Okay, let’s bring some authentic flavor to the kitchen with these Cranberry Meatballs. Whether you’re planning a family gathering or simply looking for a unique appetizer, these meatballs are sure to be a hit. This recipe blends the comforting warmth of classic meatballs with the tangy sweetness of cranberries, creating a dish that’s both familiar and exciting.

A Family Tradition

“These Cranberry Meatballs? They’re a must-have at our holiday parties,” my daughter exclaimed last year. Since then, they’ve become a family tradition. What surprised me most was how everyone, even the pickiest eaters, couldn’t get enough of the sweet and savory combination.

There’s something special about a dish that brings everyone together, creating a shared experience of warmth and flavor. It’s more than just food; it’s about the memories created around the table. And, trust me, this recipe for Cranberry Meatballs does just that!

I remember the first time I made these. My goal was simple: to create a delicious dish that would appeal to both kids and adults. The result was even better than I had hoped. The Cranberry Meatballs were a huge success, becoming a staple at family gatherings.

For me, cooking is about more than just following a recipe. It’s about sharing a piece of my heart with those I love. It’s about creating moments of joy and connection through the simple act of preparing and sharing a meal. This Cranberry Meatballs recipe embodies that philosophy.

If you’re a fellow home cook seeking to add some genuine, flavorful meals to your repertoire, I invite you to try this recipe. It’s surprisingly simple, yet incredibly satisfying. Let’s get started and bring some cranberry-infused joy to your family table!

INGREDIENTS You’ll Need:

Here’s everything you’ll need to whip up a batch of these delightful appetizers. Trust me, this ingredient list for Cranberry Meatballs focuses on quality over quantity for authentic flavors!

1 pound ground beef: I recommend using a leaner blend for the best texture.
1/2 cup breadcrumbs: Plain or Italian seasoned works great.
1/4 cup milk: Adds moisture to the meatballs.
1 egg: Acts as a binder, holding everything together.
1/4 cup chopped onion: Adds a savory depth.
1 teaspoon garlic powder: For that essential garlic flavor.
1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness.
1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a touch of spice.
1 (14-ounce) can whole berry cranberry sauce: The star of the show!
1/2 cup chili sauce: Adds a tangy kick.
1/4 cup brown sugar: For extra sweetness and a rich flavor.
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar: Adds a touch of acidity to balance the sweetness.

Ingredients for making cranberry meatballs including ground beef, breadcrumbs, cranberry sauce, and spices.

You’ll find the freshest ingredients for these savory Cranberry Meatballs at your local grocery store or farmer’s market. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different types of ground meat. Ground turkey or chicken also work well for a lighter version.

For the best flavor in your Cranberry Meatballs, I recommend sourcing high-quality cranberry sauce. Homemade cranberry sauce would be amazing if you have the time! My family loves when I add a pinch of cinnamon to the sauce for an extra layer of warmth. This Cranberry Meatballs proves that authentic flavor comes from thoughtful ingredient choices.

Here’s a Cranberry Meatballs flavor secret that transformed our family dinners: lightly toast your breadcrumbs before adding them to the meat mixture. It adds a subtle nutty flavor that really enhances the overall taste.

Let’s Create This Together!

Ready to start cooking? Let’s dive into the step-by-step instructions for creating these delicious Cranberry Meatballs. Here’s where I used to miss a key step with my Cranberry Meatballs – learn from my experience!

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the meatballs cook evenly.
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, onion, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix everything gently with your hands until just combined. Overmixing can result in tough meatballs.
Roll the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter. I like to use a small cookie scoop to ensure they’re all uniform in size.
Place the meatballs on a baking sheet. You can line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through. Perfect time to appreciate the aromatic transformation!
While the meatballs are baking, prepare the sauce. In a saucepan, combine the cranberry sauce, chili sauce, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar.
Bring the sauce to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Once the meatballs are cooked, transfer them to the saucepan with the sauce. Stir gently to coat them evenly.
Simmer for another 10-15 minutes, allowing the meatballs to absorb the sauce. Your Cranberry Meatballs should fill the kitchen with amazing aromas by now!

In my kitchen, this flavorful Cranberry Meatballs typically takes about an hour from start to finish. Don’t be surprised if your Cranberry Meatballs develops a beautiful glaze from the cranberry sauce as it simmers. This is a sign that the flavors are really coming together.

Here’s a family-tested technique for extra flavor: lightly brown the meatballs in a skillet before baking. It adds a wonderful caramelized crust.

While your Cranberry Meatballs is developing these flavors, take a moment to appreciate creating something special for your family! Remember to stir the sauce occasionally to prevent sticking. Another personal cooking discovery is to add a splash of orange juice to the sauce for a brighter flavor.

How We Love to Enjoy This!

These Cranberry Meatballs are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in many ways. The family gathers quickly when these aromatic Cranberry Meatballs appears with toothpicks for easy snacking!

