Cranberry Sauce Meatballs are a tasty treat that mixes sweet and savory flavors perfectly. These juicy meatballs are coated in a rich cranberry sauce that adds a delightful twist.
If you’re like me, you might find yourself going back for seconds! They’re perfect for parties or cozy family dinners. Just serve them warm, and watch them disappear! 🤤
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I love a mix of beef and pork for extra flavor and tenderness. If you prefer leaner meat, ground turkey or chicken can work too, though the texture may be slightly different.
Breadcrumbs: Plain or seasoned breadcrumbs are perfect here. If you’re gluten-free, try using crushed gluten-free crackers or oats instead.
Cranberry Sauce: Store-bought cranberry sauce is super convenient, but homemade sauce can add freshness. Just cook fresh or frozen cranberries with sugar and a bit of water until they burst.
Barbecue Sauce: Use your favorite brand, but if you want a twist, try teriyaki or sweet chili sauce. It can change the flavor profile entirely!
How Do I Get My Meatballs to Stay Moist and Flavorful?
Keeping meatballs juicy can be tricky, but here’s how to do it! The key is the mix of ingredients and cooking method.
- Don’t overmix the meat mixture; it can make the meatballs tough. Just combine until everything is blended.
- Adding milk or even a bit of broth helps keep them moist. Breadcrumbs also absorb moisture, so they’re helpful.
- Baking the meatballs in the oven helps them retain their shape and moisture better than pan-frying.
Letting them simmer in the sauce at the end allows the meatballs to soak up even more flavor, keeping them deliciously tender!
How to Make Cranberry Sauce Meatballs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp ground allspice (optional)
For the Sauce:
- 1 jar (about 12 oz or 340g) cranberry sauce
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
- 1/4 cup orange marmalade (or substitute with honey or brown sugar)
For Garnishing (Optional):
- Fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs
- Fresh cranberries
- Orange peel or slices
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 10 minutes to prep and around 30 minutes for cooking. So, you can have these tasty meatballs ready in about 40 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it’s heating, you can prepare your baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or lightly greasing it. This will prevent the meatballs from sticking!
2. Mix the Meatball Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, finely chopped onion, egg, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and allspice if you want that extra flavor. Mix everything gently but thoroughly until all ingredients are nicely blended together.
3. Shape the Meatballs:
Now it’s time to shape your meat mixture into small meatballs. Aim for about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Place your formed meatballs on the prepared baking sheet, giving them a little space in between.
4. Bake the Meatballs:
Pop the baking sheet in the oven and let the meatballs bake for 20-25 minutes. Keep an eye on them until they’re cooked through and golden brown.
5. Make the Cranberry Sauce Glaze:
While the meatballs are baking, you can prepare the delicious sauce! In a medium saucepan, mix together the cranberry sauce, barbecue sauce, and orange marmalade. Heat on medium while stirring frequently. Let it cook for about 5-7 minutes until the sauce is heated through and smooth.
6. Combine Meatballs and Sauce:
When your meatballs are done, carefully transfer them to the saucepan with the cranberry glaze. Gently stir to coat each meatball evenly in that tasty sauce.
7. Simmer:
Reduce the heat to low and let the meatballs simmer in the sauce for another 5 minutes. This allows them to absorb all the wonderful flavors!
8. Garnish and Serve:
Once done, transfer your coated meatballs to a serving dish. Feel free to garnish with fresh rosemary or thyme, some whole cranberries, and orange slices for a lovely presentation.
9. Enjoy!
Serve your warm meatballs as an appetizer or alongside rice or bread for a full meal. Enjoy the sweet and savory delights of these cranberry sauce meatballs!
Can I Use Turkey or Chicken Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be used for a leaner option. Just keep in mind that they may require a little more moisture to keep the meatballs from drying out—consider adding a bit more milk or onion.
Can I Prepare the Meatballs in Advance?
Yes! You can shape the meatballs ahead of time and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours. If you need to prepare them further in advance, freeze the uncooked meatballs. Just thaw them in the fridge overnight before baking.
How Should I Store Leftover Meatballs?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat them in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, adding a bit of the sauce to keep them moist.
What’s the Best Way to Serve Cranberry Sauce Meatballs?
These meatballs are perfect as an appetizer served with toothpicks or on a platter. They can also be a delicious main dish when served over rice, mashed potatoes, or pasta, allowing the sauce to soak into the sides!
