The Best Homemade Cranberry Meatballs Recipe for Cozy Dinners

My recent obsession with savory cranberry meatballs started during a cozy autumn weekend experiment in the kitchen.

Seasonal ingredients often spark unexpected culinary adventures that surprise even experienced cooks.

Tangy cranberries add a vibrant twist to classic protein dishes, creating complex flavor profiles.

Small twists can revolutionize traditional recipes, making meals more exciting and memorable.

Tender meat combined with sweet-tart cranberry notes promises a delightful dining experience that will impress anyone at the table.

Each bite blends comfort and innovation, promising a meal that feels both familiar and refreshingly new.

You’ll want to bookmark this recipe for future gatherings and spontaneous cooking inspiration.

Why Homemade Cranberry Meatballs Steal the Show

• Create Flavor Fusion: Blend sweet and savory elements with the unique combination of cranberries and meat, delivering a sophisticated taste profile that surprises and delights taste buds.
• Master One-Pan Magic: Streamline cooking process by preparing meatballs and glaze in minimal cookware, reducing cleanup and making meal preparation straightforward for busy home cooks.
• Wow Holiday Gatherings: Elevate party appetizers or main course with a gourmet twist on traditional meatballs, impressing guests with restaurant-quality flavor and professional presentation.
• Customize with Ease: Adapt recipe by adjusting spice levels, substituting meat types, or modifying glaze ingredients to match personal preferences and dietary needs.

All the Ingredients for Sweet and Tangy Cranberry Meatballs

• Ground Beef, Ground Pork: A robust combination that provides rich flavor and ensures juicy meatballs.

• Garlic, Fresh Parsley: These classic seasonings add depth and freshness to the meat mixture.

• Breadcrumbs: Help hold the meatballs together and provide a light texture.
• Egg: Acts as a natural binder to keep the meatballs compact.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste profile.
• Soy Sauce: Adds umami and helps to tenderize the meat.
• Fresh Cranberries: Provide a tart burst of flavor and interesting texture to the meatballs.

• Cranberry Sauce, Beef Broth, Brown Sugar, Balsamic Vinegar: Create a vibrant and tangy glaze that complements the savory meatballs.

• Olive Oil: Used for browning the meatballs and creating a golden exterior.

• Fresh Parsley: Adds a bright, fresh finish to the dish.

How to Make Cranberry Meatballs Without the Fuss

Step 1: Blend Meaty Foundations

Grab your ground beef and ground pork in a spacious mixing bowl. Dive in with your hands and mix the meats until they become a smooth, unified mixture that promises deliciousness.

Step 2: Awaken Aromatic Flavors

• Fresh garlic
• Fresh parsley

Gently fold these fragrant ingredients into your meat mixture, ensuring they’re evenly distributed for maximum flavor impact.

Step 3: Create Flavor-Packed Binding

• Breadcrumbs
• Egg
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Soy sauce

Use your hands to thoroughly blend everything, creating a cohesive and flavorful base.

Step 4: Introduce Cranberry Burst

Pulse fresh cranberries in a food processor until they reach a coarse, chunky texture. Carefully fold these ruby-red gems into the meat mixture, distributing them evenly throughout.

Step 5: Shape Perfectly Rounded Meatballs

Roll the mixture into uniform balls, each about 1.5 inches in diameter. Consistent sizing ensures even cooking and a professional touch.

Step 6: Sizzle to Golden Perfection

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Gently place meatballs in the pan, rotating every few minutes to achieve a beautiful golden-brown crust on all sides.

Step 7: Craft Tangy Cranberry Glaze

• Cranberry sauce
• Beef broth
• Brown sugar
• Balsamic vinegar

Create a vibrant, glossy sauce that will elevate your meatballs.

Step 8: Check Doneness and Coat

Confirm meatballs have reached an internal temperature of 160°F. Transfer them to the saucepan with the cranberry glaze, gently coating each meatball.

Step 9: Simmer and Infuse

Let the meatballs simmer in the sauce for 3-4 minutes, allowing the flavors to dance and the glaze to caramelize slightly.

Step 10: Serve with Flourish

Transfer meatballs to a serving platter. Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and fresh herbal notes. Enjoy your culinary masterpiece while it’s hot!

Tips to Nail Your Cranberry Meatballs Every Time

• Blend Meats Wisely: Combine ground beef and pork for a richer, more complex flavor profile that elevates the meatball texture.
• Chop Herbs Finely: Mince garlic and parsley thoroughly to distribute aromatic flavors evenly throughout the meat mixture.
• Control Moisture Carefully: Use breadcrumbs and egg to bind ingredients without making the meatballs too dense or dry.
• Master Uniform Cooking: Shape meatballs to consistent 1.5-inch size, ensuring even browning and preventing undercooked centers.
• Glaze with Precision: Simmer meatballs in cranberry sauce just long enough to caramelize without burning, creating a glossy, flavorful coating.

