Quick Christmas Cranberry Beef Meatballs

Quick Christmas Cranberry Beef Meatballs are the perfect holiday appetizer that disappears faster than you can say “Merry Christmas!” These sweet and savory bites combine festive cranberry sauce with juicy beef meatballs, creating an irresistible party favorite. I’ve served these at countless holiday gatherings, and they never fail to have guests asking for the recipe.

There’s something magical about the way cranberry and beef complement each other during the holidays. I discovered this winning combination years ago when I was scrambling to create a last-minute appetizer for our annual Christmas Eve party. The sweet-tart cranberry glaze perfectly balances the savory meatballs, and the vibrant red color screams festive celebration. These Quick Christmas Cranberry Beef Meatballs have become my go-to recipe when I need something impressive yet simple. The best part? They’re ready in just 45 minutes and can easily feed a crowd, making them ideal for any holiday entertaining.

Essential Ingredients for Christmas Cranberry Beef Meatballs

I always recommend using 80/20 ground beef for the juiciest results – trust me on this one! Here’s everything you’ll need for these crowd-pleasing meatballs:

For the Meatballs:

• 1 small onion (grated or finely diced)
• 1½ pounds ground beef (80/20 or 85/15 lean-to-fat ratio)
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (I prefer these over regular for better texture)
• 2 large eggs
• ⅓ cup tomato ketchup
• 2 tablespoons worcestershire sauce
• ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
• ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper (adjust to taste)

For the Cranberry Sauce:

• 2 cups cranberry sauce (homemade works best, but canned is fine)
• 1 cup tomato ketchup
• 3 tablespoons packed brown sugar (pro tip: dark brown adds deeper flavor)
• 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice

Pro tip: I always grate my onion rather than dice it – it distributes more evenly and prevents large chunks in your meatballs.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

I recommend prepping all ingredients before you start – it makes the process much smoother!

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

Step 2: In a large bowl, combine all meatball ingredients. Mix gently with your hands until just combined – overmixing makes tough meatballs.

Step 3: Wet your hands with cold water and form the mixture into 32 medium-sized meatballs. I use a small ice cream scoop for uniform sizing, which ensures even cooking.

Step 4: Arrange meatballs on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart. Bake for 20-25 minutes until they reach an internal temperature of 160°F.

Step 5: While meatballs bake, combine all sauce ingredients in a large skillet. Cook over medium heat until the mixture begins to bubble and thicken slightly, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 6: Gently transfer the baked meatballs into the cranberry sauce. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 3-4 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.

Step 7: Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve immediately while warm.

Delicious Serving Ideas That Complement These Meatballs

These meatballs pair beautifully with both appetizer and main dish accompaniments.

Creamy Mashed Potatoes: The smooth texture perfectly balances the tender meatballs and tangy sauce, creating comfort food heaven.

Wild Rice Pilaf: Adds nutty flavor and hearty texture that soaks up the delicious cranberry glaze.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts: The slight bitterness complements the sweet cranberry sauce while adding festive green color to your plate.

Garlic Dinner Rolls: Perfect for soaking up every last drop of that amazing sauce – your guests will thank you.

Complete Your Festive Christmas Menu

These cranberry beef meatballs are just the beginning of an incredible holiday spread! Start your evening with my Best Christmas Stuffed Mushrooms for an elegant appetizer duo, then add my Irresistibly Sticky Pigs in Blankets for variety that guests will love. For the main course, my Cranberry Balsamic Roast Beef continues the cranberry theme beautifully, or try my Christmas Salmon with Pomegranate Glaze for something lighter.

Balance these rich flavors with my fresh Delicious Christmas Cranberry Spinach Salad, and don’t forget my comforting Savory French Onion Pot Roast for cozy family dinners. End the perfect Christmas meal with my traditional Easy Christmas Spritz Cookies – they’re the ideal sweet finish that brings back childhood holiday memories.

Smart Storage and Reheating Tips

Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually improve overnight, making them even more delicious the next day.

For reheating, I recommend using a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring gently until warmed through. You can also microwave in 30-second intervals, but stovetop reheating preserves the texture better.

Pro tip: These freeze beautifully for up to 3 months! Freeze in individual serving portions for easy weeknight dinners or unexpected guests.

Frequently Asked Questions

Your New Holiday Tradition Awaits

These Quick Christmas Cranberry Beef Meatballs prove that impressive holiday food doesn’t have to be complicated. The combination of tender, flavorful meatballs with that gorgeous cranberry glaze creates a dish that’s both festive and satisfying. Try this recipe for your next holiday gathering and watch them disappear!

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