Image Credit – CJ Caldwell
If you’re looking to impress guests at your next party or want to upgrade your weeknight dinner, Cranberry Sauce Meatballs are the perfect answer. These mouthwatering, sweet-and-savory meatballs combine juicy ground meat with the tangy richness of cranberry sauce, offering a delightful twist on a classic dish. Whether served as an appetizer, potluck favorite, or main course, they’re a hit during the holidays and beyond. Simple to prepare and packed with bold flavors, this recipe is a go-to for those who crave easy comfort food with a touch of festive flair.
Try this festive meatball recipe for a delicious dinner or appetizer (serve with toothpicks). Baking the meatballs in the oven makes cooking them easy and hands-off, and you can throw together the cranberry sauce while they bake.
Cranberry Sauce Meatballs
Prep Time: 10 mins Cook Time: 20 mins Total Time: 30 mins
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil(divided)
- 4 garlic cloves(minced, divided)
- ½ yellow onion(finely chopped)
- 2 cups frozen cranberries
- 1 cup water
- 2 tbsp keto maple syrup
- 2 tbsp italian seasoning
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a shallow bowl, add the ground beef, half of the oil, half of the garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine. Form the beef into meatballs, about 1 1/2 inches in diameter, and place on the baking sheet. Bake for 20 minutes or until cooked through.
- While the meatballs are in the oven, heat the remaining oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté for two to three minutes. Add the remaining garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds.
- Stir in the cranberries, water, maple syrup, and Italian seasoning. Cook for four to six minutes. The cranberries will start to pop. Reduce the heat and cook for another 10 to 12 minutes or until the sauce is thickened.
- Add the cooked meatballs to the sauce and toss to coat them. Enjoy!
There’s something incredibly comforting about the combination of tender meatballs coated in tangy-sweet cranberry glaze. Whether you’re planning a festive feast or a cozy night in, Cranberry Sauce Meatballs promise a burst of flavor that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Give this recipe a try and enjoy a delightful balance of tradition and taste in every bite. Let us know in the comments how you made your version unique—we’d love to hear your twist on this crowd-pleasing favorite!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Cranberry Sauce Meatballs made of?
Can I make Cranberry Sauce Meatballs ahead of time and freeze them?
What’s the best way to serve Cranberry Sauce Meatballs at a party?
Cranberry Sauce Meatballs
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a shallow bowl, add the ground beef, half of the oil, half of the garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine. Form the beef into meatballs, about 1 1/2 inches in diameter, and place on the baking sheet. Bake for 20 minutes or until cooked through.
- While the meatballs are in the oven, heat the remaining oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté for two to three minutes. Add the remaining garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds.
- Stir in the cranberries, water, maple syrup, and Italian seasoning. Cook for four to six minutes. The cranberries will start to pop. Reduce the heat and cook for another 10 to 12 minutes or until the sauce is thickened.
- Add the cooked meatballs to the sauce and toss to coat them. Enjoy!
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