If you are looking to impress your family or guests with a dish that bursts with festive flavor and cozy comfort, this Cranberry Glazed Meatballs Recipe is an absolute must-try. These tender, juicy meatballs coated in a tangy-sweet cranberry glaze deliver a perfect balance of savory and bright notes that will make your taste buds dance. Whether you’re serving them at holiday gatherings, casual get-togethers, or just because, this recipe brings joy to the table and becomes an instant favorite with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple yet essential, the ingredients for this recipe come together to create a delightful mix of textures and flavors. Each component plays a crucial role, from the juicy ground beef that forms the meatball base to the vibrant cranberry glaze that ties it all with a pop of color and sweetness.
- 1 pound ground beef: Choose fresh, good-quality beef for tender and juicy meatballs.
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs: These keep the meatballs moist and help hold their shape.
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor.
- 1 egg: Acts as a binder to keep the meat mixture together.
- 1/4 cup milk: Moistens the meat mixture for a soft texture.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors in the meatballs.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds just the right amount of mild heat and balance.
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder: Provides a gentle savory note that complements the beef.
- 1 cup jellied cranberry sauce: The star of the glaze, lending both sweetness and tartness.
- 1/2 cup chili sauce: Brings a subtle kick and thickness to the glaze.
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar: Adds richness and balances acidity in the glaze.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Offers brightness to lift the glaze flavors.
How to Make Cranberry Glazed Meatballs Recipe
Step 1: Preparing the Meatball Mixture
Start by preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius). In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, finely chopped onion, egg, milk, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Mix them gently but thoroughly—just enough to combine without overworking the meat, which keeps the meatballs tender and juicy.
Step 2: Shaping and Baking the Meatballs
Roll the mixture into roughly 1-inch meatballs, making about 24 pieces. Place them spaced evenly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Bake the meatballs for around 20 minutes, or until they are cooked through and lightly browned. This step ensures a lovely texture with a slight crisp exterior.
Step 3: Creating the Cranberry Glaze
While your meatballs bake, prepare the glaze by combining the jellied cranberry sauce, chili sauce, brown sugar, and lemon juice in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir continuously until the sauce is smooth and heated through, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully into a vibrant, tangy glaze.
Step 4: Coating and Simmering the Meatballs
Once the meatballs are baked, transfer them directly into the saucepan with the warm cranberry glaze. Gently stir to coat each meatball evenly, then reduce the heat to low. Let everything simmer together for about 10 minutes so the meatballs soak up that irresistible cranberry flavor and become perfectly sticky and delicious.
How to Serve Cranberry Glazed Meatballs Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or a few whole cranberries on top to add a pop of green and festive flair. A little grated lemon zest works wonders, too, enhancing the glaze’s brightness and making the dish look even more inviting.
Side Dishes
These cranberry glazed meatballs shine alongside simple sides like fluffy white rice, buttery mashed potatoes, or tender roasted vegetables. Their sweet-savory profile also complements creamy coleslaw or a crisp green salad, creating a balanced and satisfying meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn this Cranberry Glazed Meatballs Recipe into a party hit by serving them on cocktail picks for easy snacking. Alternatively, layer them in a slow cooker to keep warm during gatherings or place them over toasted baguette slices for hearty mini sandwiches that guests will rave about.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store leftover cranberry glazed meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This makes them perfect for meal prep or quick snacks throughout the week without sacrificing flavor or texture.
Freezing
To freeze, arrange the cooked meatballs in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They will keep well for up to 3 months, making this Cranberry Glazed Meatballs Recipe an excellent option for prepping ahead of time.
Reheating
Gently reheat frozen or refrigerated meatballs in a covered skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or extra sauce to keep them moist. You can also warm them in the microwave, but low and slow stovetop reheating helps preserve the glaze’s texture and flavor best.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef in this recipe?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a leaner option and works wonderfully in this Cranberry Glazed Meatballs Recipe. Just keep in mind turkey may dry out faster, so be careful not to overcook the meatballs.
Is it possible to make these meatballs gluten-free?
Yes, simply substitute regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs and double-check that your chili sauce and cranberry sauce are gluten-free. This makes the recipe suitable for gluten-sensitive eaters without sacrificing any deliciousness.
Can I prepare these meatballs in advance for a party?
Definitely. You can make the meatballs and glaze a day ahead and refrigerate them separately. When ready to serve, gently reheat and combine for fresh-tasting Cranberry Glazed Meatballs that will wow your guests.
What if I don’t have jellied cranberry sauce? Can I use whole berry?
Yes, whole berry cranberry sauce can work in the glaze, but the texture will be chunkier. If you prefer a smoother sauce, you can blend the whole berry variety or chop the berries finely before mixing them in.
How spicy is the chili sauce in this recipe?
The chili sauce used here adds a mild tangy heat that perfectly complements the sweetness of the cranberries but isn’t overpowering. If you prefer less spice, reduce the amount slightly or substitute with a milder sauce.
Final Thoughts
This Cranberry Glazed Meatballs Recipe brings together the best of both worlds—comforting, hearty meatballs with a vibrant, festive twist. It’s a dish that’s incredibly easy to make, full of flavor, and always a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re cooking for the holidays or just hungry for a tasty treat, I encourage you to give this recipe a try and watch it become your new favorite go-to. Your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Cranberry Glazed Meatballs Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 24 meatballs
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Delicious and festive Cranberry Glazed Meatballs combine juicy ground beef meatballs baked to perfection and coated in a tangy-sweet cranberry and chili sauce glaze. This easy-to-make appetizer is perfect for holiday parties or served over rice as a flavorful main dish.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Glaze Sauce
- 1 cup jellied cranberry sauce
- 1/2 cup chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the meatballs evenly and thoroughly.
- Mix Meatball Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, finely chopped onion, egg, milk, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Mix gently until just combined to avoid tough meatballs.
- Shape Meatballs: Form the mixture into 1-inch meatballs using your hands, ensuring they are uniform in size for even cooking. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Bake Meatballs: Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 20 minutes or until cooked through and browned on the outside.
- Prepare Glaze Sauce: While the meatballs bake, combine the jellied cranberry sauce, chili sauce, brown sugar, and lemon juice in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir until the mixture is smooth and heated through.
- Coat Meatballs with Sauce: Once the meatballs are done baking, transfer them to the saucepan with the cranberry glaze. Gently stir to coat each meatball evenly with the sauce.
- Simmer: Let the coated meatballs simmer on low heat for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Serve: Serve the cranberry glazed meatballs warm, perfect as an appetizer or over rice for a hearty meal.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey for beef to make a leaner version of the meatballs.
- These meatballs work wonderfully as party appetizers or served over rice as a main dish.
- To make this recipe gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs and ensure all sauces are gluten-free.
