These meatballs in cranberry sauce are sweet and tangy, making them a fun dish everyone loves. Perfect for parties or just a cozy dinner at home!
Honestly, I could snack on these all day! They are great on their own or served with some rice. Plus, they’re super easy to whip up, which is a big win in my book!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Meat: I usually go for ground beef for deep flavor, but ground turkey or pork works just as well if you want something lighter. You can even use a mix of meats for more complexity!
Bread Crumbs: Regular breadcrumbs help bind the meatballs, but you can use crushed crackers or panko for a crunchier texture. For gluten-free options, check for gluten-free breadcrumbs.
Cranberries: Fresh cranberries are ideal for a bright flavor, but frozen ones are just as good and convenient. You can also swap cranberries with cherry or raspberry preserves for a different spin.
Orange Juice: Freshly squeezed orange juice adds brightness, but you can substitute it with store-bought juice or even use apple juice if that’s what you have at hand.
Spices: Cinnamon adds a cozy warmth to the sauce. If you don’t like it, feel free to skip it or try using nutmeg for a different flavor.
How Do You Ensure Meatballs Stay Juicy and Flavorful?
The key to juicy meatballs lies in mixing the ingredients properly and not overworking the meat. Here’s how to make sure yours turn out perfect:
- Mix all ingredients gently until combined; overmixing can make them tough.
- Shape the meatballs carefully. Use a small ice cream scoop or your hands to maintain a consistent size, ensuring even cooking.
- Brown them in batches without overcrowding the skillet. This helps them cook evenly and get a nice golden crust.
These tips will help you create tasty meatballs that are flavorful and have the perfect texture! Enjoy making this dish!
Meatballs In Cranberry Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground beef (can substitute with ground pork or turkey)
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme or rosemary (optional)
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for frying)
For the Cranberry Sauce:
- 12 oz fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed preferred)
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon (optional)
- Pinch of salt
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish takes about 20 minutes to prep and around 30 minutes to cook, so you’ll be enjoying these meatballs in about 50 minutes! Perfect for a cozy dinner or entertaining guests.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Meatballs:
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, chopped onion, egg, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and dried herbs if you’re using them. Use your hands or a spoon to mix just until everything is combined—remember, you don’t want to overwork the meat.
2. Shape the Meatballs:
With your hands, take a portion of the mixture and roll it into a ball about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Place each meatball on a plate or tray as you go. This way, they are ready for cooking!
3. Cook the Meatballs:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once it’s hot, carefully add the meatballs in batches. Make sure not to crowd the pan, or they won’t brown nicely! Cook them for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally until they’re golden brown on all sides and fully cooked through. When done, remove them from the pan and set aside.
4. Make the Cranberry Sauce:
In a medium saucepan, mix together the cranberries, sugar, water, orange juice, lemon juice, optional cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then lower the temperature and let it simmer. Cook for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens.
5. Combine Meatballs and Sauce:
Add the cooked meatballs back into the pan with the cranberry sauce. Gently stir to coat each meatball with the sauce. Let everything simmer together for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the meatballs to warm through.
6. Serve:
Spoon the meatballs and cranberry sauce into a serving dish or individual bowls. If you’d like, garnish with a small sprig of fresh rosemary or thyme for a lovely touch! These meatballs go great with steamed rice, mashed potatoes, or just on their own.
Enjoy the sweet and tangy harmony of the cranberry sauce with savory meatballs—a delightful meal for any occasion!
Can I Use Frozen Cranberries for the Sauce?
Absolutely! Frozen cranberries work perfectly for this recipe. Just add them directly to the saucepan without thawing, and you may need to simmer a minute or two longer for them to burst and soften.
Can I Prepare the Meatballs in Advance?
Yes! You can shape the meatballs and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before cooking. This also allows the flavors to meld. Just bring them to room temperature before cooking for even results.
How to Store Leftovers
Leftover meatballs in cranberry sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm them on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave until heated through.
Can I Use Ground Chicken Instead of Beef?
Definitely! Ground chicken will work just fine and provide a lighter option. Just follow the recipe as is, adjusting the cooking time slightly if needed to ensure they are cooked through.