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Sweet & Tangy Cranberry Sauce Meatballs – The Perfect Holiday Party Appetizer


  • Author: David Tag
  • Total Time: 50 minutes

Ingredients

Scale

For the Meatballs

  • 1 lb ground beef (or half beef, half ground turkey)

  • ½ cup breadcrumbs

  • 1 large egg

  • 2 tbsp milk

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • ½ small onion, grated

  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

  • ¾ tsp salt

  • ¼ tsp black pepper

  • 12 tbsp olive oil (for browning)

For the Cranberry Sauce Glaze

  • 14 oz can cranberry sauce (whole berry or jellied)

  • 1 cup chili sauce

  • 2 tbsp brown sugar

  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar

  • ½ tsp garlic powder

  • ½ tsp onion powder

  • Pinch red pepper flakes (optional)

  • Fresh parsley, for garnish


Instructions

  • In a large bowl, mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, garlic, onion, egg, milk, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Combine gently.

  • Shape into 1-inch meatballs (about 20–24).

  • Heat olive oil in a large skillet and brown meatballs on all sides (6–8 minutes). Remove and set aside.

  • In the same skillet, combine cranberry sauce, chili sauce, brown sugar, vinegar, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir until smooth.

  • Return meatballs to the pan, coat with sauce, cover, and simmer for 15–20 minutes until cooked through.

  • Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.

Notes

For parties, transfer to a slow cooker and keep warm on low. Meatballs freeze beautifully for up to 2 months.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes