Zesty Cranberry-Orange Glazed Meatballs Recipe for Family Joy

Succulent meatballs dancing with a vibrant cranberry-orange glaze promise a delightful culinary adventure.

Bold flavors blend seamlessly in this crowd-pleasing dish that sparks conversation at any gathering.

The tangy cranberry-orange glaze adds a zesty punch to traditional meatball recipes.

Tender, juicy meatballs coated in a glossy, sweet-tart sauce create an irresistible combination that keeps everyone coming back for more.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of savory meat and bright citrusy notes.

Perfectly seasoned and expertly glazed, these meatballs transform an ordinary meal into something extraordinary.

Serve them as an appetizer or main course, and watch as everyone falls in love with this showstopping recipe.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 347 kcal

Servings: 5

Cranberry-Orange Glazed Meatball Ingredients List

• Ground Beef: Provides rich, hearty protein base with deep meaty flavor, choose lean cuts for lighter texture.
• Breadcrumbs: Helps bind ingredients and creates tender meatball structure, use fresh or panko for best results.
• Milk: Adds moisture and softness to meatball mixture, whole milk works best for richness.
• Egg: Acts as natural binding agent to hold meatballs together, select fresh room temperature eggs.
• Onion: Introduces subtle sweetness and aromatic depth, finely dice for even distribution.
• Garlic Powder: Enhances savory undertones with mild spicy kick, use high-quality brand for robust flavor.
• Orange Zest: Brings bright citrusy notes and unexpected complexity, use fresh zest for most vibrant taste.
• Salt and Pepper: Fundamental seasoning that elevates overall taste profile, use freshly ground black pepper.

• Jellied Cranberry Sauce: Creates sweet-tangy base for glossy coating, select smooth commercial variety.
• Barbecue Sauce: Adds smoky undertones and additional depth to cranberry glaze, choose robust brand.

• Fresh Parsley: Provides fresh herbal finish and visual appeal, chop finely for delicate presentation.

Tools That Help With Glazing and Simmering

• Large mixing bowl: Essential for combining ground beef and other meatball ingredients.
• Baking sheet: Used for evenly cooking the meatballs in the oven.
• Parchment paper or cooking spray: Prevents meatballs from sticking to the baking sheet.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Helps accurately measure ingredients.
• Zester or grater: For creating orange zest.
• Medium saucepan: Necessary for preparing the cranberry-orange sauce.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Helps mix ingredients and stir the sauce.
• Chopping board: Used for chopping fresh parsley.
• Sharp knife: Needed for chopping parsley for garnish.

Steps to Create Sweet-Tart Cranberry Meatballs

• Meatball Mixture Magic

Grab a roomy mixing bowl and blend ground beef with bright orange zest, soft breadcrumbs, smooth milk, diced onion, a whisked egg, and a sprinkle of salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Mix everything until it feels perfectly combined.

• Meatball Shaping Adventure

Craft little round treasures about the size of a golf ball. Arrange them on a baking sheet with gentle spacing, giving each meatball room to develop a gorgeous golden exterior.

• Oven Transformation

Slide the baking sheet into a toasty 375°F oven. Let the meatballs dance and sizzle for 20-25 minutes until they turn a delightful golden-brown and cook through completely.

• Saucy Symphony

In a simmering saucepan, marry jellied cranberry sauce with rich barbecue sauce. Stir these flavors together until they create a smooth, glossy coating that will make your meatballs irresistible.

• Glaze and Embrace

Gently tumble the hot meatballs into the vibrant cranberry-orange sauce. Swirl them around so each morsel gets a luxurious, sticky jacket of flavor.

• Final Flourish

Transfer these glistening meatballs to a beautiful serving dish. Sprinkle with fresh parsley for a pop of color and serve while they’re warm and inviting.

