Go Back

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
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound ground meat (beef or turkey) lean preferred
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs whole wheat or gluten-free options work
  • 1 egg acts as a binder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley or thyme
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup cranberry sauce sweet-tart and bright
  • 1/4 cup orange juice adds zing

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Skillet
  • Baking Dish
  • Knife and chopping board

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Gather all ingredients and prepare a baking dish.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground meat, breadcrumbs, egg, salt, pepper, chopped herbs, chopped onion, and minced garlic. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated; the mixture should be slightly sticky but manageable.
  3. Shape the mixture into small, uniform meatballs about the size of a golf ball, placing them on a plate or tray as you go.
  4. Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a splash of oil. When the oil shimmers, add the meatballs in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan.
  5. Cook the meatballs for about 8 minutes, turning occasionally, until they develop a deep golden crust on all sides and are nearly cooked through. They should feel firm but still juicy inside.
  6. Transfer the browned meatballs to a baking dish, arranging them in a single layer.
  7. In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook over medium heat for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant and translucent, and the onions are starting to caramelize slightly.
  8. Pour in the cranberry sauce and orange juice, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and smells bright and fruity.
  9. Pour the sauce evenly over the meatballs in the baking dish, ensuring they are well coated.
  10. Bake the dish in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, until the sauce is bubbling and the meatballs are cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C).
  11. Remove from the oven, garnish with fresh herbs if desired, and serve hot. These meatballs are perfect with rice, pasta, or crusty bread on the side.

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.