There's something downright irresistible about tender meatballs glazed in a tangy-sweet sauce, especially when that sauce shines with the bright pop of fresh cranberries. This Cranberry Meatballs Recipe strikes the perfect balance between cozy comfort food and festive flair, making it a favorite for both casual dinners and holiday gatherings.

The image shows a white pan filled with round meatballs covered in thick, bright red tomato sauce. The sauce has a smooth yet chunky texture with bits of herbs sprinkled across its surface, adding small green specks that contrast with the deep red. A dark wooden spoon is partially submerged in the sauce on the right side, revealing the slightly golden-brown color of the meatballs underneath. The pan sits on a blue cloth with a white marbled surface beneath it. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Cranberry Meatballs Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Cranberry Meatballs Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Cranberry Meatballs Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I've made countless meatball recipes over the years, but something about this cranberry version always brings a smile—and a second helping! It's got just the right amount of sweet and tart, mixed with juicy, flavorful meatballs that almost melt in your mouth.

Perfect balance of flavors: The cranberry sauce adds a bright, tangy contrast to the savory meatballs, making each bite exciting.
Great for any occasion: Whether it’s a weeknight meal or a holiday party, these meatballs feel special but are easy to make.
Simple ingredients: You don’t need anything fancy, and pantry staples combine perfectly here.
Make-ahead friendly: These meatballs keep well and reheat beautifully, which is a total lifesaver when entertaining.

A white round pan filled with many meatballs covered in thick dark red sauce with a shiny texture, garnished with small pieces of green herbs scattered on top. A golden spoon is partially dipped in the sauce, lifting some meatballs. Around the pan, there are a few red cherries on a white marbled surface, with a blue cloth on the left side. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient plays a key role in this Cranberry Meatballs Recipe. The ground pork makes the meatballs juicy without overwhelming heaviness, while the panko breadcrumbs keep the texture light and tender. The sauce ingredients balance sweet and sour notes to complement the meatballs perfectly.

Flat lay of a small white ceramic bowl filled with whole fresh cranberries, a small white ceramic bowl containing bright red ketchup, a small white ceramic bowl with packed brown sugar, a small white ceramic bowl holding freshly squeezed lemon juice, a few sprigs of fresh chopped parsley on a white ceramic plate, two large whole uncracked brown eggs, a small white ceramic bowl of fine light panko breadcrumbs, half a small peeled onion finely grated, a neat mound of raw extra-lean ground pork shaped naturally on a white ceramic dish, arranged with perfect symmetry and realistic proportions, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Ground pork: Its natural fat content locks in moisture, making for juicy meatballs that never dry out.
Panko breadcrumbs: These give a delicate texture that helps the meatballs stay tender but firm.
Onion (grated or finely chopped): Adds subtle sweetness and depth without big chunks getting in the way.
Eggs: Work as the binder holding everything together so your meatballs don’t fall apart.
Ketchup & Worcestershire sauce: They build savory, tangy undertones in the meat mixture, boosting flavor complexity.
Fresh parsley: Brightens the flavor with a fresh herbal note.
Cranberry sauce: This is the star of the show—either homemade or store-bought whole berry sauce works wonderfully.
Brown sugar: Balances the tartness of the cranberries for a smooth, luscious sauce.
Fresh lemon juice: Adds a hint of acidity to keep the sauce lively and not overly sweet.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of my favorite things about this Cranberry Meatballs Recipe is how easy it is to tweak. Some days, I like to add a pinch of cinnamon or allspice to the sauce for a warm, cozy touch. You can also swap the pork for ground turkey if that’s what you have on hand—just watch the cooking time to keep them juicy.

Variation: I once added chopped fresh rosemary to the meatball mix, and it elevated the flavor beautifully—perfect if you want something a bit more herbaceous.
Make it vegetarian: Try using lentil or mushroom-based meatball substitutes with the same cranberry sauce for a meatless twist.
Mild or spicy: A splash of hot sauce in the sauce adds a fun kick if you love a little heat.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Cranberry Meatballs Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Meatball Mix Just Right

Start by grating or finely chopping the onion—it melts into the mixture better when finely prepared, which keeps your meatballs tender and flavorful but without big chunks. Toss it into a large bowl with the ground pork, panko breadcrumbs, eggs, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, fresh parsley, salt, and pepper. I like to mix everything with my hands—trust me, it helps you feel the right consistency. You want it moist but not sticky enough to stick to your hands.

