Quick Cranberry Meatballs (Christmas Recipe)

introduction

Quick Cranberry Meatballs are a delicious and festive dish that you can prepare for your holiday gatherings. This recipe combines savory meatballs with a sweet and tangy cranberry sauce. It’s an easy dish that is perfect for parties or family dinners during Christmas.

why make this recipe

This recipe is perfect for the holiday season because it is simple to make and can be a great crowd-pleaser. The sweet cranberry sauce adds a unique flavor that is sure to impress your guests. Plus, Quick Cranberry Meatballs can be cooked in a short amount of time, making it a hassle-free option for busy holiday schedules.

how to make Quick Cranberry Meatballs

Ingredients:

1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey)
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup chopped onion
1 egg
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1 cup cranberry sauce (canned or homemade)
1/4 cup BBQ sauce

Directions:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large bowl, mix the ground beef, breadcrumbs, chopped onion, egg, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Roll the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them on a baking sheet.
In a separate bowl, mix the cranberry sauce and BBQ sauce together.
Pour the cranberry sauce mixture over the meatballs.
Bake in the oven for about 20-25 minutes or until the meatballs are cooked through.
Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving.

how to serve Quick Cranberry Meatballs

Serve the Quick Cranberry Meatballs hot on a platter. You can garnish them with fresh parsley for a pop of color. They can be enjoyed as appetizers or served alongside rice or mashed potatoes for a hearty meal.

how to store Quick Cranberry Meatballs

If you have leftovers, let the meatballs cool completely. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze them for longer storage. To freeze, place them in a freezer-safe container and keep them for up to 3 months.

tips to make Quick Cranberry Meatballs

For extra flavor, add some chopped herbs like parsley or thyme to the meatball mixture.
If you want a spicier kick, consider adding some red pepper flakes to the cranberry sauce.
You can use frozen meatballs to save time; just warm them up and add the cranberry sauce.

variation

You can switch up the meat used in this recipe. Ground chicken or pork can also work well. For a vegetarian option, try using lentils or chickpeas to create veggie meatballs.

FAQs

Can I use homemade cranberry sauce instead of canned?
Yes, homemade cranberry sauce can add a fresh and delicious flavor to the meatballs.

What can I serve with Quick Cranberry Meatballs?
They go great with rice, mashed potatoes, or even on a sub roll for a meatball sandwich.

Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the meatballs and freeze them before baking. Just bake them from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.