There’s something undeniably comforting about the aroma of cranberry meatballs wafting through the kitchen. Imagine tiny, tender morsels infused with a sweet-tart cranberry sauce that tantalizes your taste buds and warms your heart. comforting chicken casserole The combination of savory meat and vibrant berry sauce creates a dish that dances on your palate, making it perfect for a cozy family dinner or a festive gathering.
Picture this: it’s cold outside, and you gather around the table with loved ones, sharing laughter and stories over these delightful bites. As you take a bite, the burst of flavors transports you back to childhood memories of holiday feasts. tropical coconut cream pie Whether served as an appetizer or main course, cranberry meatballs are sure to be a hit at any occasion, promising joy with every mouthful.
[info_box title=”Why You’ll Love This Recipe”] These cranberry meatballs are easy to make and deliver an explosion of flavor. Their vibrant color makes them eye-catching on any plate. Perfect for parties or weeknight dinners, they can be customized to suit any palate. Enjoy them with toothpicks or over rice for a satisfying meal. [/info_box]
I once made these cranberry meatballs for a holiday party, and my friends couldn’t stop raving about them—some even tried to sneak leftovers home!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish: delicious honey sriracha salmon.
Ground Beef: Use lean ground beef for the best texture; it holds together well during cooking.
Breadcrumbs: Opt for plain breadcrumbs; they help bind the meatballs without overwhelming the flavor.
Eggs: One egg acts as a binder, keeping the meatballs moist and fluffy.
Fresh Cranberries: Use fresh cranberries for sauce; their tartness balances perfectly with sweetness.
Soy Sauce: Low-sodium soy sauce enhances umami flavors while keeping salt levels in check.
Brown Sugar: Adds sweetness to your sauce, creating that irresistible balance between sweet and savory. For more inspiration, check out this pumpkin soup recipe recipe.
Garlic Powder: A must-have seasoning that adds depth without overpowering the other flavors. For more inspiration, check out this rosemary garlic white bean soup recipe.
Onion Powder: Provides subtle sweetness and enhances overall flavor; use it generously.
Pineapple Juice: A splash adds brightness and tanginess to cut through rich flavors.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
**Prepare the Meat Mixture**: In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined; don’t overwork it!
**Shape Your Meatballs**: Scoop out small portions of the mixture (about one inch in diameter) and roll them into balls. This is where you feel like an artist shaping your tasty creations.
**Cook Meatballs**: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place formed meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for easy cleanup. easy grilling burger packets Bake for 20 minutes until browned.
**Make the Sauce**: While meatballs are baking, combine fresh cranberries, brown sugar, soy sauce, pineapple juice, and some water in a saucepan. Cook over medium heat until cranberries burst and sauce thickens—about 10 minutes.
**Combine & Serve**: Once meatballs are done baking, transfer them into the saucepan with the cranberry sauce. Stir gently to coat each meatball evenly; let simmer for 5 more minutes so flavors meld together beautifully.
**Garnish & Enjoy**: Transfer coated meatballs onto a serving platter. Feel free to sprinkle some chopped parsley on top for color! Serve warm with toothpicks or over rice for a hearty meal.
Enjoy every bit of this delightful dish!
[info_box title=”You Must Know”] Cranberry meatballs are not just delicious; they’re a delightful mix of sweet and savory. The tangy flavor from the cranberries elevates the dish, making it perfect for any occasion. Plus, they can be frozen, making meal prep a breeze! [/info_box]
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by mixing the meat and spices before forming them into meatballs. Sear them in a hot pan to lock in flavors, then simmer in your cranberry sauce for that perfect finish.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap ground turkey for beef or add crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy kick. You can also drizzle some balsamic glaze on top to enhance the flavor even more.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover cranberry meatballs in an airtight container for up to three days. Reheat them in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water if needed to keep them moist.
[info_box title=”Chef’s Helpful Tips”] For juicy meatballs, avoid over-mixing the meat mixture; it can make them tough. Use fresh herbs instead of dried for a punchier flavor. Ensure even cooking by spacing meatballs apart while baking or cooking on the stove. [/info_box]
Sharing my cranberry meatball recipe always brings smiles at family gatherings; it’s become my secret weapon for impressing guests!
FAQ
Can I use frozen cranberries in this recipe?
Yes, frozen cranberries work perfectly fine; just thaw them before cooking.
Are these meatballs gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just use gluten-free breadcrumbs or omit them altogether.
How do I make the sauce thicker?
To thicken your sauce, let it simmer longer or add cornstarch mixed with water.
Cranberry Meatballs
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 4 people 1x
Description
Cranberry meatballs are a delightful blend of tender ground beef and a sweet-tart cranberry sauce that brings warmth to any gathering. Perfect for family dinners or festive celebrations, these savory bites are easy to make and sure to impress your guests. With a burst of flavors in every bite, they’ll evoke cherished memories while adding joy to your table.
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1/2 cup plain breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup fresh cranberries
- 2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 cup pineapple juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined.
- Shape the mixture into one-inch meatballs and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 20 minutes until golden brown.
- Meanwhile, prepare the sauce by combining cranberries, brown sugar, soy sauce, pineapple juice, and water in a saucepan over medium heat. Cook until cranberries burst and the sauce thickens (about 10 minutes).
- Once meatballs are baked, add them to the saucepan with the cranberry sauce. Stir gently to coat and simmer for an additional 5 minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizer/Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 meatballs (150g)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
