Hey there, fellow comfort seekers! Let’s chat about something that’s been a total dinnertime win in my house: Cranberry Turkey Meatballs! These little flavor bombs are seriously the perfect blend of sweet and savory.
I first made these Cranberry Turkey Meatballs when I was desperately searching for something a little different to do with ground turkey. You know, something besides the usual tacos or burgers. The first time I made them, my kids were skeptical, but one bite and they were hooked. Now, they request them all the time!
These Cranberry Turkey Meatballs have become a comfort food staple in our home. They’re so simple to make, and the combination of flavors is just irresistible. They bring our family comfort because they are a sweet and savory appetizer or dinner.
I’m so excited to share this Cranberry Turkey Meatballs recipe with you all. My hope is that it’ll become a sanity-saving comfort food in your home, too. So, grab your apron and let’s get cooking together!
INGREDIENTS You’ll Need:
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up a batch of these amazing Cranberry Turkey Meatballs:
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1/4 cup chopped onion
- 1 teaspoon dried sage
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 (14-ounce) can cranberry sauce
- 1/2 cup chili sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Trust me, this Cranberry Turkey Meatballs ingredient list is simple because busy moms need comfort without complexity! You can find these simple ingredients at your regular grocery store.
No worries if you don’t have regular breadcrumbs. I use gluten-free breadcrumbs. My family gets extra comfort when I add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the Cranberry Turkey Meatballs for a little kick.
This Cranberry Turkey Meatballs proves delicious doesn’t mean expensive. I like to buy ground turkey in bulk when it’s on sale and freeze it for later.
Here’s a Cranberry Turkey Meatballs comfort hack that changed our family’s dinnertime: I prep the meatballs ahead of time. Then, I store them in the fridge until I’m ready to cook them. It’s a total time-saver!
Let’s Make it Happen!
Alright, let’s get these Cranberry Turkey Meatballs cooking! Don’t worry, this is super simple. I promise!
- First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, onion, sage, salt, and pepper.
- Gently mix everything together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. Overmixing can make the meatballs tough.
- Roll the mixture into small, bite-sized meatballs. I usually aim for about 1-inch in diameter.
- Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This makes cleanup a breeze!
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through. Your Cranberry Turkey Meatballs should smell amazing by now!
- While the meatballs are baking, let’s make the sauce. In a saucepan, combine the cranberry sauce, chili sauce, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Heat the sauce over medium heat, stirring until the sugar is dissolved and the sauce is smooth.
- Once the meatballs are cooked, add them to the saucepan with the sauce. Stir gently to coat the meatballs.
- Simmer for another 5-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Perfect time to prep tomorrow’s lunch!
- Serve hot and enjoy your comforting Cranberry Turkey Meatballs!
Here’s where I used to struggle with my Cranberry Turkey Meatballs. I always overcooked them! Now, I make sure to check them regularly and take them out of the oven as soon as they’re cooked through. While your Cranberry Turkey Meatballs are cooking, take a moment to appreciate creating comfort for your family! In my busy kitchen, this comforting Cranberry Turkey Meatballs usually takes about 45 minutes from start to finish.
How We Love to Eat This!
My family absolutely loves these Cranberry Turkey Meatballs. The kids devour this comforting Cranberry Turkey Meatballs when I serve it with mashed potatoes and a side of steamed broccoli.
These sweet and savory meatballs are perfect as an appetizer for holiday gatherings. They are also great as a main course served over rice or pasta. This Cranberry Turkey Meatballs is perfect for those busy weeknights when we need comfort food fast!
For a fun twist, try serving these Cranberry Turkey Meatballs in slider buns. Add a dollop of extra cranberry sauce for a truly festive treat!
Leftovers are fantastic. I love to add them to a salad for lunch the next day. My friend loves to bring these Cranberry Turkey Meatballs {Perfect Holiday Appetizer} – WellPlated. I tested it out and the family loved it.
The kids also enjoy these leftover meatballs. They enjoy them in their school lunches. This comforting Cranberry Turkey Meatballs reminds me of another family favorite, Cranberry BBQ Crockpot Meatballs.
