If you’re looking for a festive, easy, and crowd-pleasing Christmas recipe, these Quick Cranberry Meatballs are the perfect choice. They combine tender juicy meatballs with a sweet-and-tangy cranberry glaze that tastes like the holidays in every bite. This dish is ideal for Christmas parties, potlucks, or even a cozy family dinner.
What makes this recipe special is how effortless it is — you can prepare it in under an hour, using simple pantry ingredients. Whether you serve them as appetizers or as a main dish, these cranberry meatballs always disappear fast!
Ingredients
For the Meatballs
- 1 small onion, grated or very finely diced
- 1½ pounds ground beef (lean, about 90%)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko)
- 2 large eggs
- ⅓ cup tomato ketchup
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
- ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
For the Cranberry Sauce
- 2 cups cranberry sauce (homemade or canned)
- 1 cup tomato ketchup
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Meatball Mixture
In a large bowl, combine:
ground beef, onion, breadcrumbs, eggs, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, parsley, salt, and pepper.
Mix gently until everything is just combined. Avoid over-mixing to keep the meatballs tender.
3. Shape the Meatballs
With slightly wet hands, form the mixture into medium-sized meatballs.
You should get about 30–35 meatballs.
Place them evenly on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Bake the Meatballs
Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the meatballs are fully cooked and lightly browned.
5. Make the Cranberry Sauce
While the meatballs bake, place a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat.
Add: cranberry sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, and lemon juice.
Stir well and bring to a gentle simmer.
6. Coat the Meatballs
Once the meatballs are cooked, add them directly into the cranberry sauce.
Gently mix to ensure each meatball is fully coated.
Let them simmer in the sauce for 5–7 minutes to absorb flavor.
7. Serve and Enjoy
Transfer to a serving dish. Add a sprinkle of fresh parsley for color.
Serve warm.
Serving Suggestions
- As a party appetizer: Insert toothpicks for easy serving.
- As a main dish: Serve with mashed potatoes, rice, or buttered noodles.
- Holiday buffet: Pair with roasted vegetables, green beans, or a fresh salad.
- For kids: Serve with soft dinner rolls — they love dipping!
Tips & Substitutions
- You can replace ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- If you don’t have panko, regular breadcrumbs or crushed crackers work well.
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of garlic powder or smoked paprika to the meat mixture.
- If your sauce becomes too thick, add 1–2 tablespoons of water while simmering.
Make-Ahead, Storage, and Freezing
Make-Ahead
You can form the meatballs a day in advance and store them in the refrigerator until baking.
Refrigeration
Store cooked meatballs with sauce in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezing
These meatballs freeze beautifully.
Freeze with sauce for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stovetop.
Conclusion
These Quick Cranberry Meatballs bring together the best holiday flavors in a simple, delicious, and versatile recipe. Whether you’re hosting a party or preparing a comforting Christmas meal, this dish adds the perfect festive touch. Easy to make and impossible to resist — it’s sure to become a yearly favorite!