Description
These Cranberry Meatballs are a flavorful and festive dish perfect for gatherings or a hearty meal. Ground beef meatballs are baked to juicy perfection and then simmered in a tangy, sweet cranberry chili glaze that balances savory and sweet beautifully. This easy-to-make recipe offers a delightful combination of textures and tastes, ideal for entertaining or a comforting family dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Meatballs
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cranberry Glaze
- 1 can (14 oz) jellied cranberry sauce
- 1/2 cup chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the meatballs from sticking during baking.
- Prepare Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, finely chopped onion, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Form Meatballs: Roll the meat mixture into approximately 1-inch diameter meatballs and arrange them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake Meatballs: Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes until they are browned on the outside and fully cooked through internally.
- Make Cranberry Glaze: While the meatballs bake, combine the jellied cranberry sauce, chili sauce, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce in a medium saucepan. Stir over medium heat until the sauce is smooth and heated through.
- Combine Meatballs and Sauce: Once baked, transfer the meatballs into the saucepan with the cranberry glaze. Gently stir to coat all the meatballs evenly with the sauce.
- Simmer to Meld Flavors: Allow the meatballs to simmer in the cranberry glaze for 5-10 minutes over low heat so the flavors fully meld and penetrate the meatballs.
- Serve: Serve the meatballs warm, optionally garnished with fresh parsley for color and freshness. Enjoy your sweet and savory cranberry meatballs!
Notes
- Using jellied cranberry sauce helps the glaze to have a smooth consistency, but whole berry cranberry sauce may be used for added texture.
- Adjust the chili sauce amount for desired spice level; you can substitute with ketchup for a milder flavor.
- These meatballs can be made ahead and reheated gently in the cranberry sauce before serving.
- For a gluten-free option, substitute breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers.
- Leftover meatballs and sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
