meatball and cranberry sauce recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best meatball and cranberry sauce recipe

I’ve always been a fan of hearty, comforting meals that warm the soul, and this meatball and cranberry sauce recipe is one of my go-to’s. It’s a classic combination that never fails to impress, and it’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. The meatballs are made with ground beef and pork, giving them a rich, meaty flavor that’s balanced by the sweet and tangy cranberry sauce.

I like to serve it over egg noodles or with some crusty bread on the side, but honestly, you can’t go wrong with just a big ol’ plate of meatballs and sauce. My kids love helping me mix together the meatball ingredients and rolling them into balls – it’s a fun little activity that gets them involved in the kitchen. And let’s be real, who doesn’t love a good meatball?

They’re just so easy to make and customize to your liking. I like to add in some chopped onions and bell peppers for extra flavor, but feel free to get creative and add in your own favorite ingredients. This recipe is also great because it makes a big batch, so you can freeze some for later or take it to potlucks and gatherings.

The best part is that it’s relatively healthy compared to other comfort foods – we’re talkin’ lean meats, fresh veggies, and no added preservatives or sugars. Plus, it’s just so darn delicious! My husband always requests this dish when we’re having guests over, and I’m happy to oblige because it’s just so easy to make in bulk.

We’ve even started serving it at our family gatherings – everyone loves it! I’ve tried making this recipe with different types of meat, but beef and pork are my top picks – they have the perfect balance of flavor and texture. If you’re looking for a new recipe to try out on your loved ones, look no further!

This one’s a winner.

Meatball and Cranberry Sauce

4.7 from 1897 votes

A comforting dish featuring tender meatballs in a tangy cranberry sauce. Perfect for a hearty meal.

Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time40 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time1 hr 10 mins
Servings: 6Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 450 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Meatballs

1 lb ground beef
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1 egg
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper

For the Cranberry Sauce

1 1/2 cups fresh cranberries
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup orange juice
1/2 cup water
1 tsp orange zest
1 cinnamon stick
pinch of salt

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat oven to 400°F.
2In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, onion, garlic, breadcrumbs, egg, salt, and black pepper.
3Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
4Form the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.
5Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, ensuring they are not touching.
6Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the meatballs are browned and cooked through, with an internal temperature of 160°F.
7While the meatballs are baking, prepare the cranberry sauce.
8In a medium saucepan, combine cranberries, sugar, orange juice, water, orange zest, cinnamon stick, and a pinch of salt.
9Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
10Reduce heat to medium and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries have burst and the sauce has thickened.
11Once the meatballs are done, remove them from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes.
12Add the meatballs to the cranberry sauce, gently stirring to coat them evenly.
13Simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
14Remove the cinnamon stick from the sauce.
15Serve the meatballs and cranberry sauce hot, over mashed potatoes or with crusty bread to soak up the sauce.

🔧Equipment

Mixing bowl
Baking sheet
Oven
Saucepan

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 450 kcal🧈Total Fat: 25g💛Saturated Fat: 10g❤️Cholesterol: 100mg🧂Sodium: 800mg🌾Total Carbs: 35g🥦Dietary Fiber: 2g🍬Sugars: 20g🥩Protein: 20g

📝Notes

Tips: You can adjust the sweetness of the cranberry sauce by adding more or less sugar. For a spicier sauce, add a pinch of cayenne pepper.

This meatball and cranberry sauce recipe is always a good idea for any occasion – whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just need something comforting on a Tuesday night. It’s easy to make in bulk, freezes well, and reheats beautifully for leftovers.

For storage ideas, try freezing individual portions of cooked meatballs in an ice cube tray for easy future meals. You can also reheat them in the microwave or oven for a quick snack or meal prep option.

For serving ideas, try pairing with some crusty bread or over egg noodles for an extra-special treat.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Meatball and Cranberry Sauce

Q: What type of meat should I use for the meatballs?

I recommend using a combination of ground beef and pork for the best flavor – they have a nice balance of richness and tenderness.

Q: Can I use store-bought cranberry sauce?

While store-bought cranberry sauce is convenient, I highly recommend making your own from scratch – it’s surprisingly easy and tastes so much better!

Q: How do I prevent the meatballs from falling apart?

Make sure to not overmix the meatball mixture – you want it to hold together well without being too dense.

Q: Can I make this recipe in advance?

Yes! You can prepare the meatball mixture up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the fridge until ready to cook.

Q: What if I don’t have any cranberry sauce on hand?

No worries! You can substitute with another sweetened condiment like honey mustard or BBQ sauce – just keep in mind that the flavor will be slightly different.

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