Sweet Savory Cranberry Meatballs (Printable Version)

Juicy meatballs simmered in tangy cranberry sauce for a sweet-spicy bite; festive and perfect for gatherings.

# What You'll Need:

→ Meatball Mixture

01 - 1 pound ground beef
02 - 1/2 pound ground pork
03 - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
04 - 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
05 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
06 - 1 large egg
07 - 1/4 cup milk
08 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
09 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
10 - 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice (optional)
11 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

→ Cranberry Sauce

12 - 1 can (14 ounces) jellied cranberry sauce
13 - 1/2 cup chili sauce
14 - 2 tablespoons brown sugar
15 - 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
16 - 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
17 - 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

# Steps to Follow:

01 - Preheat oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 - In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, onion, garlic, egg, milk, salt, black pepper, optional allspice, and parsley. Mix gently until just combined.
03 - Form the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and arrange evenly on the prepared baking sheet.
04 - Bake for 15 to 18 minutes until browned and cooked through.
05 - While meatballs bake, add cranberry sauce, chili sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and optional cayenne pepper to a large saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring, until the mixture is smooth and bubbling, about 5 minutes.
06 - Add baked meatballs to the saucepan. Stir gently to coat and simmer on low heat for 7 to 10 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.
07 - Serve meatballs warm as an appetizer with toothpicks or over rice as a main course.

# Additional Tips::

01 -
  • Uses simple ingredients you can find year round
  • Ready in under an hour and totally make ahead friendly
  • Flexible for appetizers or served as a hearty main
  • The sauce brings sweet tart and subtle heat all together
02 -
  • High in protein from beef and pork
  • Makes easy leftovers and freezes beautifully
  • A party favorite for potlucks game day or holiday spreads
  • The contrast of sweet cranberry and savory meat always wows guests
03 -
  • Mix meatball ingredients with your fingertips and do not compress the mixture or your meatballs will be dense
  • Lining your baking sheet with parchment not only prevents sticking but makes cleanup a breeze
  • After adding meatballs to sauce let them simmer but avoid over stirring which can break them apart

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