Cranberry Meatballs Recipe

Watch the step-by-step cooking video at the bottom of the recipe!👇

Sweet, tangy, and savory, Cranberry Meatballs are a delightful dish perfect for holidays, parties, or a cozy family dinner. The combination of tender, juicy meatballs with a flavorful cranberry sauce creates a balance of flavors that will impress everyone at the table. This recipe is easy to make and can be served as an appetizer, main dish, or even as a party snack.

Ingredients

For the Meatballs:

• 1 pound (450g) ground beef or a mix of beef and pork
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Cranberry Sauce:

• 1 cup cranberry sauce (homemade or canned)
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• Optional: 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes for a hint of heat

Preparation Steps

Step 1: Make the Meatballs

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine ground meat, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, milk, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Mix until all ingredients are well incorporated.
4. Shape the mixture into small meatballs, about 1–1.5 inches in diameter, and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Step 2: Bake the Meatballs

1. Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 15–20 minutes, or until cooked through and golden brown.
2. Remove from the oven and set aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Cranberry Sauce

1. In a medium saucepan, combine cranberry sauce, brown sugar, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, and red pepper flakes (if using).
2. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is warm and slightly thickened.

Step 4: Combine Meatballs and Sauce

1. Add the baked meatballs to the cranberry sauce and gently stir to coat them evenly.
2. Cook for an additional 2–3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 5: Serve

1. Transfer the cranberry meatballs to a serving dish.
2. Serve warm as an appetizer, side dish, or over rice or mashed potatoes for a complete meal.

Tips for the Best Cranberry Meatballs

• Use fresh or high-quality cranberry sauce for the brightest flavor.
• Make meatballs ahead of time and freeze them; just heat and coat with sauce before serving.
• Customize by adding finely chopped onions, bell peppers, or herbs to the meatball mixture.

These Cranberry Meatballs are a festive, flavorful, and easy-to-make dish that combines savory meat with the sweet-tart taste of cranberries—a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.

Recipe video