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Savoury cranberry meatball getting served on a silver spoon.
5 from 4 votes

Savory Cranberry Meatballs

Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Servings: 4 people
Author: Bailey
Homemade meatballs are tossed in a savory sauce made from shallots, cranberries, brown sugar, dijon mustard, garlic, and maple syrup to create a dish unlike anything you’ve tasted before.
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Ingredients

Meatballs

  • 1/2 pound lean ground beef
  • 1/2 pound lean ground pork
  • 1/3 cup milk
  • 1 egg
  • 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 package french onion soup mix
  • 2 tablespoons fresh chopped parsley

Savory Cranberry Sauce

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/4 cup shallots, minced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons fennel seeds, crushed
  • 1 1/2 pounds fresh or frozen cranberries
  • 3/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup maple syrup
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1/4 cup rice vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons dijon mustard
  • a sprig of fresh thyme

Instructions

Meatballs

  • Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking tray with parchment paper and set aside.
  • Combine all ingredients for the meatballs in a medium mixing bowl, being careful not to overmix it. 
  • Create 12 - 15 meatballs using your hands or a cookie scoop (about 1 1/2 tablespoons each). Lay the meatballs at least an inch apart on the prepared baking tray. 
  • Bake the meatballs for 18-20 minutes or until meatballs reach an internal temperature of 160°F.

Savory Cranberry Sauce

  • Meanwhile, heat oil over medium heat in a saucepan. Add the shallots and saute until softened, about 2 minutes. Add the garlic and fennel seeds and saute an additional 3-5 minutes or until fragrant. 
  • Add the cranberries, brown sugar, water, maple syrup, dijon mustard, and thyme. Cook for 5-6 minutes or until simmering and cranberries begin to pop. 
  • Continue cooking the savory cranberry sauce until thickened and reduced, about 10 minutes. 
  • Remove the thyme and add the meatballs to the saucepan, tossing to coat them.
  • Serve over pasta, mashed potatoes, or rice.
Calories: 407kcal