These Cranberry Meatballs are a perfect blend of savory and sweet, with a hint of tang from cranberry and chili sauces. This dish is ideal for holiday gatherings, potlucks, or any time you want a crowd-pleasing appetizer with a unique twist. The juicy beef meatballs are coated in a rich cranberry glaze that’s sure to impress. Easy to make and packed with flavor, these meatballs are bound to be a hit!
Ingredients:
For the Meatballs:
- 2 large eggs
- 1/3 cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon coarse ground black pepper
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 pounds ground beef
For the Cranberry Sauce:
- 14 ounces cranberry jelly
- 1 cup chili sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup orange juice
Instructions:
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Cover a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to ensure nothing sticks.
- Make the Meatballs: In a large mixing bowl, combine the eggs, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, garlic powder, and black pepper. Stir well. Add the breadcrumbs and ground beef to the bowl. Using your hands, gently mix until the ingredients are just combined, taking care not to overmix, which can make the meatballs tough.
- Form and Bake Meatballs: Roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 15–20 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and browned on the outside.
- Prepare the Cranberry Sauce: While the meatballs are baking, prepare the cranberry glaze. In a medium saucepan, heat the cranberry jelly, chili sauce, brown sugar, and orange juice over medium heat. Stir occasionally until the mixture becomes smooth and heated through, about 5 to 7 minutes.
- Combine and Simmer: Once the meatballs are done baking, add them to the saucepan with the cranberry sauce. Carefully stir to ensure the meatballs are evenly coated in the sauce. Allow them to simmer for another 10 minutes, letting the flavors fully develop.
- Serve : Transfer the cranberry-glazed meatballs to a serving dish and serve warm. They can be enjoyed as an appetizer or served over rice for a full meal.
Conclusion:
These Cranberry Meatballs are a flavorful and festive addition to any gathering. The tangy-sweet cranberry glaze pairs perfectly with the savory meatballs, creating a delicious bite that’s both hearty and unique. Serve them as a holiday appetizer or add them to your dinner menu for a comforting and satisfying meal.
Tangy Cranberry-Glazed Meatballs
Juicy, oven-baked meatballs in a tangy cranberrysauce with hints of chili, perfect for holiday gatherings or family dinners.
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
- 2 large eggs
- 1/3 cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon coarse ground black pepper
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 pounds ground beef
For the Cranberry Sauce:
- 14 ounces cranberry jelly
- 1 cup chili sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup orange juice
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Cover a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to ensure nothing sticks.
- Make the Meatballs: In a large mixing bowl, combine the eggs, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, garlic powder, and black pepper. Stir well. Add the breadcrumbs and ground beef to the bowl. Using your hands, gently mix until the ingredients are just combined, taking care not to overmix, which can make the meatballs tough.
- Form and Bake Meatballs: Roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 15–20 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and browned on the outside.
- Prepare the Cranberry Sauce: While the meatballs are baking, prepare the cranberry glaze. In a medium saucepan, heat the cranberry jelly, chili sauce, brown sugar, and orange juice over medium heat. Stir occasionally until the mixture becomes smooth and heated through, about 5 to 7 minutes.
- Combine and Simmer: Once the meatballs are done baking, add them to the saucepan with the cranberry sauce. Carefully stir to ensure the meatballs are evenly coated in the sauce. Allow them to simmer for another 10 minutes, letting the flavors fully develop.
- Serve : Transfer the cranberry-glazed meatballs to a serving dish and serve warm. They can be enjoyed as an appetizer or served over rice for a full meal.