Savory Quick Cranberry Meatballs for Effortless Entertaining Recipe
These Savory Quick Cranberry Meatballs combine the rich flavors of lean ground pork with a tangy-sweet cranberry sauce, making them an ideal appetizer or dinner option for effortless entertaining. The recipe balances savory spices, a hint of sweetness, and a luscious sauce, all baked to perfection for a crowd-pleasing dish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings (approximately 32 meatballs) 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
For the Meatballs
- 2 large eggs (acts as a binder)
- 1/3 cup tomato ketchup (adds moisture and sweetness)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper (gives a subtle kick)
- 1 small onion, grated or finely diced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1/2 tsp salt (essential for flavor)
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce (adds umami)
- 1 ½ lbs lean ground pork (star ingredient)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko recommended)
- 3 tbsp packed brown sugar (sweetens the flavor)
For the Cranberry Sauce
- 2 cups cranberry sauce (star of the dish)
- 1 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 cup tomato ketchup (Heinz recommended)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350℉ (175℃) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure easy cleanup and prevent sticking.
- Mix Meatball Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the eggs, tomato ketchup, black pepper, grated onion, chopped parsley, salt, Worcestershire sauce, lean ground pork, breadcrumbs, and brown sugar. Mix thoroughly until the mixture is uniform and well incorporated.
- Form Meatballs: Shape the mixture into medium-sized meatballs, aiming to make approximately 32 pieces. Make sure they are evenly sized for consistent cooking.
- Bake Meatballs: Arrange the meatballs evenly on the prepared baking sheet. Bake them in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, until cooked through and browned on the outside.
- Prepare Cranberry Sauce: While the meatballs bake, prepare the sauce by combining the cranberry sauce, lemon juice, and tomato ketchup in a skillet over medium heat, stirring gently.
- Combine Meatballs and Sauce: Reduce the heat to low and carefully add the baked meatballs into the skillet with the cranberry sauce. Stir gently to coat the meatballs evenly and heat through.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish the meatballs with freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant finish and serve warm to enjoy their full flavor.
Notes
- Use panko breadcrumbs for a lighter texture in the meatballs.
- Make sure to finely grate or dice the onion so it incorporates well and doesn’t overpower the texture.
- For a sweeter sauce, add a little extra brown sugar or cranberry sauce to taste.
- These meatballs can be made ahead and reheated in the sauce for convenience.
- Serve with toothpicks for easy entertaining at parties.
Keywords: cranberry meatballs, quick meatballs, savory meatballs, cranberry sauce, holiday appetizer, easy dinner recipe
