Name: Cranberry Meatballs
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 1 lb Ground beef; 0.5 cup Dried cranberries; 0.25 cup Breadcrumbs; 1 egg Egg; 1 tsp Salt; 0.5 tsp Black pepper

Okay, picture this: I’m It’s almost Thanksgiving, the air is crisp, and you’re craving something a little different. Forget the same old appetizers, this year we’re shaking things up with something truly special – a new appetizer. What are Cranberry meat These aren’t your average meatballs; they are delicious Is it true that once you try them, you’ll be in heaven. What are some good recipes to make them for every holiday gathering (and maybe some weeknight dinners too)? What is the best cranberry sauce for a hug? What is everyone in this Think of them as a supercharged, way more exciting version of cocktail weenies, but made with love. What are some of the best ingredients in the world?

What are Cranberry meatballs?

What are Cranberry Meatballs? What’s a classic meatball recipe? Instead of the usual marinara sauce, we’re smothering them in a homemade (or store-bought) sauce. ) cranberry sauce. This sauce is simmered down until it’s thick, glossy, and bursting with that tart-sweet cranberry. What are some of the best holiday flavors to try? What is the perfect combination of sweet and savory, and the textures are amazing – juicy, tender, velvety. What are meatballs coated in? What is a holiday party in your mouth? What are some super easy meatball recipes?

Why you’ll love this recipe?

Where do I start? What I love about this recipe is that it’s ridiculously easy to make, yet it looks and tastes good. Is it like you spent hours slaving away in the kitchen? Is this a lifesaver for busy nights?

Flavor Explosion:What is the best combination of cranberry sauce and savory meatballs? What is a unique flavor profile that will have everyone asking for seconds (and the recipe)?
EffortlessWhat are the best meatballs to make ahead of time? Plus, they look so festive and inviting on a platter.
Budget FriendlyWhat are some of the best food ingredients to cook without breaking the bank? I always have Ground Beef and cranberry sauce on hand around the holidays, so it’s an easy recipe to make.
Versatility:Can you serve these as an appetizer, main course, or even as a fun topping for rice or mashed potatoes? What are the possibilities?

Cranberry Meatballs remind me a bit of those Swedish meatball recipes that everyone loves, but with an added kick. What is a holiday twist? The flavors are unexpected but work so well together. I also make a delicious recipe for glazed chicken wings that has sour, sweet and savory flavors. What are some of the best appetizers to try?

How do I make Cranberry meatballs?

Quick Overview

How do you make Cranberry Meatballs? How do you make a batch of meatballs? Then, you’ll simmer them in a luscious cranberry sauce until they’re coated in all that sweet-tart goodness. Can you make this recipe in less than an hour? Holiday gatherings. What is a simple recipe for appetizers? What are some good meatballs?

Ingredients

For the Meatballs: What

1 pound ground beef (I prefer 80/20 for flavor and juiciness).
1/2 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular, your choice) – 1/4 cup.
1/4 cup milk (any kind works, I’ve even used almond milk in a pinch)
1 egg, lightly beaten.
1/4 cup finely chopped onion.
1 clove of garlic, minced. 1 t
1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs.
1/2 teaspoon salt. 1 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon black pepper. 1 teaspoon salt.

What is Cranberry Sauce?

1 can whole berry cranberry sauce (or homemade, about 2 cups): 1 (14-ounce) can.
1/2 cup chili sauce (this adds a touch of heat and depth of flavor)
1/2 cup brown sugar (adjust to taste depending on the sweetness of your cranberry sauce) 1/4 cup.
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (for a little tang): 1 teaspoon lemon juice.
What is Worcestershire sauce? 1 teaspoon.

What are the steps to

Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking sheet or line it with parchment paper. How do I clean meatballs?

Step 2: Mix Meatball Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, onion, garlic, Italian herbs, salt and pepper. Mix well. Salt, and pepper. Gently mix everything together with your hands until just combined. Do not overmix meatballs, as this can make them tough. I’ve found that using my hands works best to get everything incorporated properly, but you can also use your hands if you like. Use a spoon if you prefer.

Step 3: Roll Meatballs

How do you roll the meat mixture into small, evenly sized meatballs (about 1 inch in diameter). I like to use a small cookie scoop to ensure they’re all the same size, but it’s not essential. Place the meatballs on a baking sheet, leaving space between each one.

Step 4: Bake Meatballs

Is it safe to bake meatballs in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes? Is it too late The internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C). While the meatballs are baking, you can prepare the cranberry sauce.

Step 5: Make the Cranberry Sauce

In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberry sauce, chili, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and salt. Stir well. What is the difference between Worcestershire sauce Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the brown sugar is dissolved.

