I love easy recipes that bring big flavor to my table. Today, I’m sharing three fantastic cranberry meatball recipes that are perfect for any occasion, from weeknight dinners to special gatherings. These ideas are simple to make and always a hit!
You’ll find options for classic cranberry meatballs, a zesty chipotle version, and a quick cranberry sauce recipe using common ingredients. I know you’ll enjoy trying these simple yet delicious ideas in your kitchen.
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Zesty Cranberry Chipotle Cocktail Meatballs Recipe
These little cranberry chipotle meatballs are a crowd-pleaser with a delightful balance of sweet cranberry and smoky heat. They are excellent as an appetizer or a fun small bite for any gathering you host.
Key Ingredients & Tips for Cranberry Chipotle Meatballs
- Chipotle in Adobo: This adds a wonderful smoky, spicy kick to your meatballs. Use more or less depending on how much heat you like in your food.
- Cocktail Size: Keep these meatballs small for easy serving at parties. Small meatballs also cook faster and are perfect for picking up with a toothpick.
What You Need for Cranberry Chipotle Meatballs
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 (14 oz) can whole berry cranberry sauce
- 1-2 tbsp adobo sauce from canned chipotles
⏱️ Time: 35 Mins🍽️ Yields: 24-30 meatballs
How to Make Cranberry Chipotle Meatballs
Step 1: Mix & Form Meatballs
In a large bowl, gently mix the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Be careful not to overmix. Form into small, uniform cocktail-sized meatballs, about 1-inch each.
Step 2: Cook the Meatballs
Place the meatballs on a baking sheet. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until cooked through and lightly browned. You want them cooked but still tender.
Step 3: Make the Sauce & Combine
In a saucepan, combine the whole berry cranberry sauce and adobo sauce. Heat gently over medium-low heat until warm, stirring occasionally. Add the cooked meatballs to the sauce and stir to coat them completely. Serve warm.
📝 Final Note
These cranberry chipotle meatballs are great kept warm in a slow cooker for parties, making them easy to serve anytime.
Easy Classic Cranberry Meatballs Recipe
This is a simple, comforting recipe for cranberry meatballs that everyone will enjoy. The sweet and tangy cranberry sauce pairs perfectly with the tender meatballs, making a delightful meal.
Key Ingredients & Tips for Cranberry Meatballs
- Ground Meat Choice: You can use ground beef, turkey, or a mix of both for these meatballs. Using ground turkey makes them a bit lighter if you prefer.
- Homemade or Store-Bought Sauce: Either works well! If using canned cranberry sauce, the whole berry type gives a nice texture to the dish.
What You Need for Cranberry Meatballs
- 1.5 lb ground beef or turkey
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 (16 oz) can whole berry cranberry sauce
- 1/4 cup orange juice
⏱️ Time: 40 Mins🍽️ Yields: 18-20 meatballs
How to Make Classic Cranberry Meatballs
Step 1: Prepare Meatball Mix
Combine the ground beef (or turkey), breadcrumbs, egg, chopped onion, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Mix gently until just combined. Roll into medium-sized meatballs, about 1.5 inches each.
Step 2: Cook Meatballs Evenly
Heat a little oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Brown the meatballs on all sides, ensuring they are cooked through. You can also bake them at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes if you prefer to bake.
Step 3: Create Cranberry Glaze
In a separate small pot, warm the cranberry sauce with orange juice until it starts to bubble slightly. Pour the warm sauce over the cooked meatballs in the skillet or transfer baked meatballs to the sauce. Simmer for 5-10 minutes, letting the flavors come together.
📝 Final Note
Serve these classic cranberry meatballs over rice or with creamy mashed potatoes for a complete and satisfying meal.
Quick Cranberry Sauce Meatballs for Dinner
If you have leftover cranberry sauce or just love its sweet taste, these cranberry sauce meatballs are a quick and easy dinner solution. They are a family favorite and very straightforward to make for busy weeknights.
Key Ingredients & Tips for Cranberry Sauce Meatballs
- Using Leftover Cranberry Sauce: This recipe is fantastic for using up any extra cranberry sauce from holidays. It’s a great way to prevent food waste and enjoy its taste again.
- Pre-made Meatballs: For an even quicker meal, you can use frozen pre-cooked meatballs. Simply add them to the simmering sauce and heat through until warm.
What You Need for Cranberry Sauce Meatballs
- 1 lb ground pork or beef
- 1/3 cup plain breadcrumbs
- 1 small egg
- 1/2 tsp dried parsley
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 cup cranberry sauce (jellied or whole berry)
- 2 tbsp brown sugar (optional, for extra sweetness)
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
⏱️ Time: 30 Mins🍽️ Yields: 16-18 meatballs
How to Make Quick Cranberry Sauce Meatballs
Step 1: Form Pork Meatballs
In a bowl, mix the ground pork (or beef), breadcrumbs, egg, dried parsley, salt, and pepper. Gently combine the ingredients. Form the mixture into meatballs, about 1.25 inches in size.
Step 2: Brown Meatballs
Heat a little oil in a large non-stick pan over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook them, turning occasionally, until they are nicely browned on all sides and cooked through, about 10-12 minutes. You can remove excess fat if needed.
Step 3: Simmer in Cranberry Sauce
Lower the heat. Add the cranberry sauce, brown sugar (if using for extra sweetness), and apple cider vinegar to the pan with the cooked meatballs. Stir gently to coat them. Let the sauce simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly and the meatballs to absorb the sauce’s flavor.
📝 Final Note
A little sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or green onions before serving adds a nice touch of color and freshness to this simple meal.