Quick Cranberry Meatballs (Christmas Recipe)
If you’re looking for a festive appetizer that ticks all the boxes—easy to make, bursting with flavor, and sure to impress your guests—then these Quick Cranberry Meatballs (Christmas Recipe) are just what you need! This delightful dish combines savory meatballs with a tangy cranberry sauce that perfectly complements the holiday spirit. They’re not just for Christmas gatherings; these meatballs are perfect for busy weeknights or family get-togethers any time of year!
What I love most about this recipe is how simple it is to whip up. You’ll spend just 15 minutes prepping, and in under an hour, you’ll have a delicious addition to your holiday spread. Trust me, once you try these Quick Cranberry Meatballs, they’ll become a staple in your home!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With minimal prep time and simple steps, you can have these meatballs ready in no time!
- Family-Friendly: The sweet and savory flavor combination pleases both kids and adults alike.
- Make-Ahead Convenience: Prepare the meatballs in advance and bake them right before your guests arrive, saving you precious time on busy days.
- Versatile Dish: Perfect for parties or as a hearty dinner option; they fit any occasion wonderfully.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients that you probably already have on hand. Here’s what you need to create these mouthwatering Quick Cranberry Meatballs:
For the Meatballs
- 1 small onion (grated or finely diced)
- 1 ½ pounds very lean ground beef
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (like panko)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/3 cup tomato ketchup
- 2 tablespoons worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (adjust to taste)
For the Sauce
- 2 cups cranberry sauce (homemade or packaged)
- 1 cup tomato ketchup
- 3 tablespoons packed brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Variations
One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility! Feel free to mix things up with these tasty variations:
- Swap the protein: Try using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter option.
- Add some spice: Include a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little kick if you enjoy some heat!
- Go vegetarian: Replace the meat with lentils or chickpeas combined with breadcrumbs for a plant-based alternative.
- Experiment with sauces: Swap out cranberry sauce for barbecue sauce if you’re craving something different.
How to Make Quick Cranberry Meatballs (Christmas Recipe)
Step 1: Prepare the Meatball Mixture
In a large bowl, combine the grated onion, ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix until everything is well incorporated. This step is crucial because it ensures that every bite of your meatball is packed with flavor.
Step 2: Shape the Meatballs
Using your hands, shape the mixture into small balls about 1 inch in diameter. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Making them uniform in size helps them cook evenly and look appealing when served.
Step 3: Bake the Meatballs
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the meatballs for about 20 minutes or until they’re cooked through and nicely browned. Baking gives them that perfect texture—crispy on the outside while remaining juicy on the inside!
Step 4: Prepare the Sauce
While the meatballs are baking, whisk together cranberry sauce, tomato ketchup, brown sugar, and lemon juice in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir until everything is well combined and heated through. The sweet tanginess of this sauce will elevate your meatballs to another level!
Step 5: Combine & Serve
Once the meatballs are done baking, gently toss them in the warm cranberry sauce until they are fully coated. Serve immediately while they’re hot! These Quick Cranberry Meatballs will be an instant crowd-pleaser at your holiday gathering. Enjoy every delicious bite!
Pro Tips for Making Quick Cranberry Meatballs (Christmas Recipe)
Making these quick cranberry meatballs can be a delightful experience, especially with a few handy tips up your sleeve!
- Use lean ground beef: This keeps the meatballs moist without excessive fat, making them healthier and allowing the flavors to shine through.
- Don’t overmix the ingredients: Mixing too much can lead to tough meatballs. Just combine until everything is evenly distributed to keep them tender.
- Make mini meatballs: Smaller meatballs cook faster and are easier to pop in your mouth as appetizers during holiday gatherings.
- Taste test the mixture: Before rolling them all into balls, fry a small patty of the mixture to check seasoning. Adjust salt and pepper as needed for perfect flavor.
- Prepare in advance: You can prepare the meatballs ahead of time and freeze them. Just thaw and bake when you’re ready to serve!
How to Serve Quick Cranberry Meatballs (Christmas Recipe)
These quick cranberry meatballs are sure to steal the show at your holiday celebration! Presenting them beautifully will enhance their appeal even more.
