Cranberry Meatballs Recipe

Cranberry meatballs are one of those recipes I come back to every year once the weather cools down and gatherings start filling the calendar. They’re easy, familiar, and always disappear faster than expected. I usually make them for casual get-togethers or potlucks where I want something warm and dependable that doesn’t require hovering over the stove. Sweet, savory, and just a little tangy, they fit right in on a crowded table.

I started making cranberry meatballs after realizing how well cranberry sauce works beyond holiday dinners. Paired with meatballs, it creates a sauce that’s balanced instead of overly sweet. After a few tweaks to get the right ratio of tang and richness, this version became my go-to because it’s simple and consistently good.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Sweet and Savory Balance: Tangy cranberry cuts through richness
• Crowd Friendly: Easy to serve and share
• Minimal Prep: Simple assembly
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Great for planning ahead
• Versatile: Appetizer or main dish
• Slow Cooker or Stovetop Ready: Flexible cooking methods
• Comforting Flavor: Familiar and satisfying

Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results

• Use Fully Cooked Meatballs: Saves time and effort
• Stir Sauce Smoothly: Prevents lumps
• Taste Before Cooking: Adjust sweetness early
• Low and Slow Heat: Keeps meatballs tender
• Garnish Lightly: Fresh herbs add contrast

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

1. Saucepan or Slow Cooker: For gentle cooking
2. Mixing Bowl: Combine sauce ingredients
3. Spoon or Spatula: Stirring sauce
4. Serving Dish: Easy presentation
5. Measuring Cups: Balanced flavors

Ingredients in This Recipe

1. Meatballs: Beef, turkey, or pork for hearty texture
2. Cranberry Sauce: Adds tangy sweetness and body
3. Chili Sauce or Ketchup: Brings savory depth
4. Brown Sugar: Balances tartness
5. Worcestershire Sauce: Adds umami richness
6. Garlic Powder: Subtle warmth
7. Black Pepper: Gentle seasoning
8. Fresh Parsley: Optional fresh finish

Ingredient Substitutions

• Meatball Swap: Plant-based meatballs work well
• Cranberry Option: Homemade or canned whole berry
• Sugar Alternative: Honey or maple syrup
• Sauce Swap: Barbecue sauce for smokier flavor
• Spice Option: Red pepper flakes for heat

Ingredient Spotlight

• Cranberry Sauce: Provides brightness and balance
• Meatballs: Hearty base that absorbs flavor

Cranberry Meatballs

Cranberry meatballs are tender, juicy balls of seasoned ground meat coated in a bright, tangy cranberry sauce. They are first browned in a skillet to develop a savory crust, then baked in a flavorful sauce until bubbling and caramelized. The dish offers a festive balance of sweet, tart, and savory flavors with a glossy, appetizing appearance.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Servings: 4

Course: Appetizer

Cuisine: American

Calories: 350

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• Meatballs: Beef turkey, or pork for hearty texture
• Cranberry Sauce: Adds tangy sweetness and body
• Chili Sauce or Ketchup: Brings savory depth
• Brown Sugar: Balances tartness
• Worcestershire Sauce: Adds umami richness
• Garlic Powder: Subtle warmth
• Black Pepper: Gentle seasoning
• Fresh Parsley: Optional fresh finish

Equipment

• Saucepan or Slow Cooker: For gentle cooking
• Mixing Bowl: Combine sauce ingredients
• Spoon or Spatula: Stirring sauce
• Serving Dish: Easy presentation
• Measuring Cups: Balanced flavors

Method

 

1. Prepare Sauce: Combine cranberry sauce, chili sauce, sugar, Worcestershire, and seasonings
2. Heat Gently: Warm sauce until smooth
3. Add Meatballs: Stir to coat evenly
4. Simmer: Cook on low until heated through
5. Stir Occasionally: Prevent sticking
6. Taste and Adjust: Balance sweetness and tang
7. Garnish: Sprinkle with parsley if desired
8. Serve Warm: Best fresh

Notes

For a textured sauce, try cooking down fresh cranberries with sugar instead of using jarred cranberry sauce. You can also add a pinch of cinnamon or allspice for extra warmth.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

• Make Ahead: Prepare and refrigerate up to 2 days
• Refrigerate Leftovers: Store up to 4 days
• Reheat Gently: Stovetop or slow cooker
• Freeze: Sauce and meatballs freeze well

How to Serve This Dish

• As an Appetizer: With toothpicks
• Over Rice: Easy dinner option
• With Mashed Potatoes: Comfort-style meal

Creative Leftover Transformations

• Meatball Sliders: Serve on small buns
• Cranberry Meatball Bowls: Add grains and veggies
• Pasta Sauce: Toss with noodles
• Stuffed Wraps: Roll into tortillas

Additional Tips

• Add Citrus Zest: Brightens the sauce
• Use Fresh Herbs: Parsley or thyme
• Adjust Sauce Thickness: Add water if needed

Make It a Showstopper

• Glossy Sauce Finish: Stir before serving
• Herb Garnish: Adds fresh contrast
• Serve in a Warm Dish: Keeps sauce smooth

Variations to Try

• Spicy Cranberry Meatballs: Add chili flakes
• BBQ Cranberry Meatballs: Swap chili sauce
• Turkey Cranberry Meatballs: Lighter option
• Slow Cooker Party Meatballs: Hands-off cooking
• Holiday Cranberry Meatballs: Add orange zest

FAQ’s

1. Are these sweet: Balanced sweet and savory
2. Can I use frozen meatballs: Yes fully cooked
3. Do they work in a slow cooker: Yes very well
4. Can I make them ahead: Absolutely
5. Can I freeze leftovers: Yes
6. What cranberry sauce is best: Whole berry or jellied
7. Are these kid friendly: Yes mild flavor
8. Can I add vegetables: Small diced onions work
9. Do they thicken as they sit: Yes slightly
10. How long can they stay warm: Several hours on low

Olivia

Hi, I’m Olivia Chen-Williams, a professional chef, cooking instructor, and the founder of Turn Around At 50. For nearly three decades, my life has revolved around kitchens. Not the quiet, romantic kind, but the real ones. Hot, loud, demanding, and deeply alive.