Are you looking for the perfect festive appetizer that’s both easy to make and incredibly delicious? Look no further than these Quick Christmas Cranberry Meatballs! This recipe delivers succulent, savory meatballs bathed in a vibrant, sweet, and tangy cranberry sauce. It’s the ideal dish for holiday gatherings, potlucks, or even a cozy family dinner, guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser and impress even the pickiest eaters. Get ready to elevate your holiday spread with minimal effort and maximum flavor!
Key Ingredients for Quick Christmas Cranberry Meatballs
Here’s everything you’ll need to create these irresistible festive meatballs:
- For the Meatballs:
- 1.5 pounds (about 680g) lean ground beef (or a blend of beef and pork for extra flavor)
- 1/2 cup (about 60g) plain breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup (about 60ml) milk (any kind works)
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 1/4 cup (about 30g) finely diced yellow onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- For the Cranberry Sauce:
- 1 (14-ounce/400g) can whole berry cranberry sauce (not jellied)
- 1/2 cup (about 120ml) chili sauce (like Heinz Chili Sauce for a mild kick, or sriracha for more heat)
- 1/4 cup (about 60ml) apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons (about 30g) brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional, for extra warmth)
- For Garnish (Optional):
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Orange zest
How to Make Quick Christmas Cranberry Meatballs
This dish is astonishingly easy, delicious, and satisfying, making it a holiday season savior. The combination of juicy, perfectly seasoned meatballs simmering in a vibrant, sweet-tart cranberry glaze is a true showstopper. You’ll love its simplicity and the rich, complex flavors it offers, all coming together in just about 30-35 minutes of hands-on preparation time.
● Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Prepare the Meatball Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, beaten egg, diced onion, minced garlic, dried parsley, salt, and pepper. Gently mix everything together with your hands until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatballs tough.
- Form the Meatballs: Roll the mixture into 1-inch (2.5 cm) meatballs. You should get approximately 30-35 meatballs from this mixture. Place them on a plate or baking sheet as you form them.
- Brown the Meatballs (Optional, but Recommended for Flavor): In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the meatballs in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Brown them on all sides for about 5-7 minutes total. They don’t need to be cooked through at this stage, just nicely browned externally. Remove the browned meatballs and set aside.
- Prepare the Cranberry Sauce: In the same skillet (or a clean one if you prefer), combine the whole berry cranberry sauce, chili sauce, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, ground ginger, and optional red pepper flakes. Whisk until well combined. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
- Combine and Simmer: Once the sauce is simmering, gently add the browned meatballs back into the skillet. Stir gently to ensure all meatballs are coated in the sauce. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let the meatballs simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until they are cooked through and the sauce has thickened slightly. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Serve: Transfer the Quick Christmas Cranberry Meatballs to a serving platter or keep them warm in a slow cooker for parties. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and a sprinkle of orange zest if desired. Serve warm.
Why You’ll Love This Quick Christmas Cranberry Meatballs
You’re going to absolutely adore these Quick Christmas Cranberry Meatballs because they strike the perfect balance between festive elegance and effortless preparation. The main highlight is undoubtedly the incredible sweet and tangy cranberry sauce that perfectly complements the savory, juicy meatballs, creating a flavor explosion with every bite. Beyond their deliciousness, making these meatballs at home is incredibly cost-effective compared to store-bought alternatives or catering, letting you stretch your holiday budget further. The flavorful combination of whole berry cranberry sauce, zesty chili sauce, and a touch of brown sugar makes this dish truly special and unique.
If you enjoy the delightful interplay of sweet and savory in appetizers, you might also love our recipe for Honey Garlic Glazed Cocktail Sausages – definitely check it out for another easy party pleaser! These meatballs are not just a dish; they’re an experience, promising warmth, comfort, and festive cheer. So why wait? Whip up a batch of these glorious meatballs and watch them disappear! Your taste buds (and your wallet) will thank you.
What to Serve Quick Christmas Cranberry Meatballs With
These delightful meatballs are incredibly versatile and pair well with a variety of sides, making them perfect for any gathering:
- As an Appetizer: Serve simply with toothpicks for easy grabbing.
- Alongside Rice or Mashed Potatoes: For a more substantial meal, spoon the meatballs and extra sauce over a bed of fluffy white rice or creamy mashed potatoes.
- With Crusty Bread: A crusty baguette is perfect for soaking up every last drop of that delicious cranberry sauce.
- Green Salad: A light, fresh green salad with a simple vinaigrette can cut through the richness and provide a refreshing contrast.
- Roasted Vegetables: Roasted Brussels sprouts, green beans, or asparagus offer a healthy and flavorful side that complements the festive flavors.
- Beverage Pairings: For drinks, a dry sparkling wine, a light-bodied Pinot Noir, or even a spiced apple cider would be excellent choices to complement the sweet and tangy notes.
Top Tips for Perfecting Quick Christmas Cranberry Meatballs
- Don’t Overmix the Meat: When combining the meatball ingredients, mix lightly until just combined. Overmixing can compact the meat, leading to tough meatballs.
- Use a Scoop for Uniformity: A small cookie scoop or an ice cream scoop can help you create consistently sized meatballs, ensuring even cooking.
- Brown for Flavor: While you can cook the meatballs directly in the sauce, browning them beforehand in a skillet adds a delicious depth of flavor and helps them hold their shape better.
- Adjust Sweetness/Spiciness to Taste: Feel free to modify the amount of brown sugar for more sweetness or red pepper flakes for more heat in the sauce, according to your preference.
- Slow Cooker Option: These meatballs are fantastic in a slow cooker! After browning the meatballs (or without browning if you’re short on time, though browning adds flavor), combine them with the sauce ingredients in a slow cooker. Cook on low for 3-4 hours or on high for 1.5-2 hours, stirring occasionally. This is perfect for parties.
- Ingredient Substitutions:
- Meat: Ground turkey or chicken work well for a lighter option.
- Breadcrumbs: Gluten-free breadcrumbs can be used for a gluten-free version. Crushed Ritz crackers also make a delicious substitute for breadcrumbs.
- Chili Sauce: If you can’t find chili sauce, a combination of ketchup, a dash of Worcestershire sauce, and a pinch of cayenne pepper can work in a pinch.
- Cranberry Sauce: While whole berry is recommended for texture, jellied cranberry sauce can be used if that’s all you have; simply whisk it thoroughly.
Storing and Reheating Tips
These Quick Christmas Cranberry Meatballs are excellent made ahead and store well, making them a fantastic option for meal prep or party planning.
- Refrigeration: Store any leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: For longer storage, allow the meatballs and sauce to cool completely. Transfer them to a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bags. They can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating:
- Stovetop: Gently reheat the meatballs and sauce in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Add a splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened too much.
- Microwave: For individual portions, microwave on medium power, stirring every minute, until hot.
- Oven: If reheating a larger batch, place them in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and bake at 300°F (150°C) for 20-30 minutes, or until heated through.
Final Thoughts
These Quick Christmas Cranberry Meatballs are more than just an appetizer; they’re a celebration of festive flavors, effortless cooking, and heartwarming gatherings. Whether you’re hosting a grand holiday party or simply looking for a delicious weeknight meal that feels special, this recipe delivers on all fronts. With their tantalizing sweet and tangy glaze, juicy texture, and incredible ease of preparation, they are set to become a beloved staple in your holiday repertoire. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and prepare to delight your taste buds and those of your loved ones with this truly irresistible dish!
try also :
- Lentil and Sweet Potato Salad
- Cranberry Brie Bites
- Crispy Sweet Potato Bites
- Matcha Cake Recipe
- find more in Pinterest
Quick Christmas Cranberry Meatballs FAQs
Q1: Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?
A1: Absolutely! You can prepare and cook the meatballs entirely up to 2-3 days in advance and store them in the refrigerator in their sauce. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in a slow cooker. You can also form the raw meatballs a day ahead and store them covered in the fridge, then cook them fresh.
Q2: Can I use frozen meatballs?
A2: Yes, you can! To save time, you can certainly use pre-cooked frozen meatballs. Simply add them directly to the simmering cranberry sauce and allow them to cook for 20-25 minutes, or until they are heated through and have absorbed the flavors of the sauce.
Q3: Is this recipe spicy?
A3: The chili sauce used (like Heinz Chili Sauce) is typically mild with a slight tang and a hint of sweetness, not overtly spicy. If you prefer more heat, you can add extra red pepper flakes or even a dash of sriracha to the sauce. If you want it completely mild, you can reduce or omit the chili sauce and add a bit more ketchup for body and brown sugar for sweetness.
Q4: Can I make this in a slow cooker?
A4: Yes, it’s an excellent slow cooker recipe! After browning your meatballs (or without if you’re pressed for time), combine them with the sauce ingredients in your slow cooker. Cook on low for 3-4 hours or on high for 1.5-2 hours, stirring occasionally, until the meatballs are cooked through and tender. This is perfect for keeping them warm during a party.
Q5: What kind of ground meat should I use?
A5: Lean ground beef (80/20 or 85/15) works perfectly. For added flavor and moisture, you can use a mix of ground beef and ground pork, or even ground turkey or chicken if you prefer a lighter option.
Quick Christmas Cranberry Meatballs
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, beaten egg, diced onion, minced garlic, dried parsley, salt, and pepper. Gently mix everything together with your hands until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatballs tough.1.5 pounds lean ground beef, 1/2 cup plain breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup milk, 1 large egg, 1/4 cup yellow onion, 2 cloves garlic, 1 teaspoon dried parsley, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Roll the mixture into 1-inch (2.5 cm) meatballs. You should get approximately 30-35 meatballs from this mixture. Place them on a plate or baking sheet as you form them.
- In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the meatballs in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Brown them on all sides for about 5-7 minutes total. They don’t need to be cooked through at this stage, just nicely browned externally. Remove the browned meatballs and set aside.
- In the same skillet (or a clean one if you prefer), combine the whole berry cranberry sauce, chili sauce, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, ground ginger, and optional red pepper flakes. Whisk until well combined. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally.1 can (14-ounce) whole berry cranberry sauce, 1/2 cup chili sauce, 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger, Pinch red pepper flakes
- Once the sauce is simmering, gently add the browned meatballs back into the skillet. Stir gently to ensure all meatballs are coated in the sauce. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let the meatballs simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until they are cooked through and the sauce has thickened slightly. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Transfer the Quick Christmas Cranberry Meatballs to a serving platter or keep them warm in a slow cooker for parties. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and a sprinkle of orange zest if desired. Serve warm.Fresh parsley, Orange zest