs, quesadillas, or even as a topping for pizza! Waste nothing! I love finding new ways to use leftovers and add fusion twists to these classics!

I’ve also experimented with adding a little sriracha to the cranberry sauce for a spicy kick. It’s a fun twist that adds a little heat! The first time I served these homemade Cranberry Meatballs at a party, everyone raved about how unique and flavorful they were. It’s always a crowd-pleaser!

This Cranberry Meatballs is perfect for those weeknight dinners that need to be special! They’re easy to make, packed with flavor, and guaranteed to put a smile on everyone’s face.

FAQs:

Got questions about my amazing Cranberry Meatballs? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Here are some frequently asked questions and my enthusiastic answers!

Q: Will kitchen newbies succeed with this Cranberry Meatballs?

A: Absolutely! This recipe is super easy and straightforward. As long as you follow the steps, you’ll be a Cranberry Meatballs pro in no time! Plus, even if you mess up a little (spoiler: it’ll still taste incredible!), remember every kitchen adventure is a learning experience!

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

A: Sure thing! If you’re short on time, frozen meatballs work just fine. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly. I always say fresh is best, but sometimes you have to roll with convenience!

Q: What if I don’t like cranberry sauce?

A: Okay, okay, I hear you. If you’re not a huge fan of cranberry sauce, you can try using a different type of fruit sauce, like raspberry or cherry. It’ll still give you that sweet and tangy flavor, but with a different twist.

Q: How can I prep this Cranberry Meatballs for busy weeknights?

A: Great question! You can make the meatballs ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake them. You can also make the cranberry sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to eat, just bake the meatballs and heat up the sauce. Super simple!

Q: Can I make this in a slow cooker?

A: Definitely! Slow cookers are amazing time savers. For Crockpot Meatballs you can combine all the ingredients in the slow cooker and cook on low for 2-3 hours or on high for 1-2 hours. Just make sure to stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Crockpot Cranberry Meatballs | 365 Days of Baking and More for the win!

Q: Can I add other ingredients to the sauce?

A: Of course! Feel free to get creative and add your own personal touch. I’ve experimented with adding a little Dijon mustard, orange zest, or even a splash of bourbon to the sauce. Get ready for a bold flavor burst!

Q: My sauce is too thick/thin – what do I do?

A: No problem! If the sauce is too thick, just add a little water or broth to thin it out. If it’s too thin, simmer it for a few more minutes to let it reduce. Taste and adjust as needed!

Remember, cooking is all about having fun and experimenting. Don’t be afraid to try new things and make this Cranberry Meatballs recipe your own! And even if things don’t go perfectly, I promise it’ll still taste amazing! I love to share my Cranberry BBQ Crockpot Meatballs – The Chunky Chef with friends, too!

CONCLUSION:

This Cranberry Meatballs recipe brings me so much joy because it’s a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and comforting. It’s the kind of dish that makes everyone feel good and brings people together. So, let’s whip up something special together!

My Cranberry Meatballs Flavor Secrets:

Worcestershire Sauce: It adds a depth of flavor that you just can’t get with anything else.
Brown Sugar: It gives the sauce a rich, caramel-like sweetness that is seriously addictive.
A Dash of Cinnamon: In the meatball mixture, it adds a warm, comforting note that complements the cranberry sauce perfectly.

I’ve tested so many variations of this Cranberry Meatballs recipe, and here are a few of my favorites:

Spicy Cranberry Meatballs: Add a little sriracha or chili flakes to the sauce for a spicy kick.
Swedish Meatballs with Cranberry Sauce: Season the meatballs with nutmeg and allspice for a classic Swedish flavor. The Facebook recipe for glazed appetizer meatballs? is a hit every time!. Serve with mashed potatoes and a dollop of sour cream.
Cranberry Turkey Meatballs: Use ground turkey instead of ground beef for a leaner option. For another bold flavor favorite, try these Cranberry Turkey Meatballs

For holiday gatherings, I always make the classic Cranberry Glazed Meatballs with ground beef. For game day parties, I love to add a little spice with the sriracha version. And for a lighter weeknight meal, the ground turkey version is perfect. Fellow food lovers, trust your taste buds and get creative in the kitchen.

Don’t be afraid to experiment and make this Cranberry Meatballs recipe your own. I’m so excited for you to try this recipe and create some delicious magic! And, if you’re loving this comfort food twist, you’ll go crazy for Crockpot Salisbury Steak Meatballs!

I can’t wait to hear about your cooking adventures! Get ready to enjoy some seriously amazing Cranberry Meatballs!

Cranberry Meatballs

Print Recipe

These Cranberry Meatballs are the perfect appetizer or main course, combining savory meatballs with a sweet and tangy cranberry sauce. They’re easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser!

Author: Nyla
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
Category: Appetizer
Method: Baked
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

1 pound ground beef
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup milk
1 egg, beaten
1/4 cup finely chopped onion
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 (14 ounce) can whole berry cranberry sauce
1/2 cup chili sauce
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 tablespoon lemon juice

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, onion, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well with your hands.
Shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs.
Place the meatballs on a baking sheet.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through.
While the meatballs are baking, prepare the sauce: In a saucepan, combine cranberry sauce, chili sauce, brown sugar, and lemon juice.
Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
Once the meatballs are cooked, transfer them to the saucepan with the cranberry sauce.
Simmer for another 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the meatballs are coated in the sauce.
Serve hot.

Notes

Serve these meatballs as an appetizer with toothpicks or as a main course over rice or mashed potatoes.