Best 12 Tasty Cranberry Meatballs Recipes

facebook share image   twitter share image   pinterest share image   E-Mail share image

Cranberry meatballs are a delightful dish that combines the tangy sweetness of cranberries with the savory flavors of ground meat, making them a perfect appetizer or main course for any occasion. Whether you prefer a classic recipe or something with a unique twist, there are countless variations to choose from, ensuring that you'll find the perfect recipe to suit your taste and preferences. From the traditional Swedish meatballs served with lingonberry sauce to modern takes that incorporate bacon, nuts, or different herbs and spices, the possibilities are endless. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and let's embark on a culinary journey to discover the best recipe for tasty cranberry meatballs that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

CRANBERRY CHILI MEATBALLS



Cranberry Chili Meatballs image

My friends look forward to enjoying these chili sauce meatballs at our holiday gatherings and there are never any leftovers! Using packaged meatballs helps save time in the kitchen and they are just as tasty as homemade. The sauce is tangy yet sweet, and the festive color is perfect for any holiday party. -Amy Scamerhorn, Indianapolis, Indiana

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Appetizers

Time 30m

Yield about 5 dozen.

Number Of Ingredients 7

1 can (14 ounces) jellied cranberry sauce
1 bottle (12 ounces) chili sauce
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 package (32 ounces) frozen fully cooked homestyle meatballs, thawed

Steps:

  • In a large saucepan over medium heat, combine the first six ingredients; stir until sugar is dissolved. Add meatballs; cook until heated through, 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally. , Editor's Note: To prepare in a slow cooker, heat sauce ingredients as directed. Add sauce and meatballs to a 4-qt. slow cooker. Cook, covered, on low until heated through, 2-3 hours. , Freeze Option: Freeze cooled meatball mixture in freezer containers. To use, partially thaw in refrigerator overnight. Microwave, covered, on high in a microwave-safe dish until heated through, gently stirring and adding a little water if necessary.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 74 calories, Fat 4g fat (2g saturated fat), Cholesterol 6mg cholesterol, Sodium 191mg sodium, Carbohydrate 8g carbohydrate (5g sugars, Fiber 0 fiber), Protein 2g protein.

FAVORITE CRANBERRY MEATBALLS



Favorite Cranberry Meatballs image

Although this recipe is perfect for the holiday season, plan to use it all year-round-cranberries add "zing" to menus anytime. And, if you're looking for an appetizer idea, shape the meatballs smaller and serve with party picks.

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Appetizers     Dinner

Time 40m

Yield 4 main-dish servings.

Number Of Ingredients 9

1 pound lean ground beef (90% lean)
1 large egg, lightly beaten
1/2 cup crushed saltines
1/2 small onion, diced
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1 can (14 ounces) whole-berry cranberry sauce
1 can (10-3/4 ounces) condensed tomato soup, undiluted
Cooked rice or noodles

Steps:

  • In a bowl, combine first six ingredients. Shape into 1-1/2-in. balls. Place meatballs on a greased rack in a shallow baking pan. Bake at 400° for 20 minutes. , Meanwhile, combine cranberry sauce and tomato soup. Heat through. Add meatballs and simmer 10 minutes. Serve with rice or noodles. May also be used as an appetizer.

Nutrition Facts :

CREAMY CRANBERRY MEATBALLS



Creamy Cranberry Meatballs image

Extras from tonight's rich and juicy appetizers can become tomorrow's entree. Simply serve them over a bed of fluffy noodles or rice-if there's any left. -Amy Warren, Maineville, Ohio

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Appetizers

Time 3h10m

Yield about 5 dozen.

Number Of Ingredients 5

2 envelopes brown gravy mix
1 package (32 ounces) frozen fully cooked Swedish meatballs
2/3 cup jellied cranberry sauce
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
1/4 cup heavy whipping cream

Steps:

  • Prepare gravy mix according to package directions. In a 4-qt. slow cooker, combine the meatballs, cranberry sauce, mustard and gravy. Cover and cook on low for 3-4 hours or until heated through, adding cream during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

Nutrition Facts :

CRANBERRY MEATBALLS



Cranberry Meatballs image

Lots of people have asked me for this recipe, but I knew I had a real winner when my grandmother asked me for it! -Tammy Neubauer, Ida Grove, Iowa

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Appetizers

Time 40m

Yield 6 dozen.

Number Of Ingredients 14

2 large eggs, lightly beaten
1 cup cornflake crumbs
1/3 cup ketchup
2 tablespoons dried minced onion
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon dried parsley flakes
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
2 pounds ground pork
SAUCE:
1 can (14 ounces) jellied cranberry sauce
1 cup ketchup
3 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon lemon juice

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350°. Mix first 8 ingredients. Add pork; mix lightly but thoroughly. Shape into 1-in. meatballs. Place on a greased rack in a 15x10x1-in. pan. Bake until a thermometer reads 160°, 20-25 minutes. Drain meatballs on paper towels. , In a large skillet, cook and stir sauce ingredients over medium heat until blended. Stir in meatballs; heat through.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 58 calories, Fat 2g fat (1g saturated fat), Cholesterol 16mg cholesterol, Sodium 142mg sodium, Carbohydrate 6g carbohydrate (4g sugars, Fiber 0 fiber), Protein 3g protein.

EASY CRANBERRY MEATBALLS



Easy Cranberry Meatballs image

This is a versatile recipe to be used either as a main dish or as an appetizer. You simply adjust the size of the meatballs. I like to serve it during the holidays as an appetizer. It works well to curb appetites while your guests await the main meal. -Frances Venator, Ottumwa, Iowa

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Appetizers     Dinner

Time 40m

Yield 5 dozen.

Number Of Ingredients 10

1 pound ground beef
1 pound ground pork
2 eggs, lightly beaten
1 cup crushed saltines (about 15 crackers)
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 teaspoons salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
2 cans (16 ounces each) whole-berry cranberry sauce
2 cans (10-3/4 ounces each) condensed tomato soup, undiluted
1 teaspoon prepared mustard

Steps:

  • In a bowl, combine the first seven ingredients. Shape into 1-in. meatballs. Place meatballs on a greased rack in a shallow baking pan. Bake at 400° for 15 minutes or until a thermometer reads 160°; drain., Meanwhile, combine the cranberry sauce, soup and mustard in a large saucepan. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; add the meatballs. Simmer, uncovered, for 10 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 158 calories, Fat 7g fat (3g saturated fat), Cholesterol 51mg cholesterol, Sodium 401mg sodium, Carbohydrate 14g carbohydrate (7g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 10g protein.

CRANBERRY SAUCE MEATBALLS



Cranberry Sauce Meatballs image

Cranberry sauce isn't just for turkey anymore! Combined with a few other ingredients, the Thanksgiving staple makes a perfect meatball topper. -Tammy Neubauer, Ida Grove, Iowa

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Appetizers

Time 30m

Yield about 3-1/2 dozen

Number Of Ingredients 5

2 packages (22 ounces each ) frozen fully cooked Angus beef meatballs
1 can (14 ounces) jellied cranberry sauce
1 cup ketchup
3 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon lemon juice

Steps:

  • Prepare meatballs according to package directions. , In a large skillet, cook and stir remaining ingredients over medium heat until blended. Stir in meatballs; heat through.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 100 calories, Fat 6g fat (3g saturated fat), Cholesterol 16mg cholesterol, Sodium 266mg sodium, Carbohydrate 7g carbohydrate (5g sugars, Fiber 0 fiber), Protein 4g protein.

BAKED CRANBERRY MEATBALLS



Baked Cranberry Meatballs image

You've never seen meatballs like these before, with cranberries, sauerkraut and chili sauce adding incredible color and irresistible tang. You'll love the heavenly aroma, too. -Lisa Potter, Camp Douglas, Wisconsin

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Appetizers

Time 1h50m

Yield 4-1/2 dozen.

Number Of Ingredients 10

1 cup dry bread crumbs
1 envelope onion soup mix
2 pounds lean ground beef (90% lean)
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
SAUCE:
1 can (14 ounces) sauerkraut, rinsed and well drained
1 can (14 ounces) whole-berry cranberry sauce
1 bottle (12 ounces) chili sauce
1-1/4 cups water
1 cup packed brown sugar

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350°. In a large bowl, mix bread crumbs and soup mix. Add beef and beaten eggs; mix lightly but thoroughly. Shape into 1-in. balls. Arrange in a greased 13x9-in. baking dish., In a large saucepan, combine sauce ingredients; bring just to a boil over medium heat, stirring to dissolve sugar. Pour over uncooked meatballs., Bake, covered, 1 hour. Uncover; bake 20-30 minutes longer or until meatballs are cooked through and sauce is thickened.

Nutrition Facts :

CRANBERRY MEATBALLS



Cranberry Meatballs image

This is a great recipe for people who would like to try something different for Thanksgiving. It makes a delicious side to any kind of turkey dish, and is very simple to make.

Provided by Sarah

Categories     Appetizers and Snacks     Meat and Poultry     Meatball Appetizer Recipes

Yield 7

Number Of Ingredients 11

2 pounds ground beef
1 cup bread crumbs
2 eggs, beaten
2 tablespoons soy sauce
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
½ teaspoon garlic powder
⅓ cup ketchup
1 (16 ounce) can jellied cranberry sauce
1 (18 ounce) bottle barbecue sauce
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon lemon juice

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. (175 degrees C).
  • Mix together the hamburger, bread crumbs, eggs, soy sauce, pepper, garlic powder and ketchup. Form into small balls and bake for 30 minutes.
  • In a saucepan over low heat, combine the cranberry sauce, barbecue sauce, brown sugar and lemon juice. Simmer and stir until smooth. Add meat balls and simmer for I hour. Serve warm.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 717.8 calories, Carbohydrate 69.6 g, Cholesterol 163.4 mg, Fat 37 g, Fiber 1.9 g, Protein 26.1 g, SaturatedFat 14.6 g, Sodium 1431.6 mg, Sugar 50.6 g

CRANBERRY APPETIZER MEATBALLS



Cranberry Appetizer Meatballs image

For a memorable meatball party snack with a tangy non-traditional sauce, I suggest this recipe. The meatballs are mouthwatering.-Jim Ulberg, Elk Rapids, Michigan

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Appetizers

Time 40m

Yield about 7 dozen.

Number Of Ingredients 17

2 large eggs, lightly beaten
1 cup dry bread crumbs
1/3 cup minced fresh parsley
1/3 cup ketchup
2 tablespoons finely chopped onion
2 tablespoons soy sauce
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
2 pounds ground beef
CRANBERRY SAUCE:
1 can (14 ounces) whole-berry cranberry sauce
1 bottle (12 ounces) chili sauce
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 tablespoon prepared mustard
1 tablespoon lemon juice
2 garlic cloves, minced

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 400°. Combine the first nine ingredients. Crumble beef over mixture and mix well. Shape into 1-in. balls., Place meatballs on a rack in a shallow baking pan. Bake until no longer pink, about 15 minutes. Transfer to a 3-qt. slow cooker or chafing dish., Meanwhile, in a large saucepan, combine all sauce ingredients; simmer 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Pour over meatballs. Serve warm.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 39 calories, Fat 1g fat (1g saturated fat), Cholesterol 11mg cholesterol, Sodium 124mg sodium, Carbohydrate 4g carbohydrate (2g sugars, Fiber 0 fiber), Protein 2g protein.

CRANBERRY SAUCE MEATBALLS



Cranberry Sauce Meatballs image

Substituting French's® French-Fried Onions for bread crumbs, kicks this recipe up a notch. These meatballs are easy to make and much tastier than the frozen variety. Delicious with the traditional cranberry/chili sauce or your own favorite sauce.

Provided by Rick Liesmann

Time 1h20m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 8

2 large eggs
2 pounds ground beef
½ cup milk
1 small onion, minced
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup crushed French-fried onions (such as French's®)
1 (14 ounce) can jellied cranberry sauce (such as Ocean Spray®)
1 (12 ounce) bottle chili sauce (such as Heinz®)

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
  • Beat eggs in a mixing bowl. Add beef, milk, onion, and salt; mix well. Sprinkle in crumbled fried onions and mix until evenly combined.
  • Form the mixture into 40 meatballs and place into a 9x13-inch and 9x9-inch baking dish; set aside.
  • Blend cranberry sauce and chili sauce together in a bowl with an electric hand mixer.
  • Pour 2/3 of the sauce mixture over the meatballs. Brush the remaining sauce over to completely cover the meatballs.
  • Bake in the preheated oven until meatballs are browned and no longer pink in the centers, about 1 hour.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 492.3 calories, Carbohydrate 33.7 g, Cholesterol 118.7 mg, Fat 29.3 g, Fiber 0.7 g, Protein 21.5 g, SaturatedFat 10 g, Sodium 688 mg, Sugar 20.2 g

CRANBERRY GLAZED MEATBALLS



Cranberry Glazed Meatballs image

If you like you can use your own homemade meatballs, meatballs you already have made or store bought. This is a quick, easy, set-it-and-forget-it recipe for Cranberry Glazed Meatballs. I make these nearly every year for our Christmas gathering and they are always eaten up in no time! If I have time I'll make and use the meatballs from my basic meatball recipe # 8060. Enjoy!

Provided by - Carla -

Categories     Meatballs

Time 35m

Yield 25 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 5

2 (2 lb) bags cocktail meatballs, 1-inch in size
1 (16 ounce) can ocean spray jellied cranberry sauce
1 (12 ounce) bottle chili sauce
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Steps:

  • Combine cranberry sauce, chili sauce, cumin and cayenne pepper in a large saucepan.
  • Cook over medium heat, whisking occasionally, until the cranberry sauce is melted and smooth.
  • Add meatballs; stir gently to coat.
  • Cook over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, 30 minutes or until the meatballs are heated through.
  • Place in a chafing dish or slow cooker to keep warm during the party or gathering.

4-INGREDIENT CRANBERRY SAUCE MEATBALLS



4-Ingredient Cranberry Sauce Meatballs image

Easy cranberry sauce meatballs that are a perfect appetizer for a gathering.

Provided by shannon

Time 4h5m

Yield 16

Number Of Ingredients 4

½ (12 ounce) jar pickled jalapeno pepper slices, or to taste
2 (16 ounce) packages frozen cooked meatballs, thawed
2 (16 ounce) cans jellied cranberry sauce
2 (12 ounce) bottles chili sauce

Steps:

  • Drain jalapeno slices.
  • Put meatballs in a slow cooker. Add cranberry sauce, chili sauce, and jalapenos. Cook on High for 4 hours, stirring once every hour.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 215.3 calories, Carbohydrate 27.6 g, Cholesterol 47.1 mg, Fat 7.4 g, Fiber 1 g, Protein 9.9 g, SaturatedFat 2.6 g, Sodium 229.8 mg, Sugar 22.6 g

Tips:

  • Use fresh cranberries: Fresh cranberries have a brighter, more tart flavor than dried cranberries. If you only have dried cranberries, you can use them, but you may want to add a little extra sugar to the recipe.
  • Don't overcook the meatballs: Overcooked meatballs will be tough and dry. Cook them just until they are cooked through, about 10-12 minutes.
  • Serve the meatballs warm: Cranberry meatballs are best served warm, right out of the oven. You can also make them ahead of time and reheat them in the oven or microwave.
  • Garnish with fresh herbs: Fresh herbs, such as parsley or cilantro, add a pop of color and flavor to the meatballs. You can also use a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.

Conclusion:

Cranberry meatballs are a delicious and festive dish that is perfect for holiday parties or potlucks. They are easy to make and can be tailored to your own taste. Whether you like them sweet or savory, there is a cranberry meatball recipe out there for you. So next time you are looking for a fun and easy appetizer, give cranberry meatballs a try!

Related Topics