Sweet and Spicy Cranberry Orange Meatballs

Name: Sweet and Spicy Cranberry Orange Meatballs
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 16 meatballs
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1/2 cup breadcrumbs; 1 egg; 1/4 cup chopped parsley; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp onion powder; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 cup cranberry sauce; 1/2 cup orange juice; 1/4 cup brown sugar; 1 tbsp soy sauce; 1 tsp chili flakes

Highlighted under: Seasonal & Festive

Elevate your appetizer game with these Sweet and Spicy Cranberry Orange Meatballs! Bursting with the perfect balance of tangy cranberries and zesty oranges, this dish offers a delightful twist on traditional meatballs. Perfect for holiday gatherings or a cozy family dinner, these flavorful bites are sure to impress your guests and keep them coming back for more.

Created by

Georgia Lane

Last updated on 2025-12-12T02:51:22.855Z

These meatballs are a perfect blend of sweet and spicy flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. Using fresh cranberries and oranges, you can create a sauce that complements the savory meatballs flawlessly.

The Perfect Holiday Appetizer

Sweet and Spicy Cranberry Orange Meatballs are an excellent addition to any holiday celebration. Their vibrant flavors not only captivate the palate but also complement a variety of festive dishes. As the holiday season approaches, these meatballs can serve as a delightful starter for your dining table, providing that perfect burst of flavor that everyone craves during gatherings.

One of the great advantages of this recipe is its versatility. You can easily adjust the spice level to suit your guests' preferences, ensuring that everyone can enjoy these delicious bites. Whether your guests prefer a milder sweetness or a more robust spiciness, these meatballs can be customized to suit every taste.

Healthier Comfort Food

One of the remarkable aspects of these meatballs is that they strike a balance between indulgence and healthiness. Made primarily with lean ground beef and enriched with nutritional ingredients like parsley, these meatballs can be a hearty yet lighter option compared to traditional recipes loaded with unhealthy fillers. They provide protein while also delivering essential nutrients.

Incorporating orange juice and cranberry sauce not only adds flavor but also infuses your meal with antioxidants and vitamins. These elements are beneficial during the colder months when our immune systems need an extra boost. By serving these meatballs, you're not just offering a treat; you're also providing a nourishing option that brings well-being to your guests.

Make-Ahead Convenience

Preparation for gatherings can be a daunting task, but these Sweet and Spicy Cranberry Orange Meatballs excel in make-ahead convenience. You can prepare the meatballs in advance and store them in the refrigerator or freezer until you're ready to cook. This feature makes them perfect for busy hosts looking to minimize last-minute stress without sacrificing flavor or quality.

If you're planning to serve these meatballs at a party, consider cooking them a day in advance and reheating them in the sauce just before serving. This not only enhances the flavors as they sit together but also allows you to focus on your guests and enjoy the moment, making you the best host of the evening.

Ingredients

For the Meatballs

1 lb ground beef
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1 egg
1/4 cup chopped parsley
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Sauce

1 cup cranberry sauce
1/2 cup orange juice
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 tbsp soy sauce
1 tsp chili flakes

Mix the ingredients well and prepare for cooking!

Instructions

Prepare the Meatballs

In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.

Form the Meatballs

Shape the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.

Cook the Meatballs

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the meatballs until browned on all sides. Remove and set aside.

Make the Sauce

In the same skillet, combine cranberry sauce, orange juice, brown sugar, soy sauce, and chili flakes. Stir to combine.

Combine

Add the meatballs back to the skillet and simmer in the sauce for about 10 minutes.

Once cooked, serve the meatballs warm.

Serving Suggestions

These meatballs shine on their own but can be made even more delightful with a few creative serving suggestions. Serve them on a festive platter garnished with fresh orange slices and sprigs of parsley to elevate their appearance. Pair them with toothpicks for easy snacking, making them perfect for mingling guests during your holiday gatherings.

For a complete meal, consider serving these meatballs over a bed of fluffy rice or quinoa, allowing the flavorful sauce to mingle with the grains. This makes for an easy, delicious dinner that can impress without stressing you out in the kitchen.

Storage and Reheating Tips

If you have leftovers, store the meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you're ready to enjoy them again, simply reheat on the stove over low heat to retain the juiciness or pop them in the microwave for a quick meal fix. You can add extra orange juice or cranberry sauce during reheating to refresh the flavors.

For long-term storage, you can freeze the cooked meatballs for up to 3 months. They make a fantastic quick meal option throughout the winter. Just remember to label your containers with the date, so you can easily keep track of your homemade goodies.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the meatballs and refrigerate them before cooking.

→ What can I serve with these meatballs?

They're great on their own or served with rice or a crusty bread.