Christmas cranberry beef meatballs have become my absolute go-to for holiday parties, and I’m so excited to share my favorite Christmas cranberry beef meatballs recipe with you! I remember my first holiday gathering where I served these, and the aroma of the savory beef mingling with the sweet, tangy cranberry glaze filled my kitchen, making everyone’s eyes light up. The bright red glaze glistening on the perfectly browned meatballs looked so festive, like little edible ornaments! They’re truly a crowd-pleasing, festive cranberry beef meatballs appetizer that disappears in minutes. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Christmas Cranberry Beef Meatballs
These aren’t just any meatballs; they’re little bites of holiday magic! Here’s why you’ll be making this recipe year after year:
- Taste Sensation: The savory beef perfectly balances the sweet and tangy cranberry glaze for an unforgettable flavor.
- Quick Prep: You can whip up these easy Christmas cranberry beef meatballs in just 15 minutes, leaving you more time to enjoy the holidays.
- Healthier Choice: Made with lean ground beef and packed with flavor, they offer a satisfying appetizer without being too heavy.
- Budget-Friendly: All the ingredients are readily available and affordable, making them a great choice for festive entertaining.
- Family Favorite: Even the pickiest eaters love these delicious holiday beef meatballs with cranberry sauce.
- Effortless Entertaining: They’re incredibly easy Christmas cranberry beef meatballs to make for any holiday gathering or Christmas party.
- Versatile Appetizer: Serve them warm for a classic holiday appetizer or as part of a larger festive spread.
Ingredients for Your Christmas Cranberry Beef Meatballs
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making these delightful Christmas cranberry beef meatballs. This cranberry sauce beef meatballs recipe uses simple pantry staples for maximum holiday flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 pound ground beef – I prefer 80/20 for the best flavor and juiciness.
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs – Panko or regular work well to bind the meatballs.
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion – This adds a subtle savory depth. Make sure it’s chopped very small!
- 1 egg, lightly beaten – Our binder! Using a room temperature egg helps it incorporate better.
- 2 tablespoons milk – This helps keep the meatballs tender and moist.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt – Essential for bringing out all the flavors.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper – Just a touch for a little warmth.
- 1 (16 ounce) jar jellied cranberry sauce – The star of our glaze!
- 1/4 cup chili sauce – Adds a little tang and depth to the cranberry glaze.
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce – For that umami kick in the glaze.
How to Make Christmas Cranberry Beef Meatballs
Get ready to impress your guests with these incredibly easy and delicious Christmas cranberry beef meatballs! This recipe is straightforward, making it perfect for even beginner cooks. I love how quickly these come together, and the smell that fills the house while they bake is pure holiday bliss. If you’re short on oven space or time, remember you can adapt this to a slow cooker cranberry beef meatballs Christmas option by following the tips later on.
Making the Meatballs
First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large bowl, gently combine 1 pound ground beef, 1/2 cup breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup finely chopped onion, 1 egg, lightly beaten, 2 tablespoons milk, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Mix just until everything is combined – overmixing can make them tough! Roll the mixture into about 1-inch balls. Place them on a baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes until they look beautifully browned and are cooked through.
Crafting the Cranberry Glaze
While the meatballs are baking, let’s make that irresistible glaze! In a small saucepan, whisk together 1 (16 ounce) jar jellied cranberry sauce, 1/4 cup chili sauce, and 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce. Heat this mixture over low heat, stirring constantly. You’ll see the jellied sauce smooth out beautifully, creating a glossy, vibrant red glaze that smells wonderfully sweet and tangy. Keep stirring until it’s warm and smooth.
Combining Meatballs and Glaze
Once the meatballs are baked to perfection, carefully add them to the pot with the warm cranberry glaze. Gently stir everything together. I like to use a rubber spatula to make sure each meatball gets evenly coated in that gorgeous, glistening cranberry sauce without breaking them. This step is crucial for that signature flavor and festive look that makes these holiday beef meatballs with cranberry sauce so special.