Sweet and Savory Cranberry Meatball Ideas to Try

• Spicy Cranberry Kick: Add diced jalapeños and red pepper flakes to the meat mixture for a fiery flavor profile that complements the sweet cranberry glaze.
• Mediterranean Fusion: Incorporate feta cheese, oregano, and mint into the meatballs, replacing soy sauce with a touch of olive oil for a Greek-inspired version.
• Smoky Cranberry Sensation: Mix in smoked paprika and use chipotle cranberry sauce instead of traditional cranberry sauce to create a deep, smoky undertone.
• Herb Garden Meatballs: Blend fresh thyme, rosemary, and sage into the meat mixture, creating an aromatic herb-infused variation that elevates the classic recipe.

What to Serve with Cranberry Meatballs for a Full Feast

• Pair with Zesty Red Wine: Select a medium-bodied red wine like Pinot Noir or Zinfandel that complements the tangy cranberry and rich meat flavors, cutting through the richness while enhancing the dish's complexity.
• Serve with Creamy Polenta: Create a smooth, velvety polenta base that absorbs the cranberry glaze, providing a luxurious contrast to the meatballs' robust texture and offering a delightful neutral canvas.
• Match with Crisp Apple Slaw: Prepare a light, crunchy apple slaw with a hint of vinegar and fresh herbs, which adds brightness and cuts through the meatballs' savory profile, creating a refreshing counterpoint to the rich protein.

Storing Cranberry Meatballs the Right Way

• Store cooled meatballs in an airtight container within the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, ensuring they remain fresh and flavorful.
• Pack meatballs in freezer-safe containers or sealed freezer bags, preserving them for 2-3 months without compromising taste or texture.
• Keep the cranberry glaze in a separate container from the meatballs to prevent sogginess and maintain optimal crispness.
• Warm refrigerated or thawed meatballs in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of broth to prevent drying out and restore moisture.

Your Cranberry Meatball FAQs, Solved

• Why use both ground beef and ground pork?

The combination creates a richer, more complex flavor profile and helps keep the meatballs juicy and tender.

• Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh?

Yes, thaw and pat dry frozen cranberries before pulsing in the food processor to maintain the right moisture level.

• How do I know the meatballs are fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 160°F, ensuring food safety and perfectly cooked meat.

• Is soy sauce necessary for the recipe?

Soy sauce adds depth and umami flavor to the meatballs, enhancing the overall taste of the dish.

Homemade Cranberry Meatballs Recipe

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4.8 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 35-40 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Succulent homemade cranberry meatballs bring festive flavors to your dinner table with a perfect balance of sweet and savory. Juicy ground meat mingles with tangy cranberry sauce, creating an irresistible dish you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat:

• 1.5 lbs ground beef
• 0.5 lbs ground pork

Cranberry Ingredients:

• 1 cup fresh cranberries
• 0.5 cup cranberry sauce
• 2 tbsp cranberry juice

Binding and Flavor Ingredients:

• 0.5 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 large egg
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp soy sauce

Sauce Ingredients:

• 0.75 cup cranberry sauce
• 0.25 cup beef broth
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar

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Instructions

1. Combine ground beef and ground pork in a large mixing bowl, creating a uniform meat mixture.
2. Finely mince garlic and chop fresh parsley, then integrate these aromatics into the meat blend.
3. Add breadcrumbs, egg, salt, black pepper, and soy sauce to the meat mixture, thoroughly mixing with your hands until ingredients are evenly distributed.
4. Pulse fresh cranberries in a food processor to create a coarse texture, then fold into the meat mixture.
5. Shape the meat mixture into uniform meatballs, approximately 1.5 inches in diameter, ensuring consistent size for even cooking.
6. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat (375°F).
7. Carefully place meatballs in the skillet, cooking for 6-8 minutes and rotating periodically to achieve a golden-brown exterior on all sides.
8. In a separate saucepan, whisk together cranberry sauce, beef broth, brown sugar, and balsamic vinegar to create a vibrant, tangy glaze.
9. Once meatballs are fully cooked with an internal temperature of 160°F, transfer them to the saucepan and gently coat with the cranberry glaze.
10. Simmer the meatballs in the sauce for an additional 3-4 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the glaze to slightly caramelize.
11. Serve hot, garnished with additional chopped parsley for a fresh, aromatic touch.

Notes

• Opt for lean ground meats to reduce excess fat and create a lighter, healthier meatball with balanced texture.
• Gently mix ingredients to prevent overworking the meat, which can result in tough, dense meatballs that lack tenderness.
• Consider using ground turkey or chicken as alternative protein options for those seeking lower-fat or different flavor profiles.
• Pulse cranberries to your desired consistency, from slightly chunky to almost puréed, depending on preferred texture and visual appeal.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg