why make this recipe
This meatball recipe is simple and festive. It mixes sweet cranberry flavor with savory beef. It works great for parties, holiday snacks, or a family dinner. You can make it fast and it tastes good warm or at room temperature.
introduction
These Christmas Cranberry Meatballs are small, sweet, and savory. The sauce uses cranberry sauce and fresh or dried cranberries for a bright holiday taste. They bake in the oven and are easy to serve as appetizers or a main dish.
how to make Christmas Cranberry Meatballs
Mix the meat and seasonings, roll into small meatballs, and bake. Heat the sauce on the stove, pour over the meatballs, and bake until done. The steps are fast and clear. You can make the sauce a little earlier and warm it before pouring.
Ingredients :
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1/2 cup cranberries (fresh or dried)
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup cranberry sauce
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Directions :
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, chopped onion, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well combined. Shape the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter. Place meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. In a saucepan, mix cranberry sauce, brown sugar, soy sauce, and cranberries over medium heat until heated through and the sugar is dissolved. Pour the sauce over the meatballs. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through. Serve warm as appetizers.
how to serve Christmas Cranberry Meatballs
- Serve on a platter with toothpicks for guests.
- Offer with crackers or small bread slices.
- Serve over rice or mashed potatoes for a main dish.
- Garnish with chopped parsley or orange zest for color.
how to store Christmas Cranberry Meatballs
- Cool to room temperature before storing.
- In the refrigerator: put in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
- In the freezer: freeze on a tray, then move to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge and reheat in the oven or microwave.
tips to make Christmas Cranberry Meatballs
- Do not overmix the meat; mix until combined.
- Make meatballs the same size for even cooking.
- Use a cookie scoop for uniform meatballs.
- Check internal temperature — 160–165°F for beef.
- Warm the sauce well so it coats the meatballs easily.
variation (if any)
- Use ground turkey or pork instead of beef.
- Add orange zest or a splash of orange juice to the sauce.
- Stir in chopped nuts for texture.
- Make a slow-cooker version by browning meatballs, placing them in the slow cooker, pouring sauce, and cooking on low 2–3 hours.
FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen cranberries?
A: Yes. Thaw or add them to the sauce and cook a bit longer until they soften.
Q: Can I make these ahead?
A: Yes. Bake the meatballs and keep sauce separate. Reheat and combine before serving.
Q: How do I reheat leftovers?
A: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 minutes or in the microwave until hot.
Q: Can I make smaller or larger meatballs?
A: Yes. Adjust baking time. Smaller cook faster, larger take longer.
Q: Is there a vegetarian option?
A: Use plant-based ground meat and the same sauce. Bake until heated through.
Conclusion
If you want a slow-cooker version or more ideas, see this recipe: Cranberry Meatballs (Slow Cooker) – Dinner at the Zoo.
Print
Christmas Cranberry Meatballs
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These festive meatballs mix sweet cranberry flavor with savory beef, perfect for parties or family dinners.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1/2 cup cranberries (fresh or dried)
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup cranberry sauce
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, chopped onion, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Shape the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- In a saucepan, mix cranberry sauce, brown sugar, soy sauce, and cranberries over medium heat until heated through and the sugar is dissolved.
- Pour the sauce over the meatballs.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through.
Notes
Serve on a platter with toothpicks for guests. Offer with crackers or small bread slices. Garnish with chopped parsley or orange zest for color.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: meatballs, cranberry, holiday, appetizer, beef