Instant Pot Cranberry Meatballs Recipe

If you’re craving a showstopping appetizer or a fuss-free, flavor-packed dinner, this Instant Pot Cranberry Meatballs Recipe is going to become your new secret weapon. Juicy homemade meatballs simmered in a tangy-sweet cranberry chili sauce—all ready in under 40 minutes thanks to your Instant Pot. Every bite bursts with bold flavors that taste holiday special but are delightfully easy for any weeknight!

Ingredients You’ll Need

It always surprises me how a handful of pantry staples and a few fresh basics can come together for something so crave-worthy! Each ingredient in the Instant Pot Cranberry Meatballs Recipe has a special job—whether it’s boosting moisture, infusing flavor, or building that irresistible color and shine.

• Breadcrumbs (panko or regular): These lock in all the juicy tenderness by soaking up the milk before the ground beef joins the party.
• Milk: Adds lots of moisture, so you get perfectly soft, never dry, meatballs.
• Egg: Acts as the binder, ensuring everything holds together while staying light.
• Minced Onion: Gives every bite a gentle, savory base flavor.
• Dried Parsley: A dash of fresh herby brightness.
• Garlic Powder: For that essential aromatic depth—no chopping required!
• Coarse Kosher Sea Salt: Brings out the flavors without overpowering them.
• Ground Black Pepper: Adds a subtle background warmth.
• Ground Beef: The hearty, protein-rich star of the show; choose lean or regular as you prefer.
• Oil (olive, canola, vegetable or avocado): Just enough for browning, which adds loads of savory flavor.
• Jellied Cranberry Sauce: Makes a glossy, tangy-sweet base for the sauce—your secret shortcut to wow.
• Heinz Chili Sauce: Tangy and a tad spicy, it deepens the sauce and balances the sweetness.
• Brown Sugar: Rounds out the cranberries’ tart edge and caramelizes in the Instant Pot.
• Water or Orange Juice: Use water for a neutral finish or orange juice for a pop of citrusy brightness.

Variations

One of my favorite things about the Instant Pot Cranberry Meatballs Recipe is how adaptable it is—feel free to put your spin on it based on what you’re craving or the ingredients you have handy. You can play with flavors, swap proteins, or even tweak the sauce to match your mood or dietary needs!

• Turkey or Chicken Meatballs: Swap the ground beef for lean turkey or chicken for a lighter, just-as-juicy version.
• Spicy Kick: Stir a dash of hot sauce or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes into the sauce for a zingy heat.
• Gluten-Free Swap: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs, and make sure your chili sauce is compliant, so everyone can enjoy.
• Different Sauce Flavors: Sub grape jelly, apricot preserves, or a splash of barbecue sauce in place of cranberry for a fun, fruity twist.

How to Make Instant Pot Cranberry Meatballs Recipe

Step 1: Mix the Meatball Base

Start by soaking your breadcrumbs in milk and egg—this crucial step ensures your meatballs are impossibly tender. Let the mixture stand for a few minutes so the crumbs fully soften, then add in the minced onion, parsley, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Give it all a good mix so the flavors are evenly distributed.

Step 2: Form the Meatballs

Gently combine the seasoned breadcrumb mixture with your ground beef using your hands. For uniform sizes, use a cookie scoop for dinner meatballs or two teaspoons for appetizers. Don’t over-mix—handling the mixture gently keeps them tender. Line them up on a plate as you go.

Step 3: Brown in the Instant Pot

Turn your Instant Pot onto the SAUTE mode and wait until it’s nice and hot before adding the oil. Working in batches if needed, brown the meatballs on all sides. This step locks in juices and adds a lovely golden crust that’s full of flavor—trust me, it’s worth the extra few minutes!

Step 4: Make the Cranberry Sauce

While your meatballs are browning, whisk together the jellied cranberry sauce, Heinz chili sauce, brown sugar, and your choice of water or orange juice. The sauce should be smooth and glossy—no lumps of cranberry, please! This is your signature Instant Pot Cranberry Meatballs Recipe sauce.

Step 5: Pressure Cook to Perfection

Once all the meatballs are browned, pour the cranberry sauce mixture evenly over the top so each meatball gets some love. Lock the lid, set the Instant Pot to MANUAL with high pressure for 12 minutes, and walk away! When done, let the pressure release naturally for 7–10 minutes—this keeps every bite moist and melt-in-your-mouth delicious.

Step 6: Serve and Savor

Remove the lid and give everything a gentle stir. The sauce will be bubbling and irresistible. Serve your Instant Pot Cranberry Meatballs Recipe straight away for maximum sauciness, or hit “KEEP WARM” and relax—they’ll stay ready for up to three hours without a hitch!

How to Serve Instant Pot Cranberry Meatballs Recipe

Garnishes

For a beautiful finishing touch, sprinkle your Instant Pot Cranberry Meatballs Recipe with extra chopped fresh parsley for color, or add a pinch of orange zest to play up the fruity notes. A few whole cranberries on the platter look especially festive for gatherings!

Side Dishes

Serve these meatballs over fluffy white rice, creamy mashed potatoes, or tender egg noodles to soak up every last drop of that irresistible cranberry sauce. For a lighter meal, pair them with a crisp green salad or roasted veggies.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn your Instant Pot Cranberry Meatballs Recipe into crowd-pleasing finger food by threading them onto skewers or serving with mini appetizer forks. You can also spoon them into mini slider buns with a little arugula for a bite-sized sandwich—party perfection!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, pack them in an airtight container with plenty of sauce. They’ll keep fresh and tasty in the fridge for up to 4 days—perfect for meal prep or next-day snacking.

Freezing

This Instant Pot Cranberry Meatballs Recipe is a freezer superstar! Cool completely, then freeze meatballs and sauce in a zip-top bag or lidded container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge when you’re ready.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop or in your Instant Pot on “SAUTE,” stirring occasionally, until heated through. Add a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if needed. Leftover meatballs heat up perfectly in the microwave too!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I just know you’re going to love how easy, crowd-pleasing, and joyfully flavorful this Instant Pot Cranberry Meatballs Recipe is. Whether you make it for a cozy dinner or let it steal the show at a party, every bite brings comfort and delight. Give it a try—your future self (and your hungry friends!) will thank you.

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