Description
Juicy homemade meatballs coated in a sweet and tangy cranberry sauce a festive holiday appetizer or main dish bursting with flavor and holiday cheer.
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef
1/2 lb ground pork
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup milk
1 egg
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 small onion, finely grated
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp dried thyme
1/4 tsp nutmeg
1 tbsp olive oil (for browning)
For the cranberry sauce:
1 can (14 oz) jellied cranberry sauce
3/4 cup barbecue sauce
2 tbsp brown sugar
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
1 tsp Dijon mustard
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, garlic, onion, salt, pepper, thyme, and nutmeg. Mix gently until combined.
3. Shape into 1-inch meatballs and place on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until browned and cooked through.
5. While meatballs bake, combine cranberry sauce, barbecue sauce, brown sugar, vinegar, and mustard in a large skillet or saucepan.
6. Heat over medium-low until smooth and simmering.
7. Add baked meatballs to the skillet and toss to coat evenly.
8. Simmer for 5–10 minutes to let the flavors blend.
9. Serve warm, garnished with parsley or extra cranberry sauce.
Notes
For easier prep, use frozen cooked meatballs and simmer them directly in the sauce.
Try adding a dash of orange zest for a citrusy twist.
Perfect for holiday parties or served over rice or mashed potatoes as a main dish.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baked & Simmered
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4–5 meatballs
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: cranberry meatballs, holiday appetizer, Christmas party food, sweet and tangy sauce