These tasty cranberry meatballs are a fun mix of sweet and savory! Made with ground meat and mixed with a zesty cranberry sauce, they are perfect for any gathering.
I love serving these meatballs at parties because they vanish fast! Plus, they’re super easy to make—just mix, bake, and you’re ready to wow your guests!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: A classic choice for meatballs! You can switch things up by mixing in pork for extra flavor or even use ground turkey for a lighter option. If you’re looking for a vegetarian version, try using lentils or chickpeas as a base.
Breadcrumbs: Regular breadcrumbs work great, but if you’re gluten-free, you can use gluten-free breadcrumbs or even oats! I like to use panko for an extra crunch.
Onion: Finely chopped onion adds moisture and flavor. If you prefer a milder taste, you could use green onions or shallots instead.
Cranberries: Fresh cranberries give the best flavor, but frozen ones are a perfect substitute, just don’t thaw them beforehand. For a different taste, you could use cherry or raspberry preserves instead of cranberries for a sweeter sauce.
Orange Juice: Freshly squeezed orange juice brightens the sauce. If you don’t have it, use any other citrus juice like lemon or even apple juice for sweetness.
How Do I Ensure My Meatballs Are Packed with Flavor?
Cooking meatballs perfectly is about balancing the flavors. Start by browning them well! It adds a crunchy outside layer while keeping the inside juicy. Follow these steps:
- Mix ingredients just until combined; don’t overworking the meat to keep meatballs tender.
- Heat the skillet medium-high for a good sear—this locks in flavor.
- Cook them until they are golden brown, then transfer to simmer in cranberry sauce. This step melds the flavors beautifully!
Also, let them simmer in the sauce for a while; this allows the meatballs to absorb the tartness and sweetness of the cranberry mix. Enjoy the delightful blend of flavors!
How to Make Delicious Cranberry 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 finely chopped onion
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary (plus fresh for garnish)
For the Cranberry Sauce:
- 2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
For Cooking:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter (for pan-frying the meatballs)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes around 25-30 minutes total. It includes about 10-15 minutes to prepare the meatballs and 15-20 minutes to cook and simmer everything together. Perfect for a quick dinner or a festive appetizer!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Meatballs:
In a large bowl, mix together the ground meat, breadcrumbs, chopped onion, egg, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and dried rosemary. Use your hands or a spatula to combine everything until just mixed—don’t overwork the meat! Shape the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter, so they cook evenly.
2. Cook the Meatballs:
Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the meatballs in a single layer (you may need to cook them in batches to avoid overcrowding). Cook the meatballs for about 5-7 minutes, turning them occasionally so they get nicely browned on all sides. Once browned, remove them from the skillet and set aside.
3. Make the Cranberry Sauce:
In the same skillet, add the cranberries, brown sugar, orange juice, balsamic vinegar, and Dijon mustard. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries begin to burst and the sauce thickens, which should take about 8-10 minutes. The mixture should smell amazing!
4. Combine and Simmer:
Return the browned meatballs to the skillet with the cranberry sauce. Gently stir to coat the meatballs evenly in the sauce. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let everything simmer for another 10 minutes. This will help the meatballs cook through and absorb the delicious flavors from the sauce.
5. Serve:
When ready to serve, transfer the meatballs along with the sauce to a serving dish. Garnish generously with freshly chopped parsley and a sprig of rosemary for a beautiful presentation.
6. Enjoy Warm:
These cranberry meatballs make a fabulous appetizer or you can enjoy them as a main dish paired with sides like mashed potatoes, rice, or some crusty bread!
This recipe beautifully combines the sweet-tart flavor of cranberries with savory meatballs, creating a tasty dish that’s sure to impress your family and friends!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great substitute for ground beef. It will result in a lighter meatball, but be sure not to overcook it to keep the meatballs moist.
How Can I Make These Meatballs Spicier?
If you want a kick of heat, consider adding red pepper flakes or some chopped jalapeños to the meat mixture. You could also serve them with a hot sauce on the side!
Are Leftovers Easy to Store?
Yes! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months. Just reheat gently in the microwave or on the stove with a bit of added sauce!
Can I Prepare the Meatballs in Advance?
Definitely! You can shape the meatballs ahead of time and refrigerate them for up to a day before cooking. This allows the flavors to meld, making for even tastier meatballs!