July 4, 2026 · 10 min

Tangy Cranberry Glazed Beef Meatballs with Creamy Mashed Potatoes and Roasted Asparagus

Dinner10 min2142 cal / serving

These juicy beef meatballs are packed with flavor from Vidalia onion and garlic, then finished with a glossy cranberry glaze that strikes the perfect balance between sweet and savory. Served alongside creamy sour cream mashed potatoes and tender roasted asparagus and carrots, this is a hearty, satisfying meal that feels special but comes together easily.

Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal, this recipe uses simple ingredients to create a dish that’s both comforting and impressive. The meatballs are pan-seared for a golden crust, then simmered in a quick cranberry sauce that doubles as a glaze. Pair it all with velvety mashed potatoes and colorful roasted vegetables for a plate that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.


Recipe details

Dinner10 min2142 cal / serving2 servings

Nutrition per serving

Calories2142 kcalProtein52.3 gFat169.1 gCarbs97.5 gSugar23.6 gFiber5.5 gSodium2821 mg

Dietary labels

Gluten-free: noLactose-free: noDairy-free: no

Allergen check

Gluten / wheat: containsMilk / dairy: containsEgg: not detectedFish: not detectedShellfish: not detectedPeanut: not detectedTree nuts: not detectedSoy: not detectedSesame: not detectedMustard: not detectedCelery: not detectedSulphites: not detectedLupin: not detectedMolluscs: not detected

Values are calculated per serving from ingredient amounts and the ingredient nutrition reference per 100g. Allergen and diet labels use available ingredient metadata and name matching; always check product labels for strict diets or allergies. Some ingredient amounts or nutrition values were incomplete, so this is marked as a partial estimate.


Ingredients

Sour Cream3 tablespoon Sour CreamView ingredient guide
Potatoes16 ounce PotatoesView ingredient guide
Asparagus6 ounce AsparagusView ingredient guide
Ground Beef10 ounce Ground BeefView ingredient guide
Cranberry Jam2 unit Cranberry JamView ingredient guide
Panko Breadcrumbs0.25 cup Panko BreadcrumbsView ingredient guide
Carrotounce CarrotView ingredient guide
Garlic Powder1 teaspoon Garlic PowderView ingredient guide
Black Pepperteaspoon (tsp) Black PepperView ingredient guide
Salt2 teaspoon (tsp) SaltView ingredient guide
Cooking Oil2 teaspoon (tsp) Cooking OilView ingredient guide
Butter1 tablespoon (tbsp) ButterView ingredient guide

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 425°F with rack in top position. Wash and dry produce. Trim, peel and cut carrots on a diagonal into ½-inch-thick pieces. Toss on a baking sheet with a drizzle of oil and a pinch of salt and pepper. Roast on top rack until browned and tender, 20-25 minutes.
  2. While carrots roast, dice potatoes into ½-inch pieces. Place in a medium pot with enough salted water to cover by 2 inches. Bring to a boil and cook until tender, 10-15 minutes. Reserve ½ cup potato cooking liquid, then drain. Return potatoes to pot and mash with sour cream and 1 tablespoon butter until smooth and creamy, adding splashes of reserved cooking liquid as needed. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Keep covered off heat.
  3. In a large bowl, gently combine ground beef, panko, garlic powder, Vidalia onion paste and ½ teaspoon salt. Form into 10-12 meatballs (about 1½ inches each).
  4. Heat a drizzle of oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add meatballs and cook, turning occasionally, until browned all over and mostly cooked through, 4-6 minutes. If there’s excess grease, carefully pour it out.
  5. In a small bowl, whisk together cranberry jam, chicken stock concentrate and ¼ cup water. Pour mixture into pan with meatballs. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low. Cover and cook until meatballs are coated and cooked through, about 5 minutes. If glaze seems too thick, add a splash of water.
  6. Divide mashed potatoes, roasted carrots and meatballs between plates. Spoon any remaining sauce from pan over meatballs and mashed potatoes. Serve.

Recipe Tips

For extra creamy mashed potatoes, use a potato ricer or mash while still hot.

If you don’t have Vidalia onion paste, substitute with finely grated sweet onion.

To keep meatballs moist, avoid overmixing the meat mixture.

FAQ

Can I use frozen meatballs?

Yes, you can use frozen pre-cooked meatballs. Skip the browning step and simmer them in the glaze until heated through.

Can I substitute the cranberry jam?

You can use whole berry cranberry sauce or even raspberry jam for a different flavor.

How do I store leftovers?

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop.

DandyRecipes community

Rate and discuss this recipe

Your rating and comments help other DandyRecipes readers decide what to cook next.

Your recipe vote

No DandyRecipes user votes yet.

Recipe comments

0 DandyRecipes comments

No DandyRecipes comments yet.

More recipe ideas

12 similar recipes you might like

These suggestions are based on shared ingredients, meal type, and recipe metadata.