I’m so excited to share this family-favorite recipe for Cranberry Turkey Meatballs! As a busy mom, I’m always on the lookout for easy, nourishing meals that my whole family will enjoy. These Cranberry Turkey Meatballs are a HUGE win in my book. They’re packed with flavor, protein, and the goodness of cranberries – all while being super simple to throw together.

I remember the first time I made these Cranberry Turkey Meatballs so clearly. My kids were going through a picky-eating phase, and I was desperate to find a way to sneak in some extra nutrients. I stumbled upon a recipe for appetizer meatballs but decided to give it a healthy twist with ground turkey and cranberries. I wasn’t sure how it would go over, but I was pleasantly surprised!

My kids devoured them! The sweet and savory combination was a hit, and I loved knowing that they were getting a good dose of protein and antioxidants. It was a total nutrition win, and these Cranberry Turkey Meatballs have been a staple in our house ever since! They’re such a great way to have a bit of joy at dinnertime.

These are perfect for meal prepping or a quick snack. Plus, the festive flavors make them ideal for holiday gatherings! These Cranberry Turkey Meatballs have become a tradition. This recipe makes family nutrition simple and fun. I’m thrilled to share this sanity-saving recipe with you, fellow busy moms!

INGREDIENTS You’ll Need:

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up a batch of these delicious and nutritious Cranberry Turkey Meatballs! Trust me, this ingredient list is simple because busy moms need nutrition without complexity! Remember, it’s all about finding what works for your family and your time.

1 lb Ground Turkey: A great source of lean protein for your growing family!
1/2 cup Breadcrumbs: Use whole wheat breadcrumbs for added fiber.
1/4 cup Milk: I use unsweetened almond milk for a dairy-free option, and the kids don’t even notice!
1 Egg: Helps bind the meatballs together.
1/4 cup Chopped Onion: Adds a savory flavor.
1 tsp Dried Thyme: Adds a touch of herb-y goodness.
1/2 tsp Salt: To enhance the flavors.
1/4 tsp Black Pepper: A little kick of spice!
1 (14 oz) can Cranberry Sauce: This is the star of the show! I like to use a whole berry cranberry sauce for more texture and flavor.
1/2 cup Chicken Broth: Helps to thin out the sauce.
1 tbsp Dijon Mustard: Adds a tangy depth to the sauce.
1 tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar: For a touch of acidity.
1 tbsp Brown Sugar: Balances out the tartness of the cranberries.

You can find these wholesome ingredients at your regular grocery store. This Cranberry Turkey Meatballs proves nutritious doesn’t mean expensive! Sometimes I add a little bit of chopped spinach to the meatball mixture for an extra boost of vitamins. My family gets extra nutrition when I add some ground flaxseed too!

Don’t be afraid to experiment and adjust the ingredients to your liking! That’s the beauty of home cooking. This Cranberry Turkey Meatballs nutrition hack changed our family’s health! Prep is so easy; just mix all the ingredients together and bake. Let’s move on to the best part – making them!

Let’s Make it Happen!

Ready to get cooking? These Cranberry Turkey Meatballs are easier to make than you might think! I promise.

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. In my busy kitchen, this nutritious Cranberry Turkey Meatballs usually takes about 30 minutes to bake.
In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, onion, thyme, salt, and pepper. Gently mix everything together with your hands until just combined. Don’t overmix, or the meatballs will be tough.
Roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs. Place them on the prepared baking sheet. Perfect time to prep tomorrow’s lunch!
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and lightly browned. While the Cranberry Turkey Meatballs are baking, let’s get started on the sauce. This gives you time to get other things done.
While the meatballs are baking, prepare the cranberry sauce. In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberry sauce, chicken broth, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and brown sugar. Here’s where I used to struggle with my Cranberry Turkey Meatballs – learn from my experience.
Bring the sauce to a simmer over medium heat. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until slightly thickened. Your Cranberry Turkey Meatballs should smell nourishing by now.
Once the meatballs are cooked, add them to the saucepan with the cranberry sauce. Gently stir to coat. Simmer for another 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Serve hot and enjoy! Don’t worry if your Cranberry Turkey Meatballs looks a little messy – it’s all about the flavor! We sometimes make our meatballs with a little less brown sugar too.

While your Cranberry Turkey Meatballs is cooking, take a moment to appreciate nourishing your family! Remember, this is a recipe, not a rulebook. Feel free to adjust the seasonings and ingredients to suit your family’s taste. This turkey meatballs recipe is very versatile and easy to make your own!

How We Love to Eat This!

Now that you’ve made these delicious Cranberry Turkey Meatballs, let’s talk about how to serve them! The kids devour this nutritious Cranberry Turkey Meatballs when I serve it with mashed sweet potatoes and steamed green beans. The sweetness of the potatoes pairs perfectly with the sweet and savory meatballs.

We also love to serve these Cranberry Turkey Meatballs as an appetizer at holiday gatherings. They’re always a hit! You can put them on skewers for easy snacking. This Cranberry Turkey Meatballs is perfect for those busy weeknights when we need good nutrition fast! You can serve them over rice or quinoa for a complete meal.

Another family favorite is to serve these Cranberry Turkey Meatballs in slider buns for a fun and easy lunch. I like to add a little bit of lettuce and tomato for some extra veggies. This is a great way to use up leftovers, too!

For a festive twist, try adding a sprinkle of chopped fresh cranberries and parsley on top before serving. It adds a pop of color and flavor! Guest reactions to my healthy Cranberry Turkey Meatballs are always positive. They never believe something so yummy could also be good for them!

