Tangy Cranberry-Glazed Meatballs

Give your weeknight meal or holiday spread a boost of bright flavor with these Tangy Cranberry-Glazed Meatballs. The sweet-savory combination of cranberry sauce and tender meatballs brings an instant festive feel to your table—one that’s guaranteed to go fast once everyone takes their first bite!

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef (or turkey)
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
• 1 egg, lightly beaten
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 1 tablespoon oil (for browning)
• 1 cup cranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought)
• 1/4 cup barbecue sauce
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (optional, for extra tang)

Instructions

In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, beaten egg, salt, pepper, minced garlic, and chopped onion. Use your hands to gently mix everything together, being careful not to overwork the meat (overmixing can result in firmer meatballs).

Shape the mixture into small meatballs—around a tablespoon or so each—and set them on a plate. Warm the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Carefully place the meatballs in the skillet, leaving space between them for even browning. Cook for about 5 to 7 minutes, turning occasionally to brown all sides. Transfer the meatballs to a dish and set them aside for a moment while you prepare the glaze.

Reduce the heat to low. In the same skillet, stir in the cranberry sauce, barbecue sauce, soy sauce, and apple cider vinegar (if using). Let this mixture simmer for about 3 minutes, stirring frequently until it turns into a glossy, thick glaze. Return the meatballs to the skillet, gently swirling them in the glaze until they’re fully coated. Allow them to cook for another 5 minutes or until they reach a safe internal temperature.

Once your meatballs are cooked through and glistening with tangy cranberry goodness, they’re ready to serve straight from the pan or transferred to a platter. Enjoy them as a party appetizer or a quick weeknight meal alongside rice, mashed potatoes, or warm dinner rolls.

These cranberry-sauced meatballs make a memorable dish for everyone from busy families looking for a new twist on comfort food to party hosts who want to wow guests with minimal fuss. You can easily substitute turkey or chicken for beef to lighten things up, or opt for gluten-free breadcrumbs if needed. The sweet-tart flavor of the cranberry glaze brightens any table, and you can tweak the tang level with more vinegar or an extra splash of barbecue sauce. However you choose to enjoy them, these meatballs are sure to become a new favorite!