There’s something downright comforting about these sweet and tangy bites, which is why my Cranberry Meatballs Recipe has become a go-to for gatherings and cozy weeknights alike. The balance of juicy pork meatballs with that bright cranberry sauce is pure magic you'll want to make again and again.

A close-up of a large round white pan filled with many meatballs covered in thick, bright red tomato sauce with visible chunks of tomatoes. Small bits of fresh green herbs are sprinkled on top, adding a fresh touch. A dark wooden spoon is partially dipped in the sauce on the right side, stirring the meatballs. The pan rests on a white marbled surface with a blue cloth nearby. 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 honestly couldn’t wait to share this cranberry meatball recipe with you because it’s one of those dishes that feels both festive and down-to-earth. Each bite packs a punch of flavor and warmth that turns a simple meal into something special.

Perfect blend of sweet and savory: The cranberry sauce’s tangy sweetness complements the juicy meatballs beautifully.
Super easy to make: No complicated tricks here – just simple ingredients you probably have on hand.
Versatile and customizable: You can swap proteins or tweak the sauce to match your taste preferences.
Great make-ahead option: It reheats wonderfully, making it a lifesaver for busy days or parties.

A white round pot is filled with many round meatballs covered in thick dark red sauce with visible bits of cherries and herbs. The sauce looks glossy and rich, with small green chopped parsley sprinkled evenly across the top. A gold spoon is scooping some meatballs from the right side of the pot. The pot is placed on a white marbled surface with a blue cloth near the left side. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

This Cranberry Meatballs Recipe brings together ingredients that harmonize perfectly to create juicy meatballs topped with a lively sauce. Each adds its own special touch to lift the dish beyond basic comfort food.

Flat lay of a small whole onion with light papery skin, a pile of fresh ground pork shaped loosely on a white ceramic plate, a small white bowl filled with fluffy panko breadcrumbs, two large brown eggs with clean shells, a small white bowl of bright red ketchup, a small white bowl of dark Worcestershire sauce, a small bunch of fresh curly parsley with vibrant green leaves, a small white bowl containing coarse salt, a small white bowl of freshly ground black pepper, a small white bowl overflowing with whole berry cranberry sauce, a small white bowl of packed light brown sugar, and a small white bowl with a freshly squeezed lemon wedge beside it, all arranged with perfect symmetry and balanced 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: I love using extra lean pork because it stays juicy without being too fatty; you could mix it with beef if you prefer a richer flavor.
Onion: Grated or finely chopped onion adds moisture and a subtle sweetness that enhances the meatballs.
Breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs give the meatballs a light, tender texture; you can use regular breadcrumbs if that’s what you have.
Eggs: They act as a binder to hold everything together without making the meatballs dry.
Ketchup & Worcestershire sauce: These add depth and a tangy undertone that balances the sweetness of the cranberry sauce later.
Fresh parsley: Brightens the flavor and looks lovely as a garnish.
Cranberry sauce: I always recommend whole berry for texture and that perfect balance of tart and sweet; homemade or store-bought will both work.
Brown sugar: Boosts the sweetness, but you can adjust this depending on how sweet your cranberry sauce is.
Lemon juice: Adds brightness and cuts through the richness, especially if your sauce is 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 the best parts about this Cranberry Meatballs Recipe is how easy it is to personalize based on what you love or what you’ve got in the fridge. I often switch things up depending on the season or what guests prefer.

Variation: I’ve tried swapping the pork for ground turkey to lighten it up — it still stays juicy with plenty of flavor thanks to the sauce.
Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and Worcestershire sauce (check the label) to keep it safe without losing texture or taste.
Sauce spice-up: Sometimes I add a pinch of cayenne or a dash of smoked paprika to give the sauce a little kick — great for those who like a hint of heat!
Extra herbs: Mixing fresh thyme or rosemary into the meatball mixture creates a more aromatic experience, especially during fall and winter.

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

Step 1: Get Your Meatball Mixture Ready

Start by grating or finely chopping the onion for that sneaky moisture boost. In a large bowl, toss in the ground pork, breadcrumbs, eggs, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, fresh parsley, salt, and pepper. Then, mix everything thoroughly but gently — you don’t want to overwork the meat or the meatballs might turn tough. I like using my hands because you can really feel the texture, but a sturdy spoon works too.