Step 6: Simmer Meatballs in Sauce

Once the meatballs are cooked, add them to the saucepan with the cranberry sauce. How do I coat meatballs with sauce? Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened. The meatballs are heated through. This step is crucial for infusing the meatballs with that amazing cranberry flavor. The longer you simmer, the more flavors you get.

Step 7: Serve & Enjoy!

Serve the Cranberry Meatballs hot, garnished with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of sesame seeds. What are some good appetizers to serve as a main course?

What should I serve it with?

Cranberry Meatballs are super versatile and can be served in so many ways! What are some of my favorite combinations?

As an Appetizer: As Serve them on a platter with toothpicks for easy grabbing. They’re perfect for holiday parties, potlucks, or game day gatherings.
As a Main Course: Serve them over rice, mashed potatoes, or egg noodles for a comforting and satisfying meal. A side of roasted vegetables or a simple salad would complete the dish perfectly.
In Sliders: Pile the meatballs onto mini slider buns for a fun and festive appetizer or light meal. Top with a dollop of cranberry sauce and a sprinkle of crumbled Goat Cheese for extra flavor.
With Cream Cheese: Pour them over a block of softened cream cheese, serve with crackers for a super easy appetizer.

My family loves these served over mashed potatoes with a side of green beans. It’s a simple but delicious meal that everyone enjoys, especially during the colder months. I also love serving them with a side of crusty bread for soaking up all that delicious cranberry sauce. Mmm!

Top Tips for Perfecting Your Cranberry Meatballs

After making these Cranberry Meatballs countless times, I’ve learned a few tricks along the way to ensure they turn out perfectly every time:

Don’t Overmix the Meatballs: Overmixing can result in tough meatballs. Gently mix the ingredients until just combined.
Use a Cookie Scoop: To ensure the meatballs are all the same size, use a small cookie scoop to portion them out.
Don’t Skip the Simmering Time: Simmering the meatballs in the cranberry sauce is essential for infusing them with flavor and thickening the sauce.
Adjust the Sweetness to Your Liking: If you prefer a less sweet sauce, reduce the amount of brown sugar.
Add a Little Heat: For a little kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the cranberry sauce.
Make Ahead of Time: These meatballs can be made ahead of time and reheated. Simply prepare the meatballs and sauce, then store them separately in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, reheat the meatballs in the sauce over low heat until heated through.
Don’t have chili sauce? I have actually used ketchup, and a pinch of cayenne pepper. You would never be able to tell the difference!

I once forgot to add the egg to the meatball mixture, and they ended up being a bit crumbly. So, don’t skip the egg! It helps bind the ingredients together and keeps the meatballs moist and tender.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Cranberry Meatballs are great for making ahead of time or storing leftovers. Here’s how to do it:

Refrigerator Storage: Store leftover Cranberry Meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, freeze the meatballs in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container and store them in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating Instructions: To reheat, simply place the meatballs in a saucepan with the cranberry sauce and heat over low heat until heated through. You can also reheat them in the microwave, but be careful not to overcook them.
Glaze Timing Advice: If you are planning on freezing the meatballs, do not glaze them until after reheating. This will prevent the sauce from becoming watery or separating during the freezing process.

I always make a double batch of these meatballs so I can have some on hand for quick and easy meals. They’re a lifesaver on busy weeknights when I don’t have time to cook from scratch!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, you can easily make this recipe gluten-free by using gluten-free breadcrumbs. I’ve used almond flour as a substitute before, and it worked perfectly!

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken would be a great substitute for ground beef. Just be sure to choose a blend that isn’t too lean, as this can make the meatballs dry. I’d recommend using a blend that’s at least 85% lean.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can make these meatballs in a slow cooker! Simply combine the meatballs and cranberry sauce in the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours, or on high for 2-3 hours.

Can I use fresh cranberries instead of canned cranberry sauce?

Yes, you can definitely use fresh cranberries! You’ll need about 2 cups of fresh cranberries. Combine the cranberries with 1/2 cup of water and 1/4 cup of sugar in a saucepan and cook over medium heat until the cranberries have burst and the sauce has thickened. Then, proceed with the recipe as directed.

How can I make this spicier?

If you want to add a little heat to these meatballs, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the cranberry sauce, or a dash of hot sauce.

Final Thoughts

Cranberry Meatballs are a true crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for any occasion. They’re easy to make, bursting with flavor, and incredibly versatile. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer, a main course, or a fun topping for your favorite dishes, these meatballs are sure to be a hit! If you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to check out my other appetizer recipes for more delicious ideas. Happy cooking, and I can’t wait to hear how yours turn out! Leave a comment below and let me know what you think. And don’t forget to share this recipe with your friends and family! Happy baking!