These cranberry sauce meatballs are a fun twist on a classic dish! With juicy meatballs covered in a sweet and tangy cranberry sauce, they bring a burst of flavor to your table.
They’re quick to make and perfect for parties or cozy family dinners. I love serving them with toothpicks for easy snacking—no extra plates needed! 🎉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: A mix of ground beef and pork gives the meatballs great flavor and texture. If you prefer a leaner option, ground turkey or chicken works well too. Just keep in mind the flavor will be a bit milder.
Onion: Grated or finely chopped onion adds moisture and sweetness. If you’re short on time, onion powder is a quicker substitute, though I find fresh onion brings more flavor.
Cranberry Sauce: This is the star of the dish. While homemade is great, canned cranberry sauce saves time. For a different twist, try using a cherry or cranberry-raspberry blend!
Dijon Mustard: Adds a zesty kick. If you prefer a milder flavor, yellow mustard can substitute. Some folks even like using honey mustard for a sweeter taste—it’s worth a try!
What’s the Best Way to Keep My Meatballs Tender?
Keeping meatballs tender is all about mixing gently and not overworking the meat. When you combine the ingredients:
- Use your hands to mix, but stop as soon as everything is evenly distributed. Overmixing makes them tough!
- Shape them gently; they don’t need to be perfectly round.
- Cook them in batches to avoid crowding the skillet, which helps them brown nicely.
Following these simple tips will give you deliciously tender meatballs that soak up all that tasty cranberry sauce!
Cranberry Sauce Meatballs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Meatballs:
- 1 pound ground beef (or mixture of beef and pork)
- 1/4 cup bread crumbs
- 1/4 cup grated onion or finely chopped onion
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning (optional)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for frying)
For The Cranberry Sauce Glaze:
- 1 cup cranberry sauce (fresh or canned)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger or cinnamon (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and around 25 minutes to cook. In total, you’ll have these delicious cranberry sauce meatballs ready in about 40 minutes—perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or party appetizer!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Meatball Mixture:
Start by gathering a large mixing bowl. In it, combine the ground beef, bread crumbs, grated onion, egg, minced garlic, milk, salt, pepper, and thyme if you’re using it. Mix gently until everything is just combined. Be careful not to overmix; this is key to keeping your meatballs tender!
2. Shape the Meatballs:
With clean hands, scoop out a small amount of the mixture and roll it into a ball about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Continue until you’ve shaped all the mixture into meatballs. This should make around 24 meatballs, depending on size!
3. Cook the Meatballs:
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the meatballs in batches—don’t overcrowd the pan. Cook them for about 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are browned on all sides and cooked through. Remove the cooked meatballs and set them aside on a plate.
4. Make the Cranberry Sauce Glaze:
In the same skillet (no need to clean it!), add the cranberry sauce, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, soy sauce (or Worcestershire), apple cider vinegar, and ground ginger or cinnamon if you chose to use it. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes until everything is heated through and the sauce starts to thicken up.
5. Combine Meatballs with Sauce:
Now, it’s time to bring it all together! Carefully add the cooked meatballs back into the skillet with the cranberry sauce glaze. Gently stir to coat all the meatballs in that delicious sauce.
6. Simmer and Allow Flavors to Meld:
Let everything simmer for an additional 3-5 minutes. This allows the meatballs to soak up the flavors from the sauce and lets it thicken a bit more. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Transfer the meatballs to a serving dish, garnishing with chopped fresh parsley if you’d like. Serve them warm, whether as an appetizer with toothpicks at a party, or alongside rice or mashed potatoes for a comforting meal. Enjoy your sweet and tangy cranberry sauce meatballs!
Can I Use Frozen Meatballs for This Recipe?
Absolutely! If using frozen meatballs, simply thaw them overnight in the fridge or microwave them according to the package instructions before adding them to the cranberry sauce. Adjust the cooking time as necessary to ensure they’re heated through.
What Can I Substitute for Cranberry Sauce?
If you don’t have cranberry sauce, you can make a quick substitute by combining 1 cup of unsweetened applesauce with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice and a bit of sugar to taste. This will give you a similar sweet and tangy flavor for your meatballs!
How Should I Store Leftover Meatballs?
Store any leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. They also freeze well! Place them in freezer-safe bags for up to 3 months. Just reheat on the stove or microwave when ready to enjoy.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the meatballs and the sauce a day in advance! Just keep them separated in the fridge, then combine and heat them together right before serving for the best flavor and texture. Perfect for stress-free meal prep!
