Description
Sizzling cranberry meatballs bring festive holiday cheer to dinner tables across North America. Juicy beef combined with tangy cranberry sauce creates a mouthwatering dish you’ll love serving to family and friends.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1 pound (450 grams) ground beef or turkey
Binding and Seasoning:
- ½ cup (50 grams) breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Sauce Ingredients:
- 1 14-ounce (400 grams) can jellied cranberry sauce
- ½ cup (120 milliliters) barbecue sauce
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
- Craft succulent meatballs by thoroughly blending ground meat with breadcrumbs, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a spacious mixing vessel. Shape the mixture into uniform spherical portions approximately one inch in diameter.
- Position the meatball formation on a parchment-lined baking sheet, ensuring adequate spacing between each sphere. Roast in a preheated oven at 375F (190C) for 15-20 minutes until the internal temperature reaches a safe, fully cooked state.
- While meatballs are roasting, construct a tangy sauce by whisking together cranberry sauce, barbecue sauce, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce in a capacious skillet. Heat the mixture over medium temperature, stirring periodically until ingredients meld seamlessly.
- Once meatballs complete cooking, gently transfer them into the simmering sauce. Carefully coat each morsel, allowing them to absorb the robust flavor profile for 10-15 minutes over reduced heat.
- Present the glazed meatballs in an elegant serving dish, offering toothpicks for effortless sampling or nestle them atop fluffy rice for a more substantial meal. The resulting dish promises a delightful blend of sweet, tangy, and savory elements.
Notes
- Customize meat selection by using ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option that keeps the dish light and healthy.
- Swap breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour or crushed pork rinds to make the recipe suitable for gluten-sensitive diners.
- Enhance sauce complexity by adding a splash of orange zest or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle tangy and spicy kick that elevates the flavor profile.
- Prep meatballs ahead of time and freeze them uncooked, allowing quick weeknight meal preparation or unexpected guest entertaining with minimal effort.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 16 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 14 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg