Cranberry Meatballs

Introduction

I made these Cranberry Meatballs for a recent family gathering, and they were an instant hit! The combination of savory meatballs coated in a sweet and tangy cranberry sauce was a delightful surprise for everyone. The meatballs were juicy and flavorful, while the cranberry glaze provided the perfect balance of sweetness and heat, thanks to the addition of chili sauce and Worcestershire sauce. The dish was simple to prepare, and it was so easy to make in bulk, which was perfect for the crowd. The best part? These Cranberry Meatballs are incredibly versatile, making them a great option for holidays, parties, or just a cozy family dinner. Everyone in the family asked for the recipe, and I couldn’t wait to share it with you!

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 cup onion, finely chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 can (14 oz) jellied cranberry sauce
• 1/2 cup chili sauce
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the meatballs from sticking and to make cleanup easier.
2. Prepare the meatball mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, finely chopped onion, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until it’s well combined. You can use your hands or a spoon to make sure the ingredients are evenly distributed.
3. Form the meatballs: Take small portions of the meatball mixture and roll them into 1-inch meatballs. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly apart.
4. Bake the meatballs: Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until they are browned and cooked through. You can check for doneness by inserting a meat thermometer into the center of the largest meatball—it should read 160°F (71°C).
5. Make the cranberry glaze: While the meatballs are baking, prepare the cranberry glaze. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the jellied cranberry sauce, chili sauce, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir until the sauce is smooth and heated through, making sure the sugar is fully dissolved and the glaze is well-combined.
6. Coat the meatballs: Once the meatballs are done, carefully transfer them to the saucepan with the cranberry glaze. Gently stir to coat the meatballs evenly in the sauce.
7. Simmer and meld the flavors: Allow the meatballs to simmer in the sauce for an additional 5-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly. Stir occasionally to make sure the meatballs are evenly coated in the glaze.
8. Serve and garnish: Serve the meatballs warm, garnished with fresh parsley if desired. These are perfect on their own or paired with a side of rice or vegetables. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

• Servings: 4
• Calories per serving: 250
• Sugar: 18g
• Sodium: 850mg
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 16g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 14g
• Cholesterol: 60mg

(Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.)

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes

How to Serve

• As a main dish: Serve the meatballs with a side of rice or mashed potatoes to make a complete meal.
• As an appetizer: These meatballs are perfect for parties or gatherings. Serve them with toothpicks or skewers for easy snacking.
• With veggies: Pair the meatballs with roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts or green beans for a balanced meal.
• Over pasta: Serve the cranberry-coated meatballs over pasta for a twist on traditional spaghetti and meatballs.
• With bread: Serve these meatballs with crusty bread to soak up the delicious cranberry glaze.

Additional Tips

1. Make meatballs in advance: You can prepare the meatballs and bake them ahead of time. Just store them in the fridge for up to 1 day before adding the glaze and reheating.
2. Use lean beef: For a leaner option, use ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef.
3. Adjust the glaze: If you like a spicier kick, add some hot sauce or red pepper flakes to the cranberry glaze.
4. Make smaller meatballs: If you’re serving these as an appetizer, make the meatballs smaller (about 1/2 inch in diameter) for bite-sized portions.
5. Freezing tips: These meatballs freeze well. To freeze, bake and cool them, then store in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. Reheat in the sauce when ready to serve.

Recipe Variations

• Sweet and spicy version: Add a tablespoon of sriracha or hot sauce to the cranberry glaze for a sweet and spicy kick.
• Cheese-stuffed meatballs: Add a small cube of mozzarella cheese in the center of each meatball for a cheesy surprise when you bite into them.
• Vegetarian version: Use plant-based ground meat or lentils as a substitute for the ground beef to make vegetarian-friendly meatballs.
• Cranberry BBQ meatballs: Swap the chili sauce for barbecue sauce for a smoky, tangy twist on the cranberry glaze.
• Herbed meatballs: Add chopped fresh herbs like thyme, oregano, or parsley to the meatball mixture for additional flavor.

Serving Suggestions

• For holidays: These cranberry meatballs make a great addition to your Thanksgiving, Christmas, or New Year’s spread as a savory appetizer or side dish.
• For casual gatherings: Serve them at a potluck or game day gathering with toothpicks or mini skewers for easy serving.
• For a family dinner: Pair the meatballs with mashed potatoes, a green vegetable, and cranberry sauce for a festive and comforting meal.
• As a party snack: These meatballs are perfect for holiday parties and gatherings where guests can snack on small bites between mingling.
• For meal prep: These meatballs are easy to make in bulk and perfect for meal prep. Simply store them in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.

Freezing and Storage

• Storing: Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The glaze may thicken, so you can reheat the meatballs with a little extra sauce if needed.
• Freezing: To freeze, cook the meatballs and allow them to cool completely. Then, store them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. To reheat, simmer them in the cranberry sauce for 15-20 minutes or until hot.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
   Yes, ground turkey is a great alternative for a leaner version of these meatballs.
2. Can I use homemade cranberry sauce instead of jellied cranberry sauce?
   Yes, homemade cranberry sauce will work, but the texture of the glaze may be different. You may need to adjust the sugar and seasoning.
3. How do I know when the meatballs are cooked?
   Use a meat thermometer to ensure the meatballs are cooked through. The internal temperature should be 160°F (71°C).
4. Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?
   Yes, you can prepare the meatballs, bake them, and store them in the fridge for up to 1 day before adding the glaze and reheating.
5. Can I use a slow cooker for these meatballs?
   Yes, after baking the meatballs, you can transfer them to a slow cooker with the cranberry sauce and let them cook on low for 2-3 hours to let the flavors meld.
6. Can I substitute chili sauce for something else?
   If you don’t have chili sauce, ketchup with a dash of hot sauce can work as a substitute.
7. How can I make the glaze thicker?
   If the glaze is too thin, you can simmer it longer to allow it to reduce, or add a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with water to thicken it.
8. Are these meatballs spicy?
   The cranberry glaze is not spicy, but you can add hot sauce or chili flakes if you prefer a spicy version.
9. Can I freeze the meatballs before baking?
   Yes, you can freeze the meatballs before baking. Just freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer bag.
10. What’s the best way to serve these meatballs at a party?
    Serve these meatballs on a platter with toothpicks or small skewers so guests can easily grab a bite.

Conclusion

These Cranberry Meatballs are a delightful and easy-to-make appetizer that blends savory, sweet, and spicy flavors perfectly. Whether you’re serving them for a holiday celebration, a family dinner, or a casual gathering, these meatballs will surely be a crowd-pleaser. With their juicy meatballs and rich cranberry glaze, they’re a fun and festive twist on classic meatball recipes. Enjoy these flavorful bites at your next event, and watch them disappear quickly!

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