Can I use a different meat?

Absolutely! While turkey keeps them lean, you can use ground chicken, beef, or even a mix of chicken and beef for extra richness.

Can I use store-bought cranberry sauce?

Yes! Canned cranberry sauce works beautifully here. If you’re feeling fancy, use whole-berry sauce for a chunkier texture.

How do I store leftovers?

Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them over low heat on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if the sauce thickens too much.

Definitely. Freeze cooked meatballs (with sauce) in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Quick Cranberry Meatballs: 4 Steps to Festive Bliss

Description

These Quick Cranberry Meatballs are a festive, crowd-pleasing favorite! Juicy turkey meatballs are baked to perfection and tossed in a glossy, sweet-tangy cranberry glaze. Perfect for Christmas parties, potlucks, or a cozy dinner at home. Ready in under 45 minutes!

Ingredients

Scale

For the Meatballs:

1 small onion, grated or finely diced
1 ½ pounds ground turkey
1 cup breadcrumbs (like panko)
2 large eggs
1/3 cup tomato ketchup
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
1/2 teaspoon black pepper (adjust to taste)

For the Sauce:

2 cups cranberry sauce (homemade or packaged)
1 cup tomato ketchup
3 tablespoons packed brown sugar
1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice

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Instructions

Preheat: Set oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Mix: In a large bowl, combine all meatball ingredients and mix until well blended.
Shape: Wet your hands slightly, then form mixture into medium-sized balls (about 32 total).
Bake: Place meatballs on the prepared sheet and bake 20–25 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 160°F.
Prepare Sauce: While baking, mix cranberry sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, and lemon juice in a large skillet. Heat until it begins to boil, then reduce to a simmer.
Combine: Add baked meatballs to the sauce, stirring to coat. Simmer a few minutes until heated through and glossy.
Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm as an appetizer or main dish.

Notes

Use store-bought cranberry sauce for convenience, or homemade for a richer flavor.
These meatballs can be made ahead and reheated in a slow cooker for parties.
Try serving them over rice or with mashed potatoes for a complete meal.
For a chunkier texture, use whole-berry cranberry sauce.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Appetizer / Main Dish
Method: Baked + Simmered
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 4 meatballs
Calories: 285 kcal
Sugar: 18 g
Sodium: 480 mg
Fat: 8 g
Saturated Fat: 2 g
Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 32 g
Fiber: 1 g
Protein: 21 g
Cholesterol: 105 mg