Christmas Cranberry Meatballs
A delightful fusion of savory meatballs and tangy cranberry sauce, perfect for holiday gatherings and family-friendly meals.
Ingredients
For the Meatballs
- 1 pound ground beef or turkey Can use ground chicken or plant-based alternative.
- ½ cup breadcrumbs Use gluten-free breadcrumbs for a gluten-free version.
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese Omit for dairy-free option.
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley Fresh herbs can replace dried ones for extra flavor.
- 1 large egg Helps bind the meat mixture.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For the Sauce
- 1 cup cranberry sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon mustard Experiment with different types for varied flavor.
Instructions
Preparation
- Gather all ingredients and preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef or turkey, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until well incorporated.
- Form the mixture into meatballs about 1 inch in diameter and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Sauce Preparation
- In a separate bowl, combine the cranberry sauce, soy sauce, and mustard. Mix until the sauce is smooth.
Baking
- Pour the cranberry sauce mixture over the meatballs, ensuring each is coated.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until cooked through and bubbly.
- Check that the internal temperature of the meatballs has reached at least 165°F (74°C).
Serving
- Remove from oven and let cool slightly. Serve warm as an appetizer or main dish, drizzled with the remaining cranberry sauce.
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze for up to 3 months.