Quick Cranberry Meatballs are a delightful treat, perfect for the festive season. They are easy to prepare and add a wonderful touch to any holiday gathering. The combination of sweet and tangy cranberry sauce with savory meatballs will leave your guests asking for more!
Table of Contents
Why make this recipe
This recipe is great for a few reasons. First, it is quick to make, so you won’t spend all day in the kitchen. Second, the ingredients are easy to find and often very affordable. Finally, Quick Cranberry Meatballs are perfect for parties. They can be served as an appetizer or a main dish, making them a versatile choice for your Christmas celebrations.
How to make Quick Cranberry Meatballs
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup chopped onion
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
- 1 egg
- 1 cup cranberry sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, onion, parsley, egg, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Shape the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them on a baking sheet.
- In a small bowl, mix cranberry sauce and soy sauce together.
- Pour the sauce over the meatballs.
- Bake in the oven for about 30 minutes or until the meatballs are cooked through.
- Serve hot and enjoy!

Quick Cranberry Meatballs
Delightful meatballs in a sweet and tangy cranberry sauce, perfect for holiday gatherings and parties.
- Total Time: 45
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup chopped onion
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
- 1 egg
- 1 cup cranberry sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, onion, parsley, egg, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Shape the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them on a baking sheet.
- In a small bowl, mix cranberry sauce and soy sauce together.
- Pour the sauce over the meatballs.
- Bake in the oven for about 30 minutes or until the meatballs are cooked through.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 30
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Paleo
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
How to serve Quick Cranberry Meatballs
Quick Cranberry Meatballs are best served warm. You can place them on a platter with toothpicks for easy serving. They pair well with festive sides like mashed potatoes or a light salad. For an added touch, drizzle a little extra cranberry sauce on top before serving.
How to store Quick Cranberry Meatballs
You can store leftover Quick Cranberry Meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. Just be sure to let them cool completely before placing them in the freezer.
Tips to make Quick Cranberry Meatballs
- Use lean ground beef for a healthier option.
- You can add spices like paprika or chili powder for an extra kick.
- If you want to save time, you can use pre-made meatballs from the store and just add the cranberry sauce to them.
Variation
You can easily make this recipe using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter version. Also, consider using different flavored sauces like barbecue or honey if you want to switch things up! Similar technique to the one used in this Honey Garlic Meatballs recipe.
FAQs
1. Can I make the meatballs in advance?
Yes! You can prepare the meatballs a day ahead and store them in the refrigerator. Just bake them when you are ready to serve.
2. Can I use homemade cranberry sauce?
Absolutely! Homemade cranberry sauce will add a fresh taste and can be adjusted to your sweetness preference.
3. What can I serve with Quick Cranberry Meatballs?
These meatballs go well with rice, mashed potatoes, or even as a topping for a festive salad.
Conclusion
Quick Cranberry Meatballs are a fantastic addition to any Christmas menu. With their easy preparation and delicious flavor, they are sure to impress your guests. Whether you’re hosting a party or just looking for a tasty treat, this recipe is a winner!
For more easy and satisfying recipes, join me on Pinterest – where good food meets great company!