Flavor Tweaks for Orange and Cranberry Blend

• Flavor Boost Technique: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meatball mixture for a subtle kick that complements the sweet cranberry-orange glaze.
• Meal Pairing Magic: Serve these meatballs over fluffy rice, creamy mashed potatoes, or alongside roasted vegetables to create a complete and satisfying meal.
• Make-Ahead Mastery: Prepare the meatballs and sauce up to two days in advance. Store them separately in the refrigerator, then reheat gently before serving for maximum flavor and convenience.
• Gluten-Free Friendly: Swap traditional breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour to make this recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities without compromising taste.
• Sauce Flexibility: Experiment with different sauce combinations like adding a splash of orange liqueur or replacing barbecue sauce with honey mustard for a unique twist on the original recipe.

Serving These Meatballs at Holiday Tables

• Party Platter Perfection: Arrange these tangy meatballs on a large wooden board with toothpicks, creating an elegant appetizer that guests can easily grab and enjoy during holiday gatherings or game day celebrations.
• Festive Side Companion: Serve alongside fluffy white rice or creamy mashed potatoes to transform these meatballs into a hearty main course that complements the zesty cranberry-orange glaze perfectly.
• Salad Star Topper: Slice the glazed meatballs and scatter them over a crisp mixed green salad with mandarin orange segments, adding protein and a burst of citrusy flavor to your fresh greens.
• Sandwich Sensation: Nestle these moist meatballs into soft slider buns or crusty French bread, creating a delectable handheld meal that brings together the sweet and savory flavors in every bite.

Best Practices for Storage and Leftovers

• Smart Portioning: Create bite-sized meatballs for easier meal prep and portion control. Divide the batch into smaller containers for quick grab-and-go lunches or dinner options throughout the week.
• Chill & Store Strategy: Refrigerate cooked meatballs in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Place a layer of plastic wrap directly on top of the meatballs to prevent moisture loss and maintain freshness.
• Freezer-Friendly Hack: Freeze unglazed meatballs for up to 3 months in a sealed freezer bag. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating and adding fresh sauce.
• Quick Reheat Method: Warm meatballs in a skillet over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. Alternatively, microwave in 30-second intervals, checking temperature to avoid overcooking and maintain juicy texture.

Tangy Cranberry-Orange Glazed Meatballs

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4.8 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Succulent cranberry-orange glazed meatballs combine tangy citrus with rich, savory flavors in a festive holiday dish. Guests will savor the delightful balance of sweet and zesty notes that make this recipe an irresistible crowd-pleaser you’ll want to serve again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (454 g) ground beef
• ½ cup breadcrumbs
• ½ cup milk
• 1 egg
• 1 large orange zest
• ¼ cup finely chopped onion
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ¼ tsp garlic powder
• 1 can (14 oz) jellied cranberry sauce
• 1 cup barbecue sauce
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Ignite the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or apply a delicate grease coating.
2. Mixing: Combine ground beef, orange zest, breadcrumbs, milk, onion, egg, salt, pepper, and garlic powder in a substantial mixing bowl, blending thoroughly until ingredients meld seamlessly.
3. Forming: Craft uniform meatballs using hands or a precise scoop, arranging them strategically across the baking sheet to ensure optimal heat distribution and consistent cooking.
4. Roasting and Glazing: Bake meatballs for 20-25 minutes until golden-brown and fully cooked, then simultaneously create the cranberry-orange glaze by melting jellied cranberry sauce and barbecue sauce in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring until transforming into a velvety, harmonious sauce.
5. Finishing: Liberally coat the roasted meatballs in the glossy cranberry-orange glaze, ensuring each morsel is entirely enrobed, then transfer to a serving platter and garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant, aromatic presentation.

Notes

• Meat Mixing Technique: Blend ingredients gently to prevent tough meatballs, using light hand movements to keep the mixture tender and prevent overworking.
• Meatball Sizing Precision: Use a consistent scoop or measurement tool to create uniform meatballs, ensuring even cooking and professional presentation.
• Glaze Coating Strategy: Warm glaze slightly before coating meatballs to help sauce adhere better and create a more even, glossy finish.
• Temperature Control Tip: Let meatballs rest for 2-3 minutes after baking to retain moisture and prevent crumbling during the glazing process.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 347
• Sugar: 18 g
• Sodium: 725 mg
• Fat: 17 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 34 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 16 g
• Cholesterol: 63 mg