Garnishes
- Chopped fresh parsley: A sprinkle of vibrant green parsley adds freshness and color, making your dish visually appealing.
- Cranberry sauce drizzle: A light drizzle of extra cranberry sauce on top enhances flavor and makes for a festive presentation.
Side Dishes
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts: These crunchy, caramelized sprouts provide a delicious contrast to the sweet and tangy meatballs, bringing a burst of flavor to your plate.
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are always comforting. Their smooth texture pairs wonderfully with the juicy meatballs, soaking up all that delicious sauce!
- Mixed Green Salad: A refreshing salad with a light vinaigrette balances the richness of the meatballs and adds a crisp texture to your meal.
- Holiday Rice Pilaf: Fragrant rice pilaf with nuts and dried fruits complements the sweetness of the cranberry sauce while adding an elegant touch to your dinner spread.
With these serving suggestions, you’ll create a memorable dining experience that everyone will enjoy during this festive season!
Make Ahead and Storage
These Quick Cranberry Meatballs are not only delicious but also perfect for meal prep! You can make them ahead of time, allowing you to enjoy more quality moments with your loved ones during the festive season. Here’s how to store and reheat them so they remain just as scrumptious.
Storing Leftovers
- After cooking, allow the meatballs to cool completely before storing.
- Place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- If you have leftover cranberry sauce, store it separately to maintain freshness.
Freezing
- To freeze, arrange the cooked meatballs in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
- Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored for up to 3 months.
- For best results, label the bag with the date and contents.
Reheating
- To reheat from frozen, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 25-30 minutes or until heated through.
- For refrigerated meatballs, simply microwave them for about 1-2 minutes or until hot.
- You can also heat them gently on the stovetop in a pan with a splash of water or sauce.
FAQs
Here are some common questions you might have about these delightful Quick Cranberry Meatballs!
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef in the Quick Cranberry Meatballs (Christmas Recipe)?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great alternative if you’re looking for a leaner option. Just ensure that you adjust your cooking time as turkey may need slightly less time depending on the fat content.
How can I make these Quick Cranberry Meatballs (Christmas Recipe) gluten-free?
You can easily make this recipe gluten-free by substituting panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs. Additionally, check that your Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free or replace it with tamari.
Can I add extra spices or herbs to this recipe?
Yes! Feel free to customize the flavor by adding garlic powder, onion powder, or even some dried herbs like oregano or thyme. Experimenting is part of the fun!
What can I serve with Quick Cranberry Meatballs (Christmas Recipe)?
These meatballs pair wonderfully with toothpicks for easy snacking or can be served alongside mashed potatoes or rice for a heartier meal. They also make a fantastic sandwich filling!
Final Thoughts
I hope you find joy in making these Quick Cranberry Meatballs this holiday season! They not only bring festive flavors to your table but also create lovely moments shared with family and friends. Enjoy every hearty bite and feel free to experiment with the recipe as you make it your own. Happy cooking!
Quick Cranberry Meatballs
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 4 people 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
If you’re searching for a show-stopping appetizer that combines ease with festive flavor, look no further than these Quick Cranberry Meatballs. Perfectly seasoned lean ground beef is rolled into bite-sized meatballs and baked to perfection. They’re then generously coated in a tangy cranberry sauce that adds a delightful sweetness to each mouthful. This dish is not only ideal for holiday gatherings but also works wonderfully for family dinners and casual get-togethers year-round. With just 15 minutes of prep time and a total cooking time of less than an hour, these meatballs are as convenient as they are delicious. Once you make them, they’ll surely become a favorite in your household!
Ingredients
- 1 small onion (grated or finely diced)
- 1 ½ pounds lean ground beef
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (like panko)
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups cranberry sauce (homemade or packaged)
- 1 cup tomato ketchup
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, mix the grated onion, ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, ketchup, parsley, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Shape the mixture into small balls about 1 inch in diameter and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake for about 20 minutes until browned and cooked through.
- While the meatballs bake, combine cranberry sauce, tomato ketchup, brown sugar, and lemon juice in a saucepan over medium heat until heated through.
- Toss the baked meatballs in the warm sauce before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 meatballs (about 140g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
