Hey there, fellow busy moms! Juliette here from Busy Mom Simple Nutrition, ready to share another sanity-saving recipe with you. If you’re anything like me, you’re always on the lookout for meals that are both nutritious and easy to whip up, especially during the busy holiday season. These Cranberry Meatballs are a family favorite in my house, and I’m so excited to share them with you!
I remember the first time I made Cranberry Meatballs. It was during a particularly hectic December, and I was scrambling to find something festive and relatively healthy to bring to a holiday potluck. I had some ground turkey in the fridge and a can of cranberry sauce, and a lightbulb went off. I figured, why not combine the two? The result was a surprisingly delicious and crowd-pleasing appetizer that even my picky eaters devoured!
These Cranberry Meatballs are more than just a tasty treat; they’re a nutrition win! They’re packed with protein and offer a good source of vitamins and antioxidants, thanks to the cranberries. Plus, they’re incredibly versatile and can be served as an appetizer, a main course, or even a snack. And the best part? They’re so simple to make that even the most kitchen-averse mom can pull them off.
I’m here to tell you that you don’t have to sacrifice your family’s health or your sanity to put delicious, nutritious meals on the table. So, grab a cup of coffee (or a glass of wine – no judgment here!), and let’s get cooking! I’m confident that these Cranberry Meatballs will become a staple in your busy mom’s recipe arsenal.
INGREDIENTS You’ll Need:
Here’s what you’ll need to create this family-friendly dish. Trust me, this Cranberry Meatballs ingredient list is simple because busy moms need nutrition without complexity!
- 1 pound ground turkey or beef: Choose lean ground meat for a healthier option. My family gets extra nutrition when I use ground turkey.
- 1 cup breadcrumbs: I prefer whole wheat breadcrumbs for added fiber, but regular breadcrumbs work just fine.
- 1/2 cup milk: You can use any kind of milk you have on hand – dairy or non-dairy.
- 1 egg: This helps bind the Cranberry Meatballs together.
- 1/4 cup chopped onion: Adds a savory flavor.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: For that extra flavor kick!
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness of the cranberry sauce.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a touch of spice.
- 1 (14-ounce) can cranberry sauce: Use whole berry or jellied, depending on your preference. You can find these wholesome ingredients at your regular grocery store.
- 1/2 cup chili sauce: This adds a bit of tang and spice to the glaze.
- 1/4 cup brown sugar: This balances the acidity of the cranberry sauce and creates a delicious glaze for the Cranberry Meatballs.
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: This adds depth and umami to the glaze.
No worries if you don’t have chili sauce – I use a touch of sriracha for extra nutrients in my Cranberry Meatballs, but start small! This Cranberry Meatballs proves nutritious doesn’t mean expensive. I often buy ground turkey in bulk when it’s on sale and freeze it for later use. For a shortcut, use pre-chopped onions from the produce section.
These ingredients come together to make the perfect bite-sized Cranberry Meatballs. This recipe focuses on simple ingredients that will leave your family feeling nourished.
Let’s Make it Happen!
Ready to get started? Here’s how to make these delicious Cranberry Meatballs.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey or beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, onion, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well with your hands until everything is evenly distributed. Here’s a Cranberry Meatballs nutrition hack that changed our family’s health: I sometimes add a tablespoon of flaxseed meal to the meat mixture for an extra boost of omega-3s.
- Roll the mixture into small, bite-sized Cranberry Meatballs. Aim for about 1 inch in diameter. Place the Cranberry Meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This helps prevent them from sticking.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the Cranberry Meatballs are cooked through and lightly browned. While the Cranberry Meatballs are baking, prepare the glaze.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberry sauce, chili sauce, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce. Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar is dissolved and the sauce is smooth. This nutritious Cranberry Meatballs usually takes me about 5 minutes to prepare the glaze.
- Once the Cranberry Meatballs are cooked, transfer them to the saucepan with the glaze. Stir to coat the Cranberry Meatballs evenly. Simmer for 5-10 minutes, allowing the glaze to thicken and the Cranberry Meatballs to absorb the flavor. Your Cranberry Meatballs should smell nourishing by now.
- Serve the Cranberry Meatballs warm, garnished with fresh parsley or green onions, if desired. Perfect time to prep tomorrow’s lunch!
Here’s where I used to struggle with my Cranberry Meatballs: I would sometimes overbake them, making them dry. The trick is to watch them carefully and remove them from the oven as soon as they’re cooked through. Don’t worry if your Cranberry Meatballs looks a little uneven in shape – homemade is always best! This Cranberry Meatballs recipe is perfect for those nights when you need to get a healthy meal on the table quickly.
While your Cranberry Meatballs is cooking, take a moment to appreciate nourishing your family! My kids love to help me roll the Cranberry Meatballs, which makes it a fun and interactive cooking experience. This Cranberry Meatballs recipe is so simple and forgiving, you can easily adapt it to your family’s preferences.
How We Love to Eat This!
There are so many ways to enjoy these delicious and nutritious Cranberry Meatballs! The kids devour this nutritious Cranberry Meatballs when I serve it with mashed sweet potatoes and steamed green beans. The sweetness of the sweet potatoes pairs perfectly with the tangy glaze, and the green beans add a pop of color and extra nutrients.
