Go Back

Cranberry Orange Meatballs

Cranberry Orange Meatballs are a delightful fusion of savory and sweet flavors, perfect for holiday parties or casual gatherings.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Appetizer, Main Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 200
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Meatballs
  • 2 pounds fully cooked beef meatballs You can substitute with turkey or chicken meatballs for a lighter option.
Sauce
  • 1 can whole cranberry sauce (about 14 ounces) Use canned for convenience, or homemade for more flavor.
  • 1 cup orange juice Freshly squeezed orange juice can enhance the flavor.
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar Adjust sweetness based on preference.

Method
 

Cooking
  1. In a large skillet, combine the cranberry sauce, orange juice, and brown sugar over medium heat. Stir until the sauce is smooth and the sugar is dissolved.
  2. Add the fully cooked beef meatballs into the sauce.
  3. Simmer for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the meatballs are heated through and coated in the sauce.
  4. Serve warm, garnished with additional orange zest if desired.

Notes

For a richer flavor, add a pinch of cinnamon or ground cloves. If you want a thicker sauce, let it simmer longer. Leftover meatballs can be stored in an airtight container for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.