introduction
This cranberry sauce meatballs recipe is easy and tasty. It mixes meatballs with a sweet-tangy sauce made from cranberry sauce, chili sauce, and soy. It works as a party snack or a simple dinner. For another holiday version, see the Christmas cranberry meatballs guide for more ideas.
why make this recipe
This recipe is quick and uses few ingredients. You can bake meatballs and make a fast sauce on the stove. The sauce is sweet and a little spicy, which many people like. It is good for parties, family meals, and holiday trays.
how to make Cranberry Sauce Meatballs
Follow the steps below to make the meatballs and sauce. Be simple and work in order.
- Mix the meatball ingredients well in a bowl.
- Shape the mix into small meatballs.
- Bake the meatballs until they are done.
- Warm the cranberry sauce with chili and soy in a pan.
- Toss the baked meatballs in the sauce so they are coated.
- Serve warm.
You can also find a quick version to try for busy days at a quick cranberry meatballs recipe.
Ingredients :
1 pound ground beef or turkey
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup finely chopped onion
1/4 cup milk
1 egg
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup cranberry sauce
1 tablespoon chili sauce
1 tablespoon soy sauce
Directions :
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large bowl, combine ground meat, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, onion, milk, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Form mixture into meatballs (about 1-inch in diameter) and place them on a baking sheet.
- Bake meatballs in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until cooked through.
- In a saucepan, combine cranberry sauce, chili sauce, and soy sauce over medium heat. Stir until heated through.
- Add the baked meatballs to the sauce and toss to coat.
- Serve warm as an appetizer or over cooked rice for a main dish.
how to serve Cranberry Sauce Meatballs
Serve them warm. Put them on a platter with toothpicks for a party. Or serve over plain cooked rice or mashed potatoes for a simple meal. They also go well with steamed vegetables on the side.
how to store Cranberry Sauce Meatballs
Cool the meatballs and sauce to room temperature. Put them in an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave until hot. You can freeze cooked meatballs in sauce for up to 2 months; thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
tips to make Cranberry Sauce Meatballs
- Use a small cookie scoop or a spoon to make meatballs even in size.
- Do not overmix the meat—mix just until the ingredients hold together.
- If you use turkey, watch the bake time so they stay moist.
- Warm the sauce slowly so it does not burn.
- Test one meatball for seasoning before baking the whole batch.
variation (if any)
- Add chopped fresh herbs like parsley or thyme to the meat mix.
- Use ground pork or a mix of beef and pork for richer flavor.
- Stir in a little orange zest to the sauce for a bright citrus note.
- For a spicier sauce, add a splash of hot sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes.
FAQs
Q: Can I make these meatballs ahead?
A: Yes. You can form and bake them ahead, then keep them in the fridge and warm in the sauce before serving.
Q: Can I use frozen cranberry sauce?
A: Yes. Thaw it first or warm it gently in the pan with the other sauces.
Q: Are these meatballs gluten-free?
A: Not as written. To make them gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs and check the soy sauce label or use tamari.
Q: Can I cook the meatballs on the stove instead of baking?
A: Yes. Brown them in a pan with a little oil, then finish cooking in the pan until done.
Q: How many does this recipe feed?
A: It makes about 3 to 4 servings as a main dish or 12–16 appetizer meatballs depending on size.
Conclusion
These cranberry sauce meatballs are simple and crowd-pleasing. For a slow-cooker version with a similar sweet sauce, see this Cranberry Meatballs Recipe (Slow Cooker) on The Kitchn. For another classic take and user tips, check the Cranberry Meatballs Recipe on Allrecipes.
Cranberry Sauce Meatballs
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large bowl, combine ground meat, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, onion, milk, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Form mixture into meatballs (about 1-inch in diameter) and place them on a baking sheet.
- Bake meatballs in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until cooked through.
- In a saucepan, combine cranberry sauce, chili sauce, and soy sauce over medium heat. Stir until heated through.
- Add the baked meatballs to the sauce and toss to coat.
- Serve warm as an appetizer or over cooked rice for a main dish.