Cranberry Sauce Meatballs are a fun twist on a classic comfort food. These little bites combine tender, juicy meatballs with the tangy sweetness of cranberry sauce, creating a perfect balance of flavors. The sauce coats each meatball in a glossy, bright red glaze that makes them as pretty as they are tasty.
I love making these for gatherings because they’re easy to serve and always disappear fast. The cranberry sauce adds a lovely touch of sweetness that makes the meatballs feel special without being too fancy. Whenever I make a batch, I always pour a little extra sauce on the side for dipping—it’s a nice bonus that guests enjoy.
These meatballs work well as an appetizer for holiday parties or a cozy dinner treat. I like to keep some toothpicks handy so everyone can grab them easily. They’re also great alongside mashed potatoes or on soft rolls for a quick sandwich. No matter how you serve them, they’re sure to bring a bit of cheer to your table.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I like using a mix of beef and pork for juicier meatballs, but 100% beef works well too. For a lighter option, try ground turkey or chicken.
Bread Crumbs & Milk: These keep the meatballs tender. If you’re gluten-free, use gluten-free crumbs or crushed oats and swap milk for almond or soy milk.
Grated Onion & Garlic: Fresh onion and garlic add great flavor inside the meatballs. If fresh isn’t handy, a small amount of onion powder and garlic powder can do in a pinch.
Cranberry Sauce: This is the star of the sauce! Store-bought cranberry sauce saves time, but homemade adds extra freshness and control over sweetness.
Ketchup & Soy Sauce: These balance the tartness with mild sweetness and a touch of umami. If avoiding soy, try coconut aminos or skip it for a simpler sauce.
How Do You Get Juicy, Tender Meatballs That Hold Together?
Making meatballs that are juicy but still firm can be tricky. Here’s what works for me:
- Soak bread crumbs in milk first — this keeps the meat mix moist and soft.
- Mix gently and just enough to combine ingredients; overmixing makes meatballs tough.
- Use an egg — it acts like glue to hold everything together.
- Shape meatballs evenly sized so they cook uniformly; I like about 1 to 1.5 inches.
- Bake instead of frying for less mess and even cooking, but you can brown them in a pan first for extra flavor.
Following these tips gives you tender, nicely cooked meatballs that soak up the cranberry sauce beautifully.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Mixing bowls – I use a large bowl to combine all the meatball ingredients easily.
- Baking sheet with parchment paper – makes cleanup simple and helps the meatballs bake evenly.
- Meatball scoop or tablespoon – helps shape consistent-sized meatballs quickly.
- Small saucepan or skillet – perfect for simmering the cranberry sauce and coating the meatballs.
- Spatula or spoon – to stir the sauce and toss the meatballs gently.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap ground beef for turkey or chicken for a leaner, lighter option.
- Add chopped fresh herbs like thyme or sage into the meat mixture for extra flavor.
- Mix in some chopped nuts or dried cranberries into the sauce for added texture and sweetness.
- Spice it up with a splash of hot sauce or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes in the sauce for some heat.
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 bread crumbs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/4 cup grated onion
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce (optional)
For The Sauce:
- 2 cups cranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
For Garnish (Optional):
- Fresh parsley or rosemary, finely chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare, 15-20 minutes to bake the meatballs, and 10 minutes to make and combine the sauce. So, in total, expect around 35-40 minutes from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to keep the meatballs from sticking.
2. Make the Meatball Mix:
In a large bowl, soak the bread crumbs in milk for about 5 minutes until absorbed. Add the ground beef, grated onion, egg, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce if using. Gently mix everything together with your hands or a spoon until just combined — be careful not to over-mix, or the meatballs might turn tough.
3. Shape and Bake Meatballs:
Form the mixture into small meatballs about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Place them evenly spaced on your prepared baking sheet. Bake in the oven for 15-20 minutes until they are browned and cooked through.
4. Make the Cranberry Sauce:
While the meatballs bake, combine the cranberry sauce, ketchup, and soy sauce in a skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Stir well and heat through until the sauce thickens slightly, about 5 minutes.
5. Combine and Simmer:
Add the cooked meatballs to the cranberry sauce, gently toss them to coat well, and simmer together for about 5 minutes. This helps the flavors mingle and meatballs soak up the sauce.
6. Serve with Garnish:
Transfer the meatballs and sauce to a serving dish. Sprinkle finely chopped fresh parsley or rosemary on top for a pop of color and fresh flavor. Serve warm either as a tasty appetizer or alongside mashed potatoes or rice for a comforting meal.
Can I Use Frozen Meatballs for This Recipe?
Yes, you can! Just thaw the frozen meatballs completely before adding them to the cranberry sauce. Simmer them gently in the sauce until heated through to ensure they absorb the flavors.
Can I Make Cranberry Sauce Meatballs Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Prepare and bake the meatballs in advance, then store them separately from the sauce in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat the meatballs in the sauce on the stove before serving.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Place any leftover meatballs and sauce in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
What Can I Serve with Cranberry Sauce Meatballs?
These meatballs go great with mashed potatoes, steamed rice, or even soft rolls for sandwiches. For a lighter option, serve them alongside roasted veggies or a crisp green salad.