Pro Tips for the Best Christmas Cranberry Beef Meatballs
Making these festive meatballs is already simple, but a few tricks can elevate them from good to absolutely unforgettable. These tips will help ensure your Christmas cranberry beef meatballs are a huge hit at any holiday gathering.
- Don’t overmix the meatball mixture; handle it gently for the most tender results.
- Bake the meatballs on a rack set over a baking sheet. This allows air to circulate for even browning.
- If you’re using a store-bought glaze, taste it first – some chili sauces can be quite spicy!
- For a richer flavor, you can add a pinch of dried rosemary or thyme to the meatball mix.
What’s the secret to perfect Christmas cranberry beef meatballs?
The key to the absolute best cranberry beef meatballs Christmas offers is in the glaze. Using both jellied cranberry sauce and chili sauce creates a perfect balance of sweet and tangy. Worcestershire sauce adds a depth of savory flavor that makes them irresistible. For more information on flavor balancing in sauces, check out this guide on homemade sweet chili sauce.
Can I make homemade cranberry beef meatballs holiday ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can form the meatballs and store them uncooked in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. The glaze can also be made ahead and gently reheated. This makes assembly on the day of your party a breeze! For other make-ahead party ideas, explore these last-minute recipes.
How do I avoid common mistakes with holiday beef meatballs with cranberry sauce?
A common pitfall is overmixing the meat, leading to tough meatballs. Mix just until combined! Also, ensure your oven is fully preheated to the correct temperature for even cooking. Finally, be gentle when coating the meatballs in the glaze to keep them intact.
Best Ways to Serve Christmas Cranberry Beef Meatballs
These delightful Christmas cranberry beef meatballs are incredibly versatile, making them a star at any holiday gathering. They’re perfect served warm straight from the glaze as a standalone appetizer. For a more substantial spread, consider them part of a festive charcuterie board alongside cheeses, crackers, and fruit. They also pair beautifully with classic holiday sides like mashed potatoes or a festive green salad. If you’re looking for a show-stopping dish, this festive beef meatballs with cranberry sauce recipe is ideal for creating a memorable appetizer station that guests will rave about all season long. You might also enjoy these Korean BBQ Meatballs for another appetizer option.
Nutrition Facts for Christmas Cranberry Beef Meatballs
These festive Christmas cranberry beef meatballs are a delicious addition to any holiday party. Here’s a breakdown of the estimated nutritional values per serving (approximately 3-4 meatballs):
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Protein: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 300mg
Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used in your Christmas cranberry beef meatballs recipe. For more information on general meatball nutrition, you can consult resources on USDA food data.
How to Store and Reheat Cranberry Beef Meatballs for Christmas
One of the best things about these cranberry beef meatballs is how easy they are to prep ahead! To store them, make sure they’ve cooled down completely after cooking. Then, place them in an airtight container. In the refrigerator, they’ll stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days. If you need to keep them longer, freezing is a great option. Wrap them well in plastic wrap, then in foil, and they can be frozen for up to 3 months. For reheating, you can gently warm them in a saucepan over low heat with a splash of extra cranberry sauce or chili sauce. If you made them using a slow cooker holiday meatballs cranberry recipe, you can often reheat them right in the slow cooker on a low setting for an hour or two until heated through. Just be sure they are piping hot before serving!
Frequently Asked Questions About Christmas Cranberry Beef Meatballs
How do I make Christmas cranberry beef meatballs without baking?
You can easily make these meatballs using a slow cooker! Combine the meatball mixture and the glaze ingredients in your slow cooker. Cook on low for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally, until the meatballs are cooked through and coated. It’s a fantastic option for parties where oven space is limited, and it keeps them warm for serving! This is similar to how you might prepare crockpot honey lime chicken.
What kind of cranberry sauce is best for these holiday appetizers with meatballs and cranberries?
For this recipe, jellied cranberry sauce is ideal because it melts into a smooth, consistent glaze that coats the meatballs beautifully. While whole berry sauce is delicious, it can result in a chunkier glaze. If you prefer whole berries, you can certainly use it, but be prepared for a different texture.
