Instant Pot Cranberry Meatballs Recipe

If you’re looking for a crowd-pleaser that balances sweet, tangy, savory, and utterly juicy in each bite, this Instant Pot Cranberry Meatballs Recipe is your new best friend! With ultra-tender homemade meatballs and a glistening cranberry-chili sauce, this dish comes together quickly but tastes like you cooked all day.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The Instant Pot Cranberry Meatballs Recipe gets its magic from a few staple ingredients that do the heavy lifting for flavor and texture. Here’s what each one brings to the party, making every bite pop!

• Breadcrumbs (panko or regular): These act like little sponges, keeping your meatballs tender and moist instead of dry.
• Milk: Softens the breadcrumbs and adds a subtle creaminess to each bite.
• Egg: Binds everything together, so your meatballs hold their shape in the luscious sauce.
• Minced Onion: Delivers a sweet aromatic flavor and a pleasant, soft bite in the finished meatballs.
• Dried Parsley: Brings an herby freshness and a pop of gentle green to the mix.
• Garlic Powder: Rounds out the flavor with mellow, savory depth.
• Coarse Kosher Sea Salt: Seasoning is key for boosting all the flavors in the Instant Pot Cranberry Meatballs Recipe.
• Ground Black Pepper: Just a touch wakes up the rich beef and sauce.
• Ground Beef: The heart of your meatballs—pick a blend with a little fat (about 80/20) for extra juiciness.
• Oil (olive, canola, vegetable, or avocado): Essential for browning the meatballs and adding a savory crust.
• Jellied Cranberry Sauce: The not-so-secret hero behind that sweet-tart, jewel-toned glaze.
• Heinz Chili Sauce: Not spicy—just bright, a little tangy, and perfect for blending into the cranberry sauce.
• Brown Sugar: Adds subtle molasses warmth and helps the sauce caramelize around the meatballs.
• Water or Orange Juice: Loosens up the sauce and, with orange juice, adds just a hint of citrus for a holiday touch!

Variations

The beauty of this Instant Pot Cranberry Meatballs Recipe is its flexibility—there are so many ways to make it your own! Whether you need to swap ingredients or want to try something new, feel free to riff on the classic flavors below.

• Turkey or Chicken Meatballs: Swap out the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter, leaner twist—still super flavorful!
• Gluten-Free Option: Use your favorite gluten-free breadcrumbs so everyone gets to enjoy these sticky-sweet beauties.
• Spicy Surprise: Add a dash of hot sauce or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the sauce for meatballs with a gentle kick.
• Citrus Zest: Stir a bit of orange or lemon zest into the sauce for extra-bright, festive notes.

How to Make Instant Pot Cranberry Meatballs Recipe

Step 1: Make the Meatball Mixture

In a medium mixing bowl, combine your breadcrumbs, milk, and egg and let them sit for about three minutes. This step is key—softening the crumbs means extra tender meatballs! Stir in the minced onion, dried parsley, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, blending everything well. Gently fold in the ground beef with your hands until it’s fully mixed, but be careful not to overwork the meat to keep the meatballs fluffy.

Step 2: Shape the Meatballs

Whether you’re making cocktail-style bites or hearty dinner portions, shape your meat mixture with a cookie scoop for even sizes (about 1–1.5 inches for appetizers, larger for dinner). Pro tip: Lightly oil your hands or scoop to keep the mixture from sticking and achieve perfectly round meatballs.

Step 3: Brown the Meatballs in the Instant Pot

Select the SAUTE function on your Instant Pot and, once it’s hot, add your oil. Brown the meatballs in batches so they’re not crowded—this gives each one a flavorful crust and prevents steaming. Turn them gently until golden on all sides. No need to fully cook them now; you just want that delicious golden exterior.

Step 4: Mix & Pour the Cranberry Sauce

In a bowl or large measuring cup, whisk together jellied cranberry sauce, Heinz Chili Sauce, brown sugar, and your liquid (water or orange juice). The mixture should be pourable and glossy. Carefully pour the sauce over the browned meatballs, coating them evenly in that tangy-sweet goodness.

Step 5: Pressure Cook & Finish

Lock the Instant Pot lid, set to MANUAL with high pressure, and cook for 12 minutes. Once finished, let the pressure release naturally—about 7 to 10 minutes—so the sauce thickens and the meatballs stay ultra-tender. Open, gently stir, and your Instant Pot Cranberry Meatballs Recipe is ready to serve or keep warm for hours!

How to Serve Instant Pot Cranberry Meatballs Recipe

Garnishes

These meatballs look heavenly with a scattering of finely chopped parsley or chives for a bright burst of color. For extra sparkle, try a few swirls of orange zest or even some jewel-red dried cranberries on top. If you’re serving for a party, toothpicks make them easy (and mess-free!) to enjoy.

Side Dishes

Make a meal out of this Instant Pot Cranberry Meatballs Recipe by pairing with fluffy rice, buttery mashed potatoes, or a simple side of roasted veggies. For parties, set them alongside a fresh green salad or a platter of cheese and crackers—they taste fantastic as both an appetizer or main dish!

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive twist, try serving the meatballs straight from your Instant Pot on “Keep Warm” mode, or in a pretty slow cooker for all-day gatherings. Stack them high in a bowl with a drizzle of extra sauce, or arrange atop mini slider buns for holiday party “cranberry meatball sliders.” Fancy toothpicks or mini skewers always elevate finger foods to the next level!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Transfer any leftover meatballs and cranberry sauce to an airtight container and pop them in the fridge. They’ll keep beautifully for up to four days—the flavors get even richer as they meld!

Freezing

This Instant Pot Cranberry Meatballs Recipe is perfect for batch-cooking and freezing! Let the meatballs and sauce cool completely, then freeze in a sturdy container or resealable bag for up to three months. Defrost overnight in the fridge for best texture.

Reheating

For best results, reheat gently on the stovetop or in your Instant Pot using the “SAUTE”/“Keep Warm” feature. Add a splash of water if the sauce is extra thick, and heat just until warmed through—no one will know they aren’t freshly made!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re hosting game day, a holiday, or just a weeknight dinner that needs a little extra sparkle, the Instant Pot Cranberry Meatballs Recipe is the answer. It’s simple, full of festive flavors, and guaranteed to bring everyone back for seconds. Give these a try and watch them become a new favorite in your kitchen, too!

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