Meatballs with Cranberry Sauce: Celebrate Thanksgiving in a Different Way

Cranberry sauce meatballs are the perfect party appetizer, sweet, tangy, and savory all in one bite. They combine juicy meatballs with a sticky cranberry glaze that’s both festive and irresistible. These meatballs are easy to make and ideal for holiday gatherings, potlucks, or game-day snacks.


🥣 Ingredients (Best Tested)

  • 1½ lbs ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter version)
  • 1 egg
  • ½ cup breadcrumbs
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ tsp onion powder
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 cup cranberry sauce (homemade or canned)
  • ½ cup chili sauce (or ketchup for milder flavor)
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar (optional for extra sweetness)
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • Fresh parsley, for garnish

🔪 Short Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Mix beef, egg, breadcrumbs, garlic, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Form into small meatballs.
  2. Bake meatballs on a lined baking sheet for 18–20 minutes, until cooked through.
  3. In a saucepan, combine cranberry sauce, chili sauce, brown sugar, and Worcestershire. Heat until smooth.
  4. Toss cooked meatballs in the cranberry glaze until coated.
  5. Garnish with parsley and serve warm as an appetizer.

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