Description
These Cranberry Meatballs are a delightful blend of savory ground beef meatballs baked to perfection and coated in a sweet and tangy cranberry glaze. Perfect for a festive appetizer or a comforting main dish, this recipe combines simple pantry ingredients to create a flavorful meal in just 35 minutes.
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 the oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure the meatballs won’t stick during baking.
- Prepare the meatball mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, finely chopped onion, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Form the meatballs: Roll the meat mixture into 1-inch diameter meatballs and place them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake the meatballs: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the meatballs are browned on the outside and cooked through on the inside.
- Prepare the cranberry glaze: While the meatballs bake, mix the jellied cranberry sauce, chili sauce, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce in a medium saucepan. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is smooth and warmed through.
- Coat the meatballs: Once the meatballs are done baking, transfer them carefully into the saucepan with the cranberry glaze. Stir gently to evenly coat all the meatballs in the sauce.
- Simmer the meatballs: Allow the meatballs to simmer in the cranberry glaze for 5-10 minutes on low heat, letting the flavors meld beautifully.
- Serve: Serve the glazed meatballs warm. Optionally, garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Enjoy!
Notes
- For extra flavor, you can add finely chopped fresh herbs like parsley or thyme to the meatball mixture.
- If you prefer smaller or larger meatballs, adjust the baking time accordingly to ensure they are fully cooked.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently on the stovetop to avoid drying out the meatballs.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