We often serve them as an appetizer at parties. They’re always a crowd-pleaser! They are also great served over rice or mashed potatoes for a hearty meal. The combination of sweet and savory is simply irresistible. This flavorful meatball appetizer reminds me of another family favorite, Cranberry Turkey Meatballs, which offers a lighter twist on this classic dish.

For a festive presentation, I like to garnish the meatballs with fresh cranberries and a sprinkle of chopped parsley. It adds a pop of color and freshness. This Cranberry Meatballs is perfect for those evenings when we want something truly satisfying!

If you have any leftover Cranberry Meatballs (which is rare in my house!), they’re delicious in sandwiches or wraps. Just chop them up and add them to your favorite bread with some lettuce and tomato.

During the holiday season, I often add a pinch of cinnamon and nutmeg to the sauce for a warmer, more festive flavor. It’s a simple addition that makes a big difference. These Holiday meatballs will be the talk of any holiday party!

My kids love when I serve these meatballs with a side of creamy coleslaw. The coolness of the coleslaw complements the warm, savory meatballs perfectly. The family loves these authentic flavors, they’ll appreciate Cranberry Pecan Cheesecake Ball. It combines the same sweet and tangy notes in a completely different format!

FAQs: Your Questions Answered

Here are some common questions I get about making these Cranberry Meatballs. I’m sharing kitchen wisdom with a fellow cook, so don’t hesitate to ask anything!

Does this Cranberry Meatballs really satisfy hearty appetites?

Absolutely! The combination of ground beef and the rich cranberry sauce makes this dish incredibly satisfying. Serve it over rice or mashed potatoes for an even heartier meal.

What if someone in my family prefers milder flavors in their Cranberry Meatballs?

No problem! Simply reduce the amount of chili sauce in the recipe. You can also add a touch of honey for extra sweetness to balance the flavors.

How can I prepare this Cranberry Meatballs ahead for busy weeks?

You can easily make the meatballs and sauce ahead of time. Store them separately in the refrigerator, and then combine them when you’re ready to serve. This works great!

Can I use frozen meatballs for this recipe?

Yes, you can. Just make sure to thaw them completely before adding them to the sauce. Also, you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly. If your family is a huge fan of meatball appetizer recipes you should check out Cranberry Sauce Meatballs – Organized Island.

What are some other variations I can try with this recipe?

You can add different spices to the sauce, such as ginger or cloves, for a unique flavor. You can also add chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, for added texture.

Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can! Simply combine all the ingredients in your slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours. This is a great option for busy days. For more genuine cooking ideas for family meals, explore Cranberry Brie Bites.

Can I double or triple this recipe for a large gathering?

Definitely! This recipe is easily scalable. Just make sure to use a large enough pot or baking sheet to accommodate the larger quantity. Don’t hesitate to test out Easy Crockpot Cranberry Meatballs • Kroll’s Korner if you need a crockpot version.

Final Kitchen Wisdom:

These Cranberry Meatballs support my family’s authentic meal goals by providing a delicious, homemade dish that everyone enjoys. And, if you are looking for a crockpot recipe to try out then you should give Crockpot Cranberry Meatballs | 365 Days of Baking and More a try. It’s a simple way to bring everyone together around the table.

My Cranberry Meatballs Flavor Secrets:

A splash of orange juice brightens the sauce.
Lightly toasting the breadcrumbs adds a nutty flavor.
A pinch of cinnamon enhances the warmth.

Here are some family-tested Cranberry Meatballs variations:

Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce.
Sweet: Add a tablespoon of honey to the sauce.
Savory: Add a teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce to the sauce.

My son loves the spicy version, while my daughter prefers the sweet one. My husband enjoys the classic recipe as is. I encourage you to make it your signature version!

I hope you and your family enjoy this recipe as much as we do. Remember, the most important ingredient is love! I hope for your family’s cooking success as you create this satisfying Cranberry Meatballs!

Now go forth and create some delicious memories in your kitchen! ✨🌱

Cranberry Meatballs

Print Recipe

These sweet and savory cranberry meatballs are the perfect appetizer or main course for any holiday gathering. They’re easy to make and packed with flavor!

Author: Savannah Rose
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
Category: Appetizer
Method: Baked
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

1 pound ground beef
1/2 cup bread crumbs
1/4 cup milk
1 egg, beaten
1/4 cup chopped onion
1/4 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

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
In a large bowl, combine ground beef, bread crumbs, milk, egg, onion, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
Shape mixture into 1-inch meatballs.
In a saucepan, combine cranberry sauce, chili sauce, brown sugar, and lemon juice. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
Place meatballs in a baking dish. Pour cranberry sauce mixture over meatballs.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until meatballs are cooked through.
Serve warm.

Notes

Serve these cranberry meatballs over rice or mashed potatoes for a complete meal. You can also use ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef.