Description
These Christmas Cranberry Meatballs are sweet, savory, and perfectly festive—coated in a glossy cranberry sauce that makes them the star of any holiday party, potluck, or family dinner. Easy to make, loved by everyone, and guaranteed to bring warm holiday magic to your table.
Ingredients
Meatballs
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2 large eggs
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1/3 cup tomato ketchup
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1/2 tsp black pepper
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1 small onion, grated or finely diced
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1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
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1/2 tsp salt
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2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
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1 ½ lbs lean ground beef or turkey (or mix)
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1 cup breadcrumbs (Panko recommended)
Sauce
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3 tbsp packed brown sugar
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2 cups cranberry sauce
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1 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
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1 cup tomato ketchup
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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In a large bowl, combine all meatball ingredients. Mix until well combined.
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Wet your hands and roll into medium-sized meatballs—about 32 meatballs total.
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Arrange on the baking sheet and bake 20–25 minutes, or until they reach 160°F internally.
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While they bake, combine all sauce ingredients in a large skillet over medium heat.
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Bring the sauce to a gentle boil, then reduce heat.
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Add the cooked meatballs to the sauce and simmer until heated through and well coated.
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Garnish with extra parsley and serve warm.
Notes
A small cookie scoop helps keep all meatballs the same size for even cooking.
You can keep these warm in a slow cooker on the “Warm” setting for parties.
Ground turkey, beef, or a mix works great—use what you love!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Dinner
- Method: Baked + Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 meatballs
- Calories: 268 kcal
- Sugar: 19 g
- Sodium: 512 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 88 mg