The Jazziest Tangy Cranberry Meatballs Recipe For Your Table

Succulent meatballs dancing with a zesty cranberry glaze promise an explosion of flavor that will instantly captivate your taste buds.

These delectable morsels blend savory and tangy cranberry sauce into an irresistible combination.

Tender ground beef forms the perfect base for this crowd-pleasing appetizer or main dish.

Each bite delivers a harmonious blend of spices and sweet-tart cranberry notes that sing with culinary excitement.

The recipe comes together quickly, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or festive gatherings.

Served hot and straight from the skillet, these meatballs will have everyone reaching for seconds and asking for the secret recipe.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 300 kcal

Servings: 4

What’s Inside These Sweet and Tangy Cranberry Meatballs

• Ground Meat: Provides hearty protein foundation, choose lean beef or mix of beef and pork for rich flavor.
• Breadcrumbs: Helps bind ingredients and create tender texture, use plain or seasoned varieties.
• Egg: Acts as natural binder to hold meatballs together, fresh eggs work best.
• Garlic Powder: Adds subtle aromatic flavor without chunky garlic pieces.
• Onion Powder: Enhances savory depth with mild onion essence.
• Salt: Elevates overall taste and balances other seasonings.
• Black Pepper: Introduces gentle warmth and slight kick to meatball mixture.

• Cranberry Sauce: Delivers sweet-tart base, select jellied or whole berry style.
• Barbecue Sauce: Contributes smoky-sweet undertones, pick your favorite brand.
• Dijon Mustard: Provides tangy complexity and slight heat.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Boosts umami richness and deepens overall flavor profile.

• Toothpicks: Perfect for easy appetizer presentation.
• Rice: Transforms dish into satisfying main course with complementary base.

Tools You Need to Prepare Cranberry Meatballs Easily

• Large mixing bowl: Essential for combining ground meat and ingredients thoroughly.
• Baking sheet: Needed for evenly roasting meatballs in the oven.
• Parchment paper or foil: Prevents meatballs from sticking and makes cleanup easier.
• Large skillet or saucepan: Perfect for preparing and simmering the cranberry sauce mixture.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Helps accurately measure ingredients for consistent results.
• Toothpicks: Optional for serving as an appetizer.

Cook Cranberry Meatballs with a Perfect Sauce

• Preheat The Oven

Crank up your oven to a toasty 375°F and grab a baking sheet. Line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

• Mix Meat Mixture

Toss ground meat into a big bowl with breadcrumbs, egg, and seasonings. Get your hands dirty and blend everything until it’s perfectly combined.

• Shape And Bake Meatballs

Roll the mixture into bite-sized balls and spread them across the prepared baking sheet. Pop them in the oven for 15-20 minutes until they’re golden and fully cooked.

• Whip Up Cranberry Sauce

In a skillet, blend cranberry sauce, barbecue sauce, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. Heat and stir until the sauce becomes silky smooth.

• Marry Meatballs With Sauce

Drop the cooked meatballs into the vibrant sauce. Gently stir to ensure every morsel gets a delicious coating.

• Simmer And Infuse

Lower the heat and let the meatballs swim in the sauce for 10-15 minutes. This allows the flavors to mingle and create a mouthwatering dish.

• Serve And Enjoy

Transfer the glazed meatballs to a serving dish. Serve them as a crowd-pleasing appetizer with toothpicks or over fluffy rice for a satisfying meal.

Pro Tips for Tangy, Juicy Cranberry Meatballs

• Wet your hands with cold water before rolling meatballs to prevent the mixture from sticking and help create smoother, more uniform spheres.
• Prepare meatballs and sauce separately up to 2 days in advance, storing them in sealed containers in the refrigerator. Combine just before serving for maximum flavor preservation.
• Replace traditional breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers to make the recipe celiac-friendly without compromising texture.
• Experiment with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat alternatives for different flavor profiles and dietary preferences. Each protein brings unique taste and nutritional characteristics to the dish.
• Add red pepper flakes or hot sauce to the cranberry sauce mixture for those who enjoy extra heat, or keep it mild for crowd-pleasing appeal. Controlling spiciness allows personalization for various taste preferences.

Serve Meatballs with Rice, Bread, or Picks

• Holiday Party Platter: Arrange meatballs beautifully on a festive wooden board with colorful toothpicks, creating an eye-catching appetizer display for guests.
• Rice Bowl Delight: Serve these cranberry meatballs over fluffy white or brown rice, garnishing with fresh chopped parsley for added color and brightness.
• Game Day Crowd-Pleaser: Keep meatballs warm in a slow cooker during sports gatherings, allowing friends to easily grab and enjoy these tangy, sweet bites throughout the event.
• Elegant Dinner Side: Plate meatballs alongside roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts or glazed carrots for a sophisticated and balanced meal presentation.

Store Cranberry Meatballs for Game Night or Lunch

• Store leftover meatballs in airtight containers within two hours of cooking. Seal tightly to lock in flavors and prevent moisture loss.
• Pack cooled meatballs in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags. Will remain delicious for up to three months when properly sealed.
• Warm meatballs gently in microwave or skillet with a splash of extra sauce to maintain moisture and prevent drying. Stir occasionally for even heating.
• Prepare meatballs in advance and refrigerate for up to four days. Perfect for busy weeknights or unexpected guests, these tasty bites will stay fresh and ready to enjoy.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of ground meat for the meatballs?

You can use ground beef, turkey, chicken, or a mix of meats. Each type will give a slightly different flavor and texture to the meatballs.

• How can I make the meatballs more flavorful?

Add herbs like parsley, thyme, or oregano to the meat mixture. Finely chopped onions or minced garlic can also enhance the overall taste of the meatballs.

• Is there a way to make the sauce less sweet?

Reduce the amount of cranberry sauce and add a bit more Dijon mustard or Worcestershire sauce. This will balance the sweetness and add more depth to the flavor profile.

• Can I prepare the meatballs and sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the meatballs and sauce separately up to 2 days in advance. Store them in separate containers in the refrigerator and combine just before serving or reheating.

Tangy Cranberry Meatballs Recipe

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4.9 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Savory cranberry meatballs blend Swedish and American culinary traditions with tangy sauce. Guests will love this festive appetizer that brings warmth and comfort to holiday gatherings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef or turkey
• 1 large egg
• ½ cup (50 g) breadcrumbs
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• 1 can (14 oz/400 g) jellied cranberry sauce
• ½ cup (120 ml) barbecue sauce
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce

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Instructions

1. Meatball Preparation: Thoroughly combine ground meat, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl, ensuring complete ingredient integration with gentle yet firm mixing techniques.
2. Shaping and Initial Cooking: Meticulously shape meat mixture into uniform spherical portions and arrange on a parchment-lined baking sheet, then roast in a preheated oven at 375F (190C) for 15-20 minutes until golden and fully cooked internally.
3. Sauce Creation: Simultaneously craft a vibrant sauce by whisking cranberry sauce, barbecue sauce, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce in a large skillet, heating until the mixture transforms into a smooth, glossy liquid with harmonious flavor profiles.
4. Flavor Infusion: Transfer freshly roasted meatballs directly into the prepared sauce, gently coating each sphere to ensure comprehensive flavor absorption, then reduce heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes to enhance taste complexity.
5. Serving Presentation: Plate the glazed meatballs in an attractive serving dish, offering toothpicks for easy appetizer enjoyment or serve gracefully atop steamed rice as a delectable main course option.

Notes

Manage Meat Moisture: Mix ground meat gently to prevent dense, tough meatballs. Avoid overmixing which compresses proteins and creates hard texture.

Select Lean-Fat Balance: Choose ground meat with 15-20% fat content for juiciest results. Lean meats tend to dry out quickly during cooking.

Control Sauce Consistency: Whisk sauce ingredients thoroughly to prevent separation. Simmer on low heat to develop rich, smooth flavor without burning.

Customize Dietary Needs: Substitute ground meat with turkey or plant-based alternatives for lighter version. Replace breadcrumbs with gluten-free options like almond meal for wheat-sensitive diners.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 290
• Sugar: 16 g
• Sodium: 580 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 14 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg