Let me tell you, there’s something incredibly delightful about Cranberry meatballs! They’re the perfect blend of sweet and tangy, making them an absolute favorite in my household. Whether I’m serving them as appetizers at a party or as a main dish for dinner, they never fail to impress. I first stumbled upon this recipe during the holiday season, and it quickly became a staple because of how easy and delicious they are. Plus, the vibrant color of the cranberry sauce adds a festive touch to any table! Trust me, you’re going to love how simple and satisfying these little bites are!
Ingredients List
To whip up these delicious Cranberry meatballs, you’ll need a handful of simple ingredients that come together beautifully. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup cranberry sauce
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
These ingredients are pretty common and should be easy to find. I love how they create a flavor-packed meatball that’s both savory and slightly sweet. You’ll want to gather everything before you start cooking to make the process a breeze!
How to Prepare Cranberry Meatballs
Now, let’s dive into the fun part—making those Cranberry meatballs! It’s super straightforward, and I promise you’ll love the process. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a delicious dish in no time!
Preheat the Oven
First things first, you want to preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This is crucial because a hot oven ensures the meatballs cook evenly and get that lovely golden color!
Mix the Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, finely chopped onion, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. I usually mix it with my hands because it’s the best way to get everything nicely incorporated. Just make sure not to overmix; we want tender meatballs, not tough ones!
Form and Place Meatballs
Now, grab a handful of the mixture and roll it into small meatballs, about the size of a golf ball. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, giving them some space to breathe. You don’t want them squished together—let them shine!
Prepare the Sauce
In a separate bowl, mix together the cranberry sauce, ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce until well blended. This sauce is what brings those sweet and tangy flavors to life, so don’t skip this step!
Bake and Serve
Pour the sauce over the meatballs, making sure they’re well coated. Bake them in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until they’re cooked through. Serve them hot, and watch your friends and family devour every last bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- They’re incredibly quick to prepare—ready in just about 45 minutes!
- Sweet and tangy flavor that’s a crowd-pleaser for any gathering.
- Versatile enough to be served as an appetizer or a main dish.
- Easy to customize; you can adjust the sweetness to your liking!
- Perfect for holiday parties or casual weeknight dinners.
- They make great leftovers, heating up wonderfully for a quick meal!
Honestly, these Cranberry meatballs are a delightful addition to any table, and I just can’t get enough of them!
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s talk about some pro tips to make your Cranberry meatballs absolutely perfect! First off, if you’re looking for a lighter option, feel free to swap out the ground beef for ground turkey. It works beautifully and still packs in the flavor! Also, don’t hesitate to adjust the sweetness of the sauce—if you like it a bit more tangy, just add a touch less cranberry sauce. And here’s a little secret: for extra moisture, mix in a splash of milk or a bit of grated Parmesan cheese. Trust me, these small tweaks can elevate your meatballs to the next level!
Nutritional Information
Keep in mind that nutritional values can vary based on the ingredients you use and their brands, so these numbers are just estimates. Typically, each serving of Cranberry meatballs contains about 250 calories, 15g of fat, 12g of protein, and 15g of carbohydrates. It’s a delicious dish that can fit nicely into your meal plans!
FAQ Section
Got some burning questions about Cranberry meatballs? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered!
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. They reheat beautifully in the microwave or on the stovetop!
Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the meatballs and sauce in advance, then bake them just before serving. Perfect for busy days!
What variations can I try?
You can switch things up by adding herbs like parsley or even using different meat like chicken or turkey for a lighter twist.
What do I serve with them?
These meatballs are fantastic with toothpicks as an appetizer or served over rice or pasta for a hearty main dish!
Cranberry Meatballs: 5 Ways to Delight Your Taste Buds
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Cranberry meatballs are sweet and tangy, perfect for appetizers or main dishes.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup cranberry sauce
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, onion, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Form the mixture into small meatballs.
- Place meatballs on a baking sheet.
- In a separate bowl, mix cranberry sauce, ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Pour the sauce over the meatballs.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until cooked through.
- Serve hot.
Notes
- Use ground turkey for a lighter option.
- Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less cranberry sauce.
- Great for parties or holiday gatherings.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 meatballs
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: Cranberry meatballs, meatball recipe, appetizer