Cranberry Sweet & Sour Meatballs Recipe
Description:
Delight in a dish that promises to be a family favorite, combining the tangy zing of cranberry sauce with the comforting heartiness of meatballs. This recipe not only feeds the appetite but also provides a smart solution for meal planning. The trick is to make a double batch, but beware—this dish is so irresistible that leftovers might just vanish before you get the chance to enjoy them again. Perfect for a satisfying dinner that could become a staple on your meal rotation!
Ingredients:
For the Meatballs:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 egg
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
For the Sauce:
- 1 cup cranberry sauce
- 1 cup ketchup
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Yield: Approximately 25 meatballs
Servings: 4
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Meatballs:
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, egg, finely chopped onion, salt, black pepper, and minced garlic. Mix until well combined, but be careful not to overwork the mixture as this can make the meatballs tough.
- Shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them on a baking sheet or plate.
-
Make the Sauce:
- In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberry sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, and lemon juice.
- Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring frequently. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
-
Cook the Meatballs:
- Carefully add the meatballs to the simmering sauce. Stir gently to coat all the meatballs with the sauce.
- Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let the meatballs cook for 1 to 1 1/2 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. The meatballs should be cooked through and have absorbed the rich flavors of the sauce.
-
Serve:
- Once the meatballs are tender and the sauce has thickened, transfer them to a serving dish.
- Serve warm, and enjoy the delightful blend of sweet and tangy flavors with your favorite sides or over rice.
Notes:
- This recipe yields about 25 meatballs, making it ideal for feeding a crowd or enjoying as leftovers.
- For best results, let the meatballs cool slightly before serving, as the sauce will thicken more as it stands.
- Adjust the level of sweetness and tanginess to your taste by varying the amount of brown sugar and lemon juice in the sauce.
Whether you’re preparing for a cozy family dinner or looking to impress guests with a flavorful dish, these Cranberry Sweet & Sour Meatballs are sure to be a hit. Enjoy the blend of sweet, sour, and savory flavors in every bite! 🍽️🍇