Can I substitute the ground beef in this Christmas appetizer beef meatballs cranberry recipe?
Absolutely! If you prefer, you can substitute ground turkey or even a plant-based ground for a vegetarian option. Keep in mind that different meats might require slight adjustments to cooking time to ensure they are fully cooked through. The cranberry glaze pairs wonderfully with various bases.
How do I prevent the Christmas cranberry beef meatballs from falling apart?
The key to preventing your meatballs from falling apart is to avoid overmixing the meatball ingredients. Mix just until everything is combined. Also, ensure your egg and milk are well incorporated, as they act as binders. Gentle handling when rolling and coating them in the glaze is also important.
Variations of Cranberry Beef Meatballs for Christmas
While this classic Christmas cranberry beef meatballs recipe is a guaranteed hit, don’t be afraid to get creative! There are so many fun ways to adapt these for your holiday table. These variations make them even more versatile as cranberry beef appetizers for Christmas dinner.
- Dietary Swaps: For a lighter option, try using ground turkey or chicken. You can also make these vegetarian by substituting plant-based ground ‘meat’ for the beef.
- Flavor Boosts: Add a pinch of ground ginger or cinnamon to the meatball mix for a warmer spice profile. A little orange zest in the glaze can also add a lovely citrus note.
- Cooking Methods: If you’re short on oven space, consider making these in a slow cooker. Just combine all ingredients and cook on low until heated through. They also adapt beautifully for air fryer cooking, just adjust time and temperature as needed.
- Glaze Twists: Mix a tablespoon of Dijon mustard into the cranberry glaze for a subtle kick, or add a splash of balsamic vinegar for a deeper, richer flavor.
Christmas Cranberry Beef Meatballs: 15 Min Magic
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 meatballs 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Enjoy these Quick Christmas Cranberry Meatballs, a delightful and easy holiday appetizer that brings festive cheer to any gathering. This recipe offers a simple yet impressive way to serve classic meatballs with a sweet-tart cranberry twist, perfect for winter celebrations.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 (16 ounce) jar jellied cranberry sauce
- 1/4 cup chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, chopped onion, egg, milk, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
- Roll the mixture into 1-inch Christmas cranberry meatballs. Place them on a baking sheet.
- Bake the meatballs for 15-20 minutes, or until browned and cooked through.
- While the meatballs are baking, prepare the cranberry glaze. In a small saucepan, combine the jellied cranberry sauce, chili sauce, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Heat the cranberry glaze mixture over low heat, stirring until smooth and heated through.
- Add the baked Christmas cranberry beef meatballs to the cranberry glaze. Stir gently to coat each meatball.
- Serve the holiday beef meatballs with cranberry sauce warm as a festive appetizer.
Notes
- For a slow cooker version, combine all ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on low for 2-3 hours.
- You can make the meatballs ahead of time and reheat them in the sauce.
- Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking and Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3-4 meatballs
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: Christmas Cranberry Beef Meatballs, Christmas cranberry beef meatballs recipe, Cranberry beef meatballs for Christmas, Easy Christmas cranberry beef meatballs, Best cranberry beef meatballs Christmas, Homemade cranberry beef meatballs holiday, Holiday beef meatballs with cranberry sauce, Festive cranberry beef meatballs appetizer, Slow cooker cranberry beef meatballs Christmas, Cranberry glazed beef meatballs holiday party, Christmas appetizer beef meatballs cranberry, How to make Christmas cranberry beef meatballs, What are Christmas cranberry beef meatballs, Why are cranberry beef meatballs popular for Christmas, Cranberry sauce beef meatballs recipe, Holiday appetizers with meatballs and cranberries, Christmas party meatballs cranberry glaze, Festive beef meatballs with cranberry sauce recipe, Easy holiday meatballs cranberry recipe, Cranberry beef appetizers for Christmas dinner, Slow cooker holiday meatballs cranberry recipe