Step 2: Shape and Bake Your Meatballs

Wet your hands with a little water to keep the mixture from sticking, then roll into medium-sized meatballs — about the size of a golf ball. This recipe makes around 30 to 35 meatballs, perfect for sharing. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 350℉ for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the internal temperature hits 160℉. Baking instead of frying means less mess, and these come out evenly cooked every time.

Step 3: Simmer Meatballs in Cranberry Sauce

While the meatballs are in the oven, mix the cranberry sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, and fresh lemon juice in a large skillet over medium heat. Stir until it boils, then reduce heat and gently add the baked meatballs. Let them simmer until warmed through and the sauce thickens slightly — about 5 to 10 minutes. This step infuses the meatballs with that signature cranberry flavor and keeps them juicy.

Top Tip

Making cranberry meatballs felt tricky at first, especially balancing the sweet and savory notes. Over time, I discovered a few simple tricks that really take this recipe from good to unforgettable.

Use a meat thermometer: It’s the easiest way to get perfectly cooked meatballs without drying them out.
Don’t skip the lemon juice: Even if your cranberry sauce is sweet, a splash of lemon brightens the whole dish and keeps it from getting cloying.
Wet your hands before shaping: This little trick helps keep the mixture from sticking, making meatball forming faster and less messy.
Simmer gently: Let the meatballs warm through slowly in the sauce to soak up flavor without falling apart.

How to Serve Cranberry Meatballs Recipe

cranberry meatballs - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I always sprinkle a bit of fresh chopped parsley over the finished meatballs—it adds a fresh pop of color and a little herbal brightness that complements the sauce beautifully. Sometimes, I add a few whole cranberries for a festive touch, especially during holiday meals.

Side Dishes

This recipe shines alongside creamy mashed potatoes or buttery egg noodles which soak up the wonderful sauce. For a lighter pairing, a crisp green salad or roasted Brussels sprouts balance out the sweetness perfectly. If you’re feeding a crowd, soft dinner rolls are a great call for sopping up every last bit!

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I like to serve these on a pretty platter with cocktail picks—you get juicy meatballs with a drizzle of sauce in every bite and no mess. Another fun idea is layering them in a slow cooker on warm with extra sauce ready for guests to help themselves. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser every time.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, transfer leftover meatballs and sauce to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. I recommend storing the sauce separately if you want to keep the meatballs from getting soggy overnight. It makes reheating smoother and preserves the texture.

Freezing

I freeze cooked meatballs and sauce separately in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and gently reheat the meatballs in the sauce on the stove. This method keeps everything tasting fresh and spot-on.

Reheating

Reheating on the stove is my favorite because you can control the heat and keep the meatballs tender. Simmer gently in the sauce just until warmed through. Microwaving works in a pinch but can dry them out if overdone, so cover and heat in short bursts, stirring in between.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use ground beef instead of pork?

Absolutely! Ground beef or a mix of beef and pork works well. Just be mindful that beef may change the flavor profile slightly and might be a bit denser.

Do I have to bake the meatballs or can I fry them?

You can pan-fry if you prefer a crispier exterior, but baking is easier and creates less mess. Just make sure meatballs reach 160℉ internally for safety no matter the method.

Can I use canned cranberry sauce?

Yes! Both homemade and store-bought cranberry sauce work, but I recommend whole berry for texture. Adjust sweetness or tartness with sugar or lemon juice to your taste after simmering.

How do I prevent the meatballs from falling apart in the sauce?

Make sure you handle the meat mixture gently and don’t overmix. Also, baking them until fully cooked before simmering in sauce helps them hold together much better. Simmer gently and avoid stirring vigorously.

Final Thoughts

This Cranberry Meatballs Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen, especially when friends and family gather around with hungry smiles. It’s simple, flavorful, and feels like a warm hug on a plate. Give it a try—you’ll be amazed at how quickly it becomes a staple in your home, just like it did in mine.