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There’s nothing like a saucy, sweet-tangy dish to chase away the cold. These Cranberry-Glazed Meatballs are an easy, irresistible way to treat friends or family when cozying up at home. Pair them with fluffy mashed potatoes or warm bread rolls for an extra comforting touch.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground turkey or beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (regular or panko)
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 can (14 ounces) jellied cranberry sauce
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional, for extra sweetness)
Instructions
Begin by combining the ground meat, breadcrumbs, egg, salt, pepper, and garlic powder in a large bowl. Gently mix the ingredients with your hands or a fork, being careful not to overwork the meat. Shape into bite-sized balls, about an inch in diameter, and set them on a plate.
Warm a large skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil. Once the oil shimmers, carefully place the meatballs in the skillet, leaving a little room between each one. Cook for about 3–4 minutes per side, or until they have a nice golden crust. Transfer the meatballs to a paper towel–lined plate to drain any extra oil.
Meanwhile, stir together the cranberry sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and brown sugar (if using) in a small saucepan. Heat over medium-low until the sauce is smooth and glossy. Carefully add the cooked meatballs to the sauce, stirring gently to coat them in that tangy-sweet glaze. Simmer for another 5–7 minutes to ensure the flavors meld together and the meatballs are cooked through.
These Cranberry-Glazed Meatballs are a crowd-pleasing choice for busy weeknights and holiday gatherings alike. They’re simple, adaptable, and can easily be made with ground turkey for a leaner option or substituted with ground beef for richer flavor. You can even use chicken or pork if that’s what you have on hand. Thanks to the vibrant cranberry sauce, their sweet punch keeps you coming back for more. Serve them straight from the skillet or keep them warm in a slow cooker—either way, they’ll be the coziest part of any meal.