These appetizer meatballs can be served at different events or at home with your family. My family loves this meal and I hope yours will too. We also love to add it to a salad with some chopped pecans. For another quick and easy meal, check out Spicy Cranberry BBQ Meatballs for another meatball recipe!

FAQs: Your Questions Answered

Got questions? I’ve got answers! Here are some common questions I get about these Cranberry Turkey Meatballs:

1. Is this Cranberry Turkey Meatballs really nutritious enough for growing kids?

Absolutely! These meatballs are packed with lean protein from the turkey, plus the cranberries offer antioxidants and vitamins. I sneak in extra veggies whenever I can, like finely chopped spinach or zucchini. My kids have a hard time eating spinach but they can’t taste it when it’s in the meatball! These holiday meatballs are a perfect addition to Christmas dinner.

2. What if my picky eater won’t try this healthy Cranberry Turkey Meatballs?

I get it! Picky eaters can be tough. Start by offering a small portion alongside something they already enjoy. You can also try cutting the meatballs into smaller pieces or serving them with a dipping sauce they love, like a little bit of honey mustard. You can also make the sauce into more of a glaze instead of a sauce.

3. Can I meal prep this Cranberry Turkey Meatballs for busy weeks ahead?

Definitely! These meatballs are perfect for meal prepping. You can make a big batch on the weekend and store them in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. They also freeze well! Just let them cool completely before transferring them to a freezer-safe container. Then, when you want to eat them, pull them out and reheat.

4. Can I use ground chicken instead of ground turkey?

Yes, you can! Ground chicken works just as well in this recipe. Just make sure to choose a lean ground chicken to keep the meatballs healthy. Both make a super healthy turkey meatballs recipe.

5. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Simply substitute the breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs. There are many great gluten-free breadcrumb options available at most grocery stores.

6. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! You can use unsweetened almond milk instead of regular milk in the meatball mixture. As long as you use that milk and any dairy-free alternatives for serving, you can make these dairy-free easily!

7. What if I don’t have cranberry sauce?

While the cranberry sauce is really what makes these cranberry sauce meatballs special, you could try using another type of fruit sauce, like apple or cherry. However, the flavor will be different.

8. Can I make these in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can! Place the meatballs in a slow cooker and pour the cranberry sauce mixture over them. Cook on low for 4-6 hours, or until the meatballs are cooked through. Here’s a great resource about Crockpot turkey cranberry meatballs recipe needed.

Final Thoughts:

These Cranberry Turkey Meatballs are more than just a recipe. They’re a sanity-saving solution for busy moms who want to feed their families well without spending hours in the kitchen. I hope this recipe brings some dinnertime nutrition wins to your home!

My Cranberry Turkey Meatballs Nutrition Hacks

Sneak in Veggies: Finely chop veggies like spinach, zucchini, or carrots and add them to the meatball mixture.
Use Whole Wheat Breadcrumbs: This adds extra fiber to the meatballs.
Reduce the Sugar: Cut back on the brown sugar in the cranberry sauce to reduce the overall sugar content.

Here are some family-tested healthy Cranberry Turkey Meatballs variations:

Spicy Cranberry Turkey Meatballs: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meatball mixture for a little kick. Check out Spicy Cranberry BBQ Meatballs for another similar recipe.
Cranberry Turkey Meatball Sliders: Serve the meatballs in slider buns with a dollop of cranberry sauce and a sprinkle of chopped pecans.
Cranberry Turkey Meatball Salad: Top a bed of mixed greens with the meatballs, crumbled goat cheese, and a drizzle of balsamic vinaigrette.

My kids love the spicy version, while my husband prefers the classic Cranberry Turkey Meatballs. I personally love the salad version for a light and healthy lunch.

Don’t be afraid to make this recipe your own! Add your favorite seasonings, experiment with different ingredients, and adjust the flavors to suit your family’s taste. Remember, it’s all about finding what works for you and your family.

I hope you enjoy these nourishing Cranberry Turkey Meatballs as much as we do! For more simple nutrition ideas for busy families, check out more simple nutrition ideas.

For additional details on Cranberry Turkey Meatballs check out Well Plated’s Cranberry Turkey Meatballs Recipe too.

Remember, you’ve got this! You’re doing an amazing job nourishing your family, one simple meal at a time. These sweet and savory meatballs make a meal the whole family will be sure to love. Give these Cranberry Turkey Meatballs a try! You may find your family has a new favorite meal. Check out Cranberry Brie Crescent Wreath for another great recipe that includes cranberry.

Cranberry Turkey Meatballs

Print Recipe

These Cranberry Turkey Meatballs are a delicious and healthy appetizer or main course, perfect for the holidays or any time of year. They combine the savory flavor of turkey with the sweet-tartness of cranberries for a unique and satisfying dish.

Author: Juliette
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Dinner
Method: Baked
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

1 pound ground turkey
1/2 cup dried cranberries, chopped
1/4 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup onion, finely chopped
1 egg, lightly beaten
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup cranberry sauce (store-bought or homemade)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, chopped cranberries, breadcrumbs, onion, egg, parsley, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
Roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs.
Place the meatballs on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and no longer pink inside.
While the meatballs are baking, warm the cranberry sauce in a saucepan over low heat.
Once the meatballs are cooked, transfer them to the saucepan with the cranberry sauce and toss to coat.
Serve warm.

Notes

Serve these Cranberry Turkey Meatballs as an appetizer with toothpicks or as a main course over rice or pasta.