Cranberry Sauce Meatballs are a fun twist on a classic favorite, bringing together juicy meatballs and the sweet, tangy flavor of cranberry sauce. The cranberry sauce adds a bright and fruity touch that makes these meatballs feel extra special, perfect for holidays or cozy family dinners. The combination of savory meat and fruity sauce is a little unexpected but really hits the spot.
I love making these meatballs when I want something that’s easy but still feels festive. The best part is that you don’t have to fuss with a complicated sauce—just mixing in some cranberry sauce gives you a flavorful glaze that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. I usually make a big batch so there are plenty for everyone to snack on while catching up or watching a game.
One of my favorite ways to serve them is over fluffy rice or alongside mashed potatoes. The cranberry sauce adds just the right amount of sweetness to balance the savory meat, and it’s a real crowd-pleaser whenever I bring it to get-togethers. Plus, they’re a great way to use up any leftover cranberry sauce from the holidays, so nothing goes to waste!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Meat: Ground beef is classic here, but ground turkey or pork make great swaps if you want a lighter or different flavor. Mixing meats can add extra juiciness too!
Breadcrumbs & Milk: These keep meatballs tender and hold them together. If you want gluten-free, try gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed oats.
Cranberry Sauce: This is the heart of the dish. You can use store-bought or homemade cranberry sauce. For a twist, try adding orange zest or a splash of balsamic vinegar to your sauce.
Sauce Flavorings: Ketchup, soy sauce, and Worcestershire sauce add depth. If Worcestershire isn’t on hand, just skip it or add a bit of balsamic vinegar for tang.
How Can I Make Tender, Juicy Meatballs Every Time?
Mixing your meatball ingredients gently is key. Overworking the meat can make meatballs tough. Follow these steps for tender results:
- Combine ground meat with breadcrumbs, onions, egg, milk, and seasonings using your hands or a spoon, mixing just until combined.
- Shape meatballs evenly to ensure they cook at the same rate.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) until browned and cooked through, about 18-20 minutes. Using the oven keeps meatballs moist compared to frying.
After baking, coating them in the warm cranberry sauce helps keep them juicy and infuses sweet-tart flavor. Gently stir the meatballs in the sauce without breaking them.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking sheet – I use it to bake the meatballs evenly and keep cleanup easy.
- Mixing bowls – help combine ingredients and shape the meatballs without making a mess.
- Measuring cups and spoons – keep ingredients just right for consistent results.
- Medium saucepan – for simmering the cranberry sauce glaze and blending flavors.
- Cooking spoon or spatula – makes stirring and coating the meatballs simple and gentle.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option, keeping the dish healthy.
- Add chopped nuts or cranberries to the meat mixture for extra texture and flavor.
- Mix in spices like cinnamon or allspice to give the sauce a warm, holiday-like aroma.
- Top with crumbled blue cheese or feta before serving for a tangy boost.
Cranberry Sauce Meatballs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground beef (or substitute with ground turkey or pork)
- 1/3 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Cranberry Sauce Glaze:
- 2 cups cranberry sauce (homemade or canned)
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (optional)
For Garnish (optional):
- Fresh parsley or dill, chopped
Time Needed:
About 10 minutes to prepare the meatballs and glaze, 18-20 minutes baking time, plus a few minutes to simmer the sauce and combine. Total time is roughly 35 minutes.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Meatballs:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it. In a large bowl, mix together the ground beef, breadcrumbs, chopped onion, egg, milk, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Combine gently—don’t overmix. Shape the mixture into small meatballs about 1 to 1 1/2 inches wide, and place them evenly on the prepared baking sheet.
2. Bake the Meatballs:
Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes until the meatballs are browned and cooked through. You can check by cutting one in half or using a meat thermometer (it should read 160°F for beef).
3. Prepare the Cranberry Glaze:
While the meatballs bake, whisk together the cranberry sauce, ketchup, soy sauce, and Worcestershire sauce in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly.
4. Combine Meatballs and Sauce:
Once meatballs are done, carefully transfer them to the saucepan with the cranberry glaze. Stir gently to coat each meatball evenly without breaking them. Warm the meatballs in the sauce for 2-3 minutes so all the flavors can blend beautifully.
5. Serve and Garnish:
Serve the cranberry sauce meatballs warm, optionally sprinkled with chopped fresh parsley or dill. These meatballs go great over rice, mashed potatoes, or simply served as a tasty appetizer with toothpicks.
Can I Use Frozen Meatballs for This Recipe?
Yes! Just thaw frozen meatballs completely before baking. You can bake them straight from thawed, but the baking time might be a few minutes longer to ensure they’re heated through.
How Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Simply swap out regular breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. Make sure your cranberry sauce and other condiments don’t contain gluten additives.
Can I Prepare This Dish Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can make the meatballs in advance and refrigerate them. When ready to serve, warm the cranberry sauce separately, add the meatballs, and heat together on the stove until warm.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave to keep the meatballs moist and flavorful.
