Festive Cranberry Glazed Meatballs

Cranberry Meatballs: A Festive Delight

When it comes to holiday gatherings, few dishes capture the festive spirit like Cranberry Meatballs. This delectable recipe, brought to you by Love with Recipes, is a perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors, making it an ideal addition to your Christmas or Thanksgiving feast. With a preparation time of just 30 minutes and a cook time of 20 minutes, these meatballs are not only delicious but also incredibly convenient, allowing you to spend more time enjoying the festivities with your loved ones.

Recipe Overview

• Name: Cranberry Meatballs
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Meat
• Keywords: Christmas, Thanksgiving, < 60 Mins, Oven
• Yield: Approximately 3 dozen meatballs

Ingredients

Meatball Mixture

• 2 eggs
• 1 package of dried cranberries
• 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 packet of onion soup mix
• 1/2 cup bread crumbs
• 1.5 pounds ground beef

Sauce

• 1/4 cup whole berry cranberry sauce
• 2 cups ketchup
• 1 1/2 cups beef broth
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 3/4 cup chopped onions
• 1/2 cup cider vinegar

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 1093.1 kcal
• Fat Content: 51 g
• Saturated Fat Content: 18.8 g
• Cholesterol Content: 303 mg
• Sodium Content: 2409.9 mg
• Carbohydrate Content: 111.7 g
• Fiber Content: 4.1 g
• Sugar Content: 89.4 g
• Protein Content: 48.8 g

Instructions

1. Prepare the Meatball Mixture:

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   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the eggs, dried cranberries, fresh parsley, onion soup mix, and bread crumbs. Stir until well blended.
   • Add the ground beef to the mixture. Using your hands, work the mixture into the beef until all ingredients are thoroughly combined.

2. Shape and Bake the Meatballs:

   • Preheat your oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit.
   • Shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them in a baking dish.
   • Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 10 minutes.

3. Prepare the Sauce:

   • While the meatballs are baking, combine the cranberry sauce, ketchup, beef broth, brown sugar, chopped onions, and cider vinegar in a saucepan.
   • Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it becomes bubbly.

4. Combine and Serve:

   • Once the meatballs are baked, you can choose to combine them with the sauce in a large bowl and serve immediately.
   • Alternatively, you can place the meatballs and sauce in a slow cooker, set it to LOW, and keep them warm until ready to serve.

Tips for Perfect Cranberry Meatballs

• Quality Ingredients: Using fresh parsley and quality ground beef can make a significant difference in flavor. Opt for lean ground beef to keep the meatballs moist without being too greasy.
• Uniform Meatballs: For evenly cooked meatballs, try to make them all the same size. Using a small ice cream scoop can help achieve this consistency.
• Sauce Consistency: If you prefer a thicker sauce, allow it to simmer for a bit longer to reduce it down. Conversely, if the sauce is too thick, you can add a bit more beef broth to reach your desired consistency.
• Serving Suggestions: These meatballs are versatile and can be served as an appetizer or as a main dish. They pair wonderfully with mashed potatoes, rice, or even a fresh green salad.

Variations and Substitutions

• Turkey Meatballs: For a leaner option, substitute ground beef with ground turkey. The flavor will be slightly different, but still delicious.
• Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a hint of heat.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free bread crumbs and check that your onion soup mix is gluten-free to make this recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Herbs: Experiment with different herbs like thyme or rosemary for a unique flavor profile.

The Joy of Sharing

One of the greatest joys of the holiday season is sharing delicious food with friends and family. These Cranberry Meatballs are not just a dish but a conversation starter, a warm embrace on a cold winter night, and a testament to the beauty of homemade cooking. The sweet and tangy sauce combined with the savory meatballs creates a harmonious blend of flavors that will leave your guests craving more.

Whether you’re hosting a large family gathering or an intimate dinner party, this recipe is sure to impress. The combination of cranberries and meatballs brings a festive touch to your table, evoking the cozy, heartwarming feelings that define the holiday season.

Conclusion

Incorporating Cranberry Meatballs into your holiday menu is a surefire way to bring smiles and satisfaction to your guests. This recipe, with its straightforward instructions and delightful flavors, embodies the spirit of festive cooking—bringing loved ones together over a shared meal. Enjoy making and sharing this wonderful dish from Love with Recipes, and may your holidays be filled with warmth, joy, and delicious food.