Description
These festive Christmas Cranberry Meatballs are the perfect blend of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors. Juicy baked meatballs simmer in a rich cranberry sauce, making them an irresistible appetizer or holiday party favorite.
Ingredients
For the Meatballs
2 large eggs
1/3 cup tomato ketchup
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 small onion, grated or finely diced
1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
1/2 tsp salt
2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 ½ lbs lean ground beef or turkey (or a mix)
1 cup breadcrumbs (Panko preferred)
For the Sauce
3 tbsp packed brown sugar
2 cups cranberry sauce
1 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 cup tomato ketchup
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
In a large bowl, mix all the meatball ingredients until well combined.
With damp hands, roll the mixture into medium-sized meatballs, aiming for about 32 pieces.
Arrange the meatballs on the baking sheet and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of 160°F.
While the meatballs bake, place a large skillet over medium heat. Add all sauce ingredients and stir until the mixture begins to bubble.
Reduce heat and gently fold the baked meatballs into the sauce. Let them simmer until fully coated and warmed through.
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Notes
Use a small ice cream scoop for uniform meatballs that cook evenly.
Add a splash of water if the sauce becomes too thick.
These freeze beautifully—just store the baked meatballs separately and add them to fresh sauce when reheating.
Perfect for potlucks, holiday parties, or as a sweet-and-savory dinner over rice or mashed potatoes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baked + Simmered
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 meatballs
- Calories: 285 kcal
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 440 mg
- Fat: 11 g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg