Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect Party Food: Ideal for holiday gatherings, these meatballs can be served as appetizers or the main dish, and they’re easy to eat while mingling.
- Quick Preparation: Ready in just 35-45 minutes, they’re a time-saver during the busy holiday season.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare them in advance and reheat when needed, simplifying your holiday hosting.
- Sweet and Savory Combo: The cranberry sauce adds a festive twist, creating a perfect balance of tangy and sweet flavors.
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
- 1 small onion, grated or finely diced
- 1 ½ pounds very lean ground pork
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (like panko)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/3 cup tomato ketchup
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (adjust to taste)
For the Sauce:
- 2 cups cranberry sauce (homemade or packaged)
- 1 cup tomato ketchup
- 3 tablespoons packed brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Prepare for Baking: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
- Mix and Form Meatballs: In a large bowl, combine all the meatball ingredients and mix well until fully incorporated. Wet your hands to prevent sticking, then form the mixture into medium-sized meatballs, aiming for a total of about 32 meatballs. For uniformity, consider using a small ice cream scoop.
- Bake the Meatballs: Place the meatballs on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through and lightly browned.
- Prepare the Sauce: While the meatballs are baking, combine all sauce ingredients in a large saucepan over medium heat. Stir well and bring to a simmer.
- Combine and Simmer: Once the meatballs are done, transfer them into the simmering sauce. Gently stir to coat all meatballs evenly. Let them simmer in the sauce for an additional 5-10 minutes to absorb the flavors.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Approximately 32 meatballs
- Preparation Time: 15-20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
- Total Time: 35-45 minutes
Variations
- Meat Options: Substitute ground pork with ground turkey, chicken, or beef. If using turkey or chicken, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil to keep the meatballs moist.
- Breadcrumbs: Use regular breadcrumbs, crushed crackers, quick oats, or gluten-free breadcrumbs as alternatives to panko.
- Sauce Alternatives: Replace cranberry sauce with grape jelly or raspberry jam mixed with a tablespoon of vinegar for a different flavor profile.
- Herbs: Swap fresh parsley with 1 tablespoon of dried parsley or fresh cilantro for a unique twist.
- Acidity: Substitute lemon juice with apple cider vinegar or lime juice in equal amounts.
- Sweeteners: Use regular sugar plus a teaspoon of molasses, or honey (starting with 2 tablespoons and adjusting to taste) instead of brown sugar.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store meatballs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors meld over time, enhancing the taste.
- Freezing: Place meatballs and sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Freezing in smaller portions allows for quick meals later.
- Reheating: Warm in a saucepan over medium-low heat until heated through, or microwave in short bursts, stirring occasionally. If the sauce thickens after freezing, thin it with a splash of water or chicken broth during reheating.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen meatballs for this recipe?
Yes, you can use store-bought frozen meatballs to save time. Simply prepare the sauce and simmer the frozen meatballs in it until they’re heated through.
2. How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make this recipe gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs and ensure that all other ingredients, like ketchup and Worcestershire sauce, are certified gluten-free.
3. What side dishes pair well with cranberry meatballs?
These meatballs pair well with fluffy white rice, buttery egg noodles, roasted green beans, or steamed broccoli.
4. Can I prepare the meatballs ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the meatballs and sauce up to 2 days in advance. Store them in the fridge and reheat when ready to serve.
Quick Cranberry Meatballs
- Total Time: 35-45 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 32 meatballs
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Quick Cranberry Meatballs are the ultimate holiday appetizer or main dish. These savory beef meatballs with a tangy cranberry sauce come together in under 45 minutes, making them a perfect choice for festive gatherings.
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
- 1 small onion, grated or finely diced
- 1 ½ pounds very lean ground beef
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (like panko)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/3 cup tomato ketchup
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (adjust to taste)
For the Sauce:
- 2 cups cranberry sauce (homemade or packaged)
- 1 cup tomato ketchup
- 3 tablespoons packed brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
Instructions
- Prepare for Baking: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix and Shape Meatballs: In a large bowl, mix all meatball ingredients until fully combined. Form into medium-sized meatballs, about 32 in total. Use a small ice cream scoop for even sizes.
- Bake the Meatballs: Arrange meatballs on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes or until browned and cooked through.
- Prepare the Sauce: While the meatballs bake, combine cranberry sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, and lemon juice in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir until smooth and simmer gently.
- Combine and Simmer: Add baked meatballs to the simmering sauce. Stir gently to coat evenly and let simmer for 5-10 minutes.
- Serve: Serve warm as an appetizer or main dish.
Notes
- Substitute beef with turkey, or chicken as desired.
- Make gluten-free by using gluten-free breadcrumbs and certified gluten-free condiments.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15-20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American