Step 2: Shape and Bake to Perfection

Wet your hands with a little water—this prevents the mixture from sticking—and form medium-sized meatballs around the size of a golf ball. I find about 30-35 meatballs is just right for this batch. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper so they don’t stick. Pop them into a 350°F oven for about 20 to 25 minutes, or until an internal thermometer reads 160°F. Baking instead of frying saves you the mess and keeps things lighter.

Step 3: Simmer in That Amazing Cranberry Sauce

While your meatballs bake, mix cranberry sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, and freshly squeezed lemon juice in a skillet. Bring it to a boil over medium heat, then reduce to a simmer. When the meatballs are done, toss them gently into the sauce and cook them together for a few minutes so each meatball gets perfectly coated with that glossy, tangy-sweet goodness.

Top Tip

I’ve made this recipe enough times to know a few little tricks that make it come out just right—these tips have saved me from undercooked meatballs and overly sweet sauces more times than I can count.

Don’t skip the thermometer: Using a meat thermometer ensures perfectly cooked meatballs that stay juicy without drying out.
Use whole berry cranberry sauce: The texture and tartness of whole berries add a beautiful dimension unmatched by jellied sauce.
Let the sauce simmer with the meatballs: This step helps the flavors meld and coats the meatballs with that irresistible glaze.
Adjust sweetness last: After simmering, taste your sauce and add lemon juice or sugar as needed—this keeps the flavor balanced every time.

How to Serve Cranberry Meatballs Recipe

cranberry meatballs - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the finished platter, just for that touch of green and freshness. Sometimes, I add a few whole cranberries on top for a festive pop of color and extra tart burst that guests seem to love.

Side Dishes

These cranberry meatballs are fantastic served alongside creamy mashed potatoes, buttery dinner rolls, or even a zesty coleslaw. On busy nights, I love to pile them on top of rice or egg noodles for a satisfying one-bowl meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For holidays or parties, I’ve arranged these meatballs in a festive serving dish with cinnamon sticks as stirrers—yes, it sounds quirky, but guests always ask for seconds. You can also serve them toothpick-style on a beautiful platter with some fresh rosemary sprigs for an elegant appetizer vibe.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I cool the baked meatballs completely, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When it’s time to eat, I reheat them gently in the sauce on the stove—that way, they soak up delicious flavors and stay moist.

Freezing

If I’m prepping ahead or want a quick meal later, I freeze the cooked meatballs separately from the sauce in freezer-safe containers or bags. This helps maintain texture and flavor. When ready, I thaw overnight in the fridge and warm them on the stove.

Reheating

Reheating on the stovetop over low heat works best for me—it gently warms everything without drying out the meatballs or turning the sauce gluey. If you’re in a rush, warming in the microwave in short increments with a cover also does the trick.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use ground beef instead of pork in this Cranberry Meatballs Recipe?

Absolutely! Ground beef or a mix of beef and pork works well. Just keep an eye on cooking time, as beef can cook faster and dry out if overdone.

Is store-bought cranberry sauce okay to use?

Yes, store-bought cranberry sauce is perfectly fine and a huge time-saver. I recommend choosing whole berry cranberry sauce for the best texture and bursts of cranberry flavor.

Can I freeze the cooked meatballs with sauce already on them?

It's best to freeze meatballs and sauce separately to maintain flavor and texture. When thawed, reheat them together on the stove for a fresh-from-the-kitchen taste.

How do I prevent the meatballs from falling apart?

Make sure to include the eggs and breadcrumbs as binders, and avoid over-mixing the meat. Also, wetting your hands when shaping helps keep the meatballs intact.

Final Thoughts

This Cranberry Meatballs Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen rotation—not only because it tastes amazing but because it’s so versatile and easy to prepare. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, it brings warmth and a touch of sweetness that makes everyday meals feel like a celebration. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite comfort food that’s perfect year-round.