Name: ⭐ Holiday Cranberry Orange Meatballs
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef (or beef + pork mix); ½ cup breadcrumbs; 1 large egg; ¼ cup finely chopped onion; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons fresh parsley; 1 teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; ½ teaspoon paprika; 30–40 frozen homestyle meatballs; 1 can (14 oz) whole berry cranberry sauce; ½ cup orange juice (fresh squeezed preferred); Zest of 1 orange; ¼ cup brown sugar; 2 tablespoons honey; 1 tablespoon soy sauce (for depth and balance); 2 cloves garlic, minced; ½ teaspoon ginger (optional but recommended); ½ teaspoon chili flakes (optional for light heat); Salt & pepper to taste

Ingredients

Scale

For the Meatballs (homemade option):

1 lb ground beef (or beef + pork mix)
½ cup breadcrumbs
1 large egg
¼ cup finely chopped onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons fresh parsley
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon paprika

OR use:

30–40 frozen homestyle meatballs

For the Cranberry Orange Sauce:

1 can (14 oz) whole berry cranberry sauce
½ cup orange juice (fresh squeezed preferred)
Zest of 1 orange
¼ cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon soy sauce (for depth and balance)
2 cloves garlic, minced
½ teaspoon ginger (optional but recommended)
½ teaspoon chili flakes (optional for light heat)
Salt & pepper to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Make the Meatballs (if using homemade)

In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, onion, garlic, parsley, salt, pepper, and paprika.
Mix gently until everything is incorporated but avoid over-mixing to keep the meatballs tender.
Shape into 1-inch balls and place on a baking sheet.

Bake at 400°F (205°C) for 15–18 minutes, or until lightly browned.
Set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Cranberry Orange Sauce

In a saucepan, add cranberry sauce, orange juice, orange zest, brown sugar, honey, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and chili flakes.
Warm over medium heat, stirring frequently until the sauce becomes glossy and smooth.
Taste and add salt or pepper as needed.

Step 3: Add Meatballs to the Sauce

Transfer the baked (or frozen) meatballs into the saucepan.
Stir well so each meatball is coated evenly.
Reduce heat to low and let simmer for 15–20 minutes so the flavors blend and the sauce thickens.

Step 4: Slow Cooker Method (Optional)

Add the meatballs to a slow cooker.
Pour the prepared cranberry orange sauce over them.
Cook on LOW for 3–4 hours or HIGH for 2 hours.

This method is perfect for parties—it keeps the meatballs warm for hours.

Step 5: Serve Warm

Once the sauce has thickened and the meatballs are fully coated, turn off the heat.
Serve immediately with toothpicks, over rice, or alongside mashed potatoes.

Notes

If using frozen meatballs, choose homestyle or Italian, as they absorb sauce better.
Fresh orange zest is key—it brings the sauce to life in a way bottled juice can’t.
Allowing the meatballs to simmer longer helps the sauce cling beautifully.