Cranberry Sauce Meatballs combine the sweet and tangy flavor of cranberry sauce with juicy, tender meatballs for a fun and tasty twist on a classic dish. The cranberry sauce adds a lovely fruity glaze that makes every bite pop with flavor and a little bit of brightness.
I love making these meatballs because they’re so easy to prepare and always a hit at gatherings. They’re perfect for holiday parties or any time you want a change from the usual savory sauces. A little tip I have: use your favorite cranberry sauce—whether homemade or store-bought—to keep things simple without losing any flavor.
My favorite way to serve these meatballs is over a bed of rice or alongside soft dinner rolls to soak up all that juicy sauce. They also make great finger food at casual get-togethers, and I find they disappear fast whenever I bring them out. They’re a cozy, crowd-pleasing dish that’s a little bit special but never complicated.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Meat: Using a mix of beef and pork gives the meatballs extra juiciness and flavor. If you prefer leaner meat or want a different taste, try ground turkey or chicken.
Breadcrumbs: They help bind the meatballs and keep them tender. You can use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed oats as a substitute.
Parmesan Cheese: Adds a nice savory note. You can skip it for a dairy-free version or replace it with nutritional yeast for subtle cheesiness.
Cranberry Sauce: The star of the glaze! Use your favorite store-bought brand or homemade cranberry sauce. If you want less sweetness, adjust the brown sugar or add a splash of vinegar.
How Can You Make Juicy and Tender Meatballs Every Time?
Overmixing the meat can make meatballs tough, so mix just until combined.
- Use a light touch when combining ingredients.
- Shape meatballs evenly to ensure they cook at the same rate.
- Cook meatballs over medium heat to brown them nicely without drying out.
- If baking, place them on a parchment-lined sheet to prevent sticking and keep moisture in.
- Let meatballs rest a few minutes before serving to keep juices locked in.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large mixing bowl – I like it because it gives you plenty of space to combine the ingredients without making a mess.
- Cookie scoop or spoon – helps shape evenly-sized meatballs, which cook uniformly.
- Skillet or frying pan – perfect for browning the meatballs on the stovetop and keeping an eye on them.
- Baking sheet (optional) – handy if you prefer baking the meatballs instead of pan-frying; it’s less messy and still gets them cooked evenly.
- Measuring cups and spoons – keep things simple and accurate so your meatballs turn out perfect every time.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Protein Swap: Use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option or plant-based meat for a vegetarian version. They all work well with the cranberry glaze.
- Cheese Add-In: Mix shredded cheddar, Swiss, or pepper jack cheese into the meat mixture for extra flavor and gooeyness.
- Veggie Boost: Add finely chopped bell peppers, grated zucchini, or spinach to make the meat mixture more colorful and nutritious.
- Spice it Up: Incorporate a pinch of cayenne, smoked paprika, or chopped jalapeños for some heat and extra kick.
How to Make Cranberry Sauce Meatballs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme or Italian seasoning
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for frying, if pan-frying)
- 1 cup cranberry sauce (whole berry or jellied)
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- Fresh parsley or thyme sprigs for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and shape the meatballs, plus 10 minutes to cook them. Then, simmer the sauce and coat the meatballs for another 5 minutes. Total time needed is around 30 to 35 minutes — perfect for a quick and tasty meal or appetizer.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Meatball Ingredients:
In a large bowl, gently combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, chopped onion, salt, pepper, and dried thyme. Be careful not to overmix so your meatballs stay tender and juicy.
2. Shape the Meatballs:
Take small portions of the mixture and roll them into meatballs about 1 to 1.5 inches wide. You should have roughly 20 to 24 meatballs ready to cook.
3. Cook the Meatballs:
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs in batches, turning often, and cook for 8–10 minutes until all sides are browned and the meatballs are cooked through. Remove them and set aside. If you prefer, you can bake them on a parchment-lined baking sheet in a 400°F (200°C) oven for 15 to 18 minutes instead.
4. Make the Cranberry Sauce:
In the same skillet or a separate pot, mix together the cranberry sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard. Bring this to a simmer over medium heat, cooking it for 3–5 minutes until the sauce thickens and heats through.
5. Coat the Meatballs:
Add the cooked meatballs back into the sauce and gently stir to coat them well. Warm everything together for 2 to 3 minutes so the flavors blend nicely.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Transfer the meatballs and cranberry sauce to a serving plate. Garnish with fresh parsley or thyme if you like. These meatballs are delicious served on their own as an appetizer or over rice or mashed potatoes for a heartier meal.
Can I Use Frozen Meatballs for This Recipe?
Yes! If using frozen meatballs, thaw them completely in the fridge overnight. Then, gently reheat them in the cranberry sauce on the stove over low heat until warmed through.
Can I Make Cranberry Sauce Meatballs Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Prepare and cook the meatballs in advance, then store them separately from the sauce in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2 days. Combine and reheat them together when ready to serve.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Keep any leftover meatballs and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally for even heating.
What Can I Serve with Cranberry Sauce Meatballs?
These meatballs taste great over rice, mashed potatoes, or alongside soft dinner rolls to soak up the tangy sauce. Roasted veggies or a simple salad are also tasty, lighter sides.