Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?

Yes! You can bake them, cool completely, and refrigerate up to two days before serving. Just reheat them in sauce.

Can I use frozen cranberry sauce or jam instead?

Absolutely. Defrost and use as usual, or use jam with a squeeze of lemon to balance the sweetness.

How do I prevent my meatballs from drying out?

Don’t overmix the meat, and bake only until 160°F. A bit of moisture from the sauce keeps them tender too.

Are these good for meal prep or potlucks?

Yes. They travel well, reheat beautifully, and stay saucy. Perfect for parties or weekly lunches.

Quick Cranberry Meatballs (Perfect for Christmas Dinners)

Name: Quick Cranberry Meatballs (Perfect for Christmas Dinners)
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 large eggs; 1/3 cup tomato ketchup; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1 small onion, grated or finely diced; 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce; 1 ½ pounds lean ground pork; 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably Panko); 3 tablespoons packed brown sugar; 2 cups cranberry sauce; 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice; 1 cup tomato ketchup

Description

Juicy, sweet, and tangy — these Quick Cranberry Meatballs make the perfect Christmas dinner idea. With cranberry sauce and savory pork meatballs, they’re festive, easy, and ready in under 45 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale

2 large eggs

1/3 cup tomato ketchup

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1 small onion, grated or finely diced

1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley

1/2 teaspoon salt

2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

1 ½ pounds lean ground pork

1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably Panko)

3 tablespoons packed brown sugar

2 cups cranberry sauce

1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice

1 cup tomato ketchup

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. In a large bowl, mix all meatball ingredients thoroughly until well combined.

3. With wet hands, shape mixture into about 32 medium meatballs.

4. Place meatballs on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 20–25 minutes or until they reach 160°F internally.

5. While the meatballs bake, combine cranberry sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, and lemon juice in a skillet. Bring to a boil, then reduce to low heat.

6. Add the baked meatballs to the sauce and simmer for a few minutes until fully coated and heated through.

7. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve warm.

Notes

You can replace pork with ground turkey, chicken (add 2 tbsp olive oil), or beef.

Substitute Panko with crushed crackers, regular or gluten-free breadcrumbs.

Try grape jelly or raspberry jam with a splash of vinegar instead of cranberry sauce.

Use lime juice or apple cider vinegar in place of lemon juice.

Reheat gently in a saucepan or microwave with a little broth or water if sauce thickens.

Store up to 3 days in the fridge or freeze for up to 3 months.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Christmas Dinner Ideas
Method: Baked and Simmered
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 4 meatballs
Calories: 1200–1400
Sugar: 130–150g
Sodium: Variable
Fat: 60–70g
Saturated Fat: 20–25g
Unsaturated Fat: 40–45g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 130–150g
Fiber: 2–3g
Protein: 90–100g
Cholesterol: 300mg