Meatballs With Cranberry Sauce

Try this recipe for meatballs with cranberry sauce for a delicious take on a classic.

Cranberry sauce’s sweet-tart tang combines with juicy, delicate meatballs to create a delicious combination that’s ideal for cozy dinners or holiday get-togethers.

Every bite of this surprising combination combines fruity brightness with savory richness.

These tasty meatballs will surprise and please, whether they are served as an appetizer or a main course.

Prepare to wow your visitors with a dish that is both delicious and festive.

How To Make Meatballs With Cranberry Sauce?

Preparation Time: 20 minutes

Cooking Time: 40 minutes

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Yields: Serves 4​

Equipment Needed

• Large mixing bowl
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Saucepan
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon or spatula​

Ingredients

• 1-pound lean ground beef 
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 cup bread crumbs
• ⅓ cup ketchup
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 can cranberry sauce
• 1 bottle BBQ sauce
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (optional)
• 1 tablespoon orange juice
• Salt to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven

Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.

2. Mix the Meatball Base

In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, bread crumbs, beaten eggs, ketchup, soy sauce, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt to taste. Mix with your hands or a wooden spoon until just combined—don’t overwork the meat, or the meatballs will be tough.

3. Shape the Meatballs

Roll the mixture into balls that are 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter and place them on the prepared baking sheet.

4. Bake the Meatballs

Drizzle olive oil over the meatballs or brush them lightly for extra browning. Bake for 15–18 minutes or until the outside is golden.

5. Make the Cranberry Sauce

While the meatballs are baking, add the cranberry sauce and BBQ sauce to a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the Worcestershire sauce (if using) and orange juice. Let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it becomes smooth and slightly thickened.

6. Serve

Transfer the meatballs to a serving platter or bowl, spoon extra sauce over the top, and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley.

Nutrition Facts Of Meatballs With Cranberry Sauce

• Calories: 623
• Fat: 22g
• Cholesterol: 147mg
• Carbohydrates: 70g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugars: 49g
• Protein: 36g​

Serving Suggestions

★ Appetizer: Serve with toothpicks for easy grabbing at parties.

★ Main Course: Pair with mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

★ Sandwiches: Place meatballs in a hoagie roll, top with cheese, and broil for a tasty sandwich.​

Tips and Variations

✱ Make Ahead: Prepare the meatballs in advance and freeze them. When ready to use, bake and add to the sauce.

✱ Spice Level: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a spicy kick.

✱ Meat Options: Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version.

✱ Sauce Variations: Mix in a tablespoon of Dijon mustard or horseradish for added depth.​

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

These meatballs with cranberry sauce offer a perfect balance of savory and sweet, making them a standout addition to any table.

Whether for a festive celebration or a simple weeknight treat, this recipe delivers bold flavor and comforting warmth in every bite. Try it once, and it’ll become a favorite.

Meatballs With Cranberry Sauce

Meatballs with Cranberry Sauce is a savory-sweet dish featuring tender meatballs simmered in a tangy cranberry sauce. Perfect as an appetizer or main course, the combination of juicy meat and fruity glaze offers a festive twist, ideal for holidays or special gatherings. Simple, flavorful, and crowd-pleasing.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 40 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 2

Calories 623 kcal

Equipment

• Large mixing bowl
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Saucepan
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon or spatula

Ingredients

  

• 1- pound lean ground beef
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 cup bread crumbs
• ⅓ cup ketchup
• 2 large eggs beaten
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 can cranberry sauce
• 1 bottle BBQ sauce
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce optional
• 1 tablespoon orange juice
• Salt to taste
• Fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

 

• Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
• In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, bread crumbs, beaten eggs, ketchup, soy sauce, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt to taste. Mix with your hands or a wooden spoon until just combined—don’t overwork the meat, or the meatballs will be tough.
• Roll the mixture into balls that are 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
• Drizzle olive oil over the meatballs or brush them lightly for extra browning. Bake for 15–18 minutes or until the outside is golden.
• While the meatballs are baking, add the cranberry sauce and BBQ sauce to a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the Worcestershire sauce (if using) and orange juice. Let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it becomes smooth and slightly thickened.
• Transfer the meatballs to a serving platter or bowl, spoon extra sauce over the top, and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley.

Keyword Meatballs With Cranberry Sauce

Brazen

Welcome to Arora’s Sauce Recipe, where every drop tells a story of tradition, innovation, and a boundless love for culinary arts. My name is Brazen, and I am the founder and chief sauce creator at Arora’s Kitchen. Born into a family with a rich heritage of culinary arts, I grew up surrounded by the aromas of spices and the sounds of simmering pots, which ignited my passion for cooking from a young age.
Inspired by generations of culinary expertise, I embarked on a professional quest to capture these fleeting aromas and flavors in bottles of sauce that could bring a gourmet experience to every meal.
As the founder of Arora’s Sauce Recipe, my mission is to inspire your culinary adventures with the finest sauces. Whether you’re a professional chef or a home cook, our sauces are crafted to elevate your cooking with every spoonful.
Thank you for choosing Arora’s Sauce Recipe. Here’s to a journey filled with flavor, passion, and unforgettable meals.