If you want to kick up the heat, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cranberry sauce mixture. I have also found that Spicy Cranberry BBQ Meatballs are just as easy to make.
FAQs: Your Questions Answered
Here are some common questions I get asked about these Cranberry Turkey Meatballs:
- Is this Cranberry Turkey Meatballs really filling enough for growing kids?
Absolutely! The protein from the turkey keeps them full and satisfied. I usually serve it with a hearty side dish like mashed sweet potatoes or quinoa to make it a complete meal. I also serve it with a warm vegetable like green beans. - What if my picky eater won’t try this Cranberry Turkey Meatballs?
I get it! Picky eaters are a challenge. Try serving the meatballs with a familiar dipping sauce like ketchup or honey mustard. My kids are more willing to try new things if they have a dipping sauce they love. - Can I meal prep this Cranberry Turkey Meatballs for busy weeks ahead?
Yes! You can definitely meal prep these. Make the meatballs ahead of time. Then, store them in the fridge until you’re ready to bake them. You can also make the sauce ahead of time and store it separately. - Can I use ground chicken instead of ground turkey?
Yes, you can! Ground chicken works just as well in this recipe. The taste is slightly different, but still delicious. - Can I freeze these Cranberry Turkey Meatballs?
Yes! These meatballs freeze beautifully. Let them cool completely. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll last for up to 2-3 months in the freezer. - What kind of cranberry sauce should I use?
I usually use canned cranberry sauce. Either jellied or whole berry works well. If you prefer, you can use homemade cranberry sauce. - Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes! To make these holiday meatballs in a slow cooker. Add the cooked meatballs and sauce to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 2-3 hours, or until heated through. Sweet & Savory Crockpot Turkey Meatballs in Cranberry Sauce is just what your family needs.
- Can I cook this in the air fryer?
Yes! To make this an air fryer turkey meatballs recipe, you can preheat your air fryer to 375. Then, put a small amount of meatballs into the air fryer. I like to then serve it over rice.
Final Thoughts:
These Cranberry Turkey Meatballs support my family’s comfort food goals because they’re simple to make. They are also satisfying and packed with flavor. This recipe makes enough for leftovers for our family.
Here are My Cranberry Turkey Meatballs Comfort Hacks:
- Prep Ahead: Make the meatballs and sauce ahead of time to save time during the week.
- Double Batch: Double the recipe and freeze half for a quick and easy meal later.
- Add Veggies: Sneak in some finely chopped veggies like zucchini or carrots for extra nutrition.
Here are some family-tested Cranberry Turkey Meatballs variations:
- Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce for a little kick.
- Sweet: Add a tablespoon of honey to the sauce for extra sweetness.
- Savory: Add a teaspoon of smoked paprika to the meatball mixture for a smoky flavor.
My son prefers the sweet version, while my daughter loves the spicy ones. My husband is a fan of the classic recipe.
I hope you’ll give these Cranberry Turkey Meatballs a try! Make them your own way and create a dinnertime win for your family. I hope your family can have a successful mealtime with this dinner! If you want to try an appetizer first, consider Air Fryer Cranberry Brie Bites.
Remember, simple comfort food is all about creating a warm and loving atmosphere around the table. Enjoy the process of cooking and the joy of sharing a meal with your loved ones!
Cranberry Turkey Meatballs
These Cranberry Turkey Meatballs are a delicious and healthy appetizer or main course. The sweet and tart cranberry sauce perfectly complements the savory turkey, making them a crowd-pleasing dish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 1/4 cup finely chopped celery
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries, chopped
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- 1 teaspoon dried sage
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup cranberry sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, breadcrumbs, onion, celery, cranberries, egg, sage, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
- Roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs.
- Place meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until meatballs are cooked through and no longer pink inside.
- While the meatballs are baking, gently heat the cranberry sauce in a saucepan over low heat.
- Once the meatballs are cooked, transfer them to the saucepan with the cranberry sauce. Toss to coat evenly.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
Serve these meatballs over rice, mashed potatoes, or pasta for a complete meal. Garnish with fresh parsley or thyme for a festive touch.