These Cranberry Meatballs are perfect as an appetizer for holiday gatherings or potlucks. Simply serve them in a slow cooker on low heat to keep them warm throughout the party. For a more substantial meal, serve the Cranberry Meatballs over rice or quinoa. This is a great way to use up leftover cooked grains and add some extra fiber to your family’s diet.
If you have any leftover Cranberry Meatballs, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them gently in a saucepan or microwave before serving. This Cranberry Meatballs is perfect for those busy weeknights when we need good nutrition fast! I often pack them in my kids’ lunchboxes as a protein-packed snack.
For a seasonal variation, try adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the glaze during the fall months. My family gets extra nutrition when I add chopped pecans or walnuts to the Cranberry Meatballs for added crunch and healthy fats.
My guests always rave about these Cranberry Meatballs! They’re a crowd-pleaser that everyone loves, and they’re so easy to make that I don’t mind whipping up a batch for any occasion. This nutritious Cranberry Meatballs reminds me of another family-healthy favorite, Spicy Cranberry BBQ Meatballs.
FAQs: Your Questions Answered
I get it, moms have questions, so here are some of the most common ones I hear about these Cranberry Meatballs.
Is this Cranberry Meatballs really nutritious enough for growing kids?
Absolutely! These Cranberry Meatballs are packed with protein from the ground meat and offer vitamins and antioxidants from the cranberry sauce. You can also add extra veggies like grated carrots or zucchini to the meat mixture for an extra boost of nutrients.
What if my picky eater won’t try this healthy Cranberry Meatballs?
Don’t give up! Sometimes it takes multiple exposures for a child to accept a new food. Try serving the Cranberry Meatballs alongside a familiar favorite, like mashed potatoes or rice. You can also try cutting them into smaller pieces or letting your child help with the cooking process.
Can I meal prep this Cranberry Meatballs for busy weeks ahead?
Yes! These Cranberry Meatballs are perfect for meal prepping. You can make them ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them gently in a saucepan or microwave before serving.
Can I freeze these Cranberry Meatballs?
Absolutely! These Cranberry Meatballs freeze well. Allow them to cool completely, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes! For Crockpot Cranberry Meatballs, simply place the cooked Cranberry Meatballs and glaze in a slow cooker and cook on low for 2-3 hours, or until heated through. See Easy Crockpot Cranberry Meatballs • Kroll’s Korner for similar preparation instructions.
What kind of cranberry sauce should I use?
You can use either whole berry or jellied cranberry sauce, depending on your preference. I personally prefer whole berry cranberry sauce for the added texture.
Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes! You can use ground chicken, pork, or even a plant-based meat substitute. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly. If your kids love this wholesome recipe, they’ll go crazy for Cranberry Turkey Meatballs!
Final Thoughts:
These Cranberry Meatballs are a simple, delicious, and nutritious way to feed your family without the overwhelm. They’re perfect for busy weeknights, holiday gatherings, or even a quick and easy snack. I hope you and your family enjoy them as much as we do!
Here’s why this Cranberry Meatballs supports my family’s nutrition goals: they’re packed with protein, relatively low in fat, and offer a good source of vitamins and antioxidants. Plus, they’re a crowd-pleaser that even my picky eaters love.
My Cranberry Meatballs Nutrition Hacks:
- Add extra veggies like grated carrots or zucchini to the meat mixture.
- Use whole wheat breadcrumbs for added fiber.
- Serve with a side of steamed vegetables for a complete and balanced meal.
Here are some family-tested healthy Cranberry Meatballs variations:
- Spicy Cranberry Meatballs: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the glaze for a spicy kick.
- Garlic Parmesan Cranberry Meatballs: Mix in grated Parmesan cheese and garlic powder to the meat mixture.
- Sweet and Sour Cranberry Meatballs: Add a splash of rice vinegar and soy sauce to the glaze for a sweet and sour flavor.
My son prefers the spicy Cranberry Meatballs, while my daughter loves the sweet and sour version. As for me, I’m a fan of the classic recipe!
I encourage you to make this recipe your own and adapt it to your family’s preferences. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different ingredients and flavors. The most important thing is to find a way to make healthy eating enjoyable for everyone. For more simple nutrition ideas for busy families, check out Cranberry Brie Bites!
I hope this recipe brings you and your family many dinnertime nutrition wins. For additional recipe ideas, check out Crockpot Cranberry Meatballs | 365 Days of Baking and More or Cranberry Meatballs (Slow Cooker) – Dinner at the Zoo for more great cooking options. Remember, you’ve got this!
Cranberry Meatballs
These cranberry meatballs are a festive and flavorful appetizer or main course. The sweet and tangy cranberry sauce perfectly complements the savory meatballs for a delicious and easy-to-make dish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1/4 cup chopped onion
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 (14 ounce) can jellied cranberry sauce
- 1/2 cup chili sauce
- 1/4 cup water
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, onion, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Shape mixture into 1-inch meatballs.
- In a skillet over medium heat, brown meatballs on all sides.
- In a saucepan, combine cranberry sauce, chili sauce, and water. Bring to a simmer.
- Add meatballs to the cranberry sauce mixture and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until meatballs are cooked through and sauce has thickened.
- Serve warm.
Notes
For a sweeter sauce, add a tablespoon of brown sugar. Serve over rice or pasta for a complete meal, or as an appetizer with toothpicks.