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Spicy Cranberry Meatballs

These Spicy Cranberry Meatballs are a sweet and spicy crowd-pleaser, perfect for holiday gatherings, bringing together rich meat and tangy cranberry sauce.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 24 meatballs
Course: Appetizer, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Holiday
Calories: 300
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Meatballs
  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20) fresh and cold for best texture
  • 1/2 lb ground pork optional for juiciness
  • 1/2 cup plain breadcrumbs lightly packed (or gluten-free breadcrumbs)
  • 1 large egg beaten
  • 1/4 cup grated onion squeezed of excess juice
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika adds depth
For the Spicy Cranberry Sauce
  • 12 oz fresh or frozen cranberries
  • 3/4 cup brown sugar packed (adjust to taste)
  • 1/2 cup ketchup or tomato-based BBQ sauce for body
  • 1/4 cup water or orange juice for brightness
  • 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 to 2 tbsp sriracha or your favorite hot sauce start with 1 tbsp if unsure
  • 1/2 tsp ground ginger
  • a pinch salt
Garnish and Serving
  • Chopped parsley or cilantro for color
  • Sesame seeds optional for crunch

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a large bowl, combine ground meats, breadcrumbs, beaten egg, grated onion, garlic, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
  2. Mix gently until just combined. Avoid overworking the mixture to prevent dense meatballs.
Shaping Meatballs
  1. Roll into 1 to 1 1/4 inch meatballs for even cooking. You should get about 24 meatballs. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment.
Cooking Meatballs
  1. Option A – Oven: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange meatballs on a baking sheet and bake for 15 to 18 minutes until lightly browned and an instant-read thermometer reads 160°F (71°C).
  2. Option B – Stovetop: Heat 2 tbsp oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Brown meatballs in batches for 6 to 8 minutes, turning so all sides get color.
Preparing Sauce
  1. In a medium saucepan, combine cranberries, brown sugar, ketchup or BBQ sauce, water or orange juice, apple cider vinegar, ginger, and hot sauce.
  2. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Cook for 8 to 12 minutes until cranberries burst and sauce thickens.
Combining Meatballs and Sauce
  1. Add cooked meatballs to the saucepan or pour the sauce over baked meatballs in a large pot.
  2. Simmer together for 5 to 8 minutes so meatballs absorb sauce flavors.
Finishing Touches
  1. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, a splash of vinegar for brightness, or extra hot sauce for heat.
  2. Garnish with chopped parsley and sesame seeds if desired.

Notes

For added moisture, mix in 1 tbsp sour cream or Greek yogurt. For a vegetarian option, use a lentil-quinoa base. Slow cooker option available; heat gently to avoid watery sauce.