Hey y'all! If you're searching for a festive dish that's equal parts comforting, tangy, and irresistibly sweet, this Christmas Cranberry Meatballs Dinner is your crowd-pleasing ticket. These succulent meatballs are bathed in a vibrant cranberry sauce for the perfect harmony of flavors, whether you're hosting a holiday feast, a potluck party, or just craving some heartwarming comfort food. Grab your apron—let's get cooking!
Why You'll Love This Christmas Cranberry Meatballs Dinner
- The sweet, tart cranberry sauce makes every bite pop with flavor.
- Prep is quick and the oven does most of the work, so you can relax.
- Easy to double or halve, making it perfect for gatherings or a cozy dinner.
- Kid-friendly and adult-approved—these meatballs are always a hit.
- Great for meal prep since leftovers reheat beautifully.
Ingredients for Christmas Cranberry Meatballs Dinner
- 1 ½ lbs ground beef (80/20 or leaner)
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup whole milk
- 1 large egg
- 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon dried sage
- For the Cranberry Sauce:
- 1 can (14 oz) jellied cranberry sauce
- ½ cup ketchup
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- ¼ teaspoon ground allspice (optional)
How to Make Christmas Cranberry Meatballs Dinner
Step 1: Prep the Meatballs
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, onion, garlic, salt, pepper, thyme, and sage. Mix until just combined—don't overwork the meat.
- Roll mixture into 1 ½-inch meatballs (about 24 meatballs) and place on the prepared baking sheet.
Step 2: Bake the Meatballs
- Bake for 18-20 minutes or until browned and cooked through (internal temp should reach 160°F/71°C).
Step 3: Make the Cranberry Sauce
- While the meatballs bake, make the sauce: In a large saucepan over medium heat, whisk together cranberry sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and allspice.
- Simmer, stirring often, until smooth and slightly thickened (about 8-10 minutes).
Step 4: Combine and Finish
- Add baked meatballs to the saucepan and gently toss to coat.
- Simmer for 5 more minutes, letting flavors meld.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired!
Notes for the Perfect Christmas Cranberry Meatballs Dinner
- If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- Swap out ground beef for turkey or chicken to lighten things up.
- Read more about safe meatball internal temperatures at FoodSafety.gov.
Variations on Christmas Cranberry Meatballs Dinner
- Spicy Jalapeño: Mix 1 finely diced jalapeño into the meat mixture for a kick.
- Cocktail Style: Make smaller, 1-inch meatballs and serve as an appetizer with toothpicks.
- Vegetarian: Swap ground beef for plant-based meat or use your favorite meatless meatball recipe and toss in the same sauce.
Required Equipment for Christmas Cranberry Meatballs Dinner
- Large mixing bowl
- Baking sheet with parchment paper
- Small saucepan
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula and stirring spoon
- Meat thermometer (recommended)
Storage Instructions for Christmas Cranberry Meatballs Dinner
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freeze cooled meatballs (with or without sauce) in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave.
Suggested Pairings for Christmas Cranberry Meatballs Dinner
- Serve over creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy rice, or buttered egg noodles.
- Pair with roasted Brussels sprouts, glazed carrots, or a crisp green salad for a well-rounded meal.
- A tangy Pinot Noir or a sparkling cranberry punch is a festive beverage choice (see wine pairings here).
Pro Tips for Christmas Cranberry Meatballs Dinner
- Chill your meatball mixture for 20 minutes before rolling—this makes shaping easier and prevents sticking.
- Double the cranberry sauce if you like things extra saucy—it's great for mopping up with bread!
- Check out this guide on how to make the juiciest meatballs at Serious Eats.
FAQ: Christmas Cranberry Meatballs Dinner
- Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?
- Yes! Prep and bake the meatballs up to 2 days ahead, then just reheat in the sauce before serving.
- Is it possible to use homemade cranberry sauce?
- Absolutely—just ensure it's thick and sweet-tart for the right balance in the sauce.
- Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
- Yes, simply use certified gluten-free breadcrumbs and check your sauce ingredients to avoid gluten.
Gather your friends and family, and enjoy a merry, memorable meal with this easy and festive Christmas Cranberry Meatballs Dinner. Happy holidays and happy eating!
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds ground beef
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 (14-ounce) can jellied cranberry sauce
- ½ cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
Instructions
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1Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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2In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, parsley, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well blended.
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3Shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them onto the prepared baking sheet.
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4Bake the meatballs for 18-20 minutes until browned and cooked through.
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5Meanwhile, in a large saucepan, whisk together cranberry sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard over medium heat until smooth.
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6Add baked meatballs to the sauce, gently stirring to coat. Simmer for 10-12 minutes. Serve warm, garnished with extra parsley if desired.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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