Introduction
Cranberry Meatballs are a delightful combination that pairs the savory flavor of meatballs with a sweet and tangy cranberry sauce. This dish is versatile, making it a perfect appetizer for parties or a hearty main dish for family dinners. The sweet and sour sauce adds a unique twist that everyone will enjoy. Here’s a detailed recipe for you to try at home.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
For the Meatballs:
– 1½ pounds ground beef
– ½ pound ground pork
– 2 eggs, beaten
– 2 slices bread, crumbled
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– ½ cup ketchup
– ¼ cup dried parsley flakes
– 1 teaspoon salt
– ¼ teaspoon black pepper
– ½ teaspoon garlic powder
For the Sauce:
– 1 (16-ounce) can jellied cranberry sauce
– ¾ cup chili sauce
– 3 tablespoons brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Prep Time
Approximately 20 minutes.
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Yield: About 6 servings
Instructions
1. **Prepare the Meatballs:**
– In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, beaten eggs, crumbled bread, chopped onion, ketchup, dried parsley flakes, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
– Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
– Shape the mixture into small meatballs, approximately the size of a walnut.
– Arrange the meatballs in a shallow baking pan.
2. **Prepare the Sauce:**
– In a medium saucepan, combine the jellied cranberry sauce, chili sauce, brown sugar, and lemon juice.
– Cook over medium heat, stirring continuously, until the mixture is well blended and the cranberry sauce has melted.
3. **Combine and Cook:**
– Pour the hot sauce evenly over the arranged meatballs in the baking pan.
– Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for approximately 45 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through.
Enjoy this flavorful dish at your next gathering or family meal!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Prepare the Meatballs:
– In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, beaten eggs, crumbled bread, chopped onion, ketchup, dried parsley flakes, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
– Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
– Shape the mixture into small meatballs, approximately the size of a walnut.
– Arrange the meatballs in a shallow baking pan.
Prepare the Sauce:
– In a medium saucepan, combine the jellied cranberry sauce, chili sauce, brown sugar, and lemon juice.
– Cook over medium heat, stirring continuously, until the mixture is well blended and the cranberry sauce has melted.
Combine and Cook:
– Pour the hot sauce evenly over the arranged meatballs in the baking pan.
– Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for approximately 45 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through.
Notes
Serving Suggestions:
– These meatballs can be served as a delicious appetizer or as a main dish alongside rice or a salad.
Storage:
– Leftover meatballs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They can also be frozen for longer storage.
Flavor Variations:
– Feel free to add different herbs or spices to the meatball mixture, such as oregano or thyme, for added flavor.
Cooking Method:
– If you prefer, you can also cook these meatballs in a slow cooker. Just place the raw meatballs and sauce in the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
Cook Techniques
Mixing Ingredients
Thoroughly combine all meatball ingredients to ensure even flavor and texture. Use your hands for the best results, making sure to incorporate all the spices, meat, and other elements.
Shaping Meatballs
Shape the meat mixture into uniform balls, about the size of a walnut. This helps them cook evenly and ensures a consistent bite size.
Baking Meatballs
Arrange the meatballs in a shallow pan for even cooking. Bake them at 350°F (175°C) until fully cooked, which allows for a nice browning on the outside while staying moist inside.
Making Sauce
Combine the sauce ingredients in a saucepan and heat over medium, stirring constantly. This helps dissolve the jellied cranberry sauce and blends the flavors effectively.
Pouring Sauce
Evenly pour the hot sauce over the baked meatballs, ensuring they are well-coated. This enhances the flavors and keeps the meatballs moist during baking.
FAQ
Can I use only ground beef for the meatballs?
Yes, you can use only ground beef if you prefer, but mixing with pork adds flavor and moisture.
Can I prepare these meatballs ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can shape the meatballs and store them in the refrigerator for a few hours or even freeze them for later use.
What can I serve with the cranberry meatballs?
These meatballs pair well with rice, mashed potatoes, or even as a filling for sliders.
Is there a substitute for brown sugar in the sauce?
Yes, you can use honey or maple syrup as a natural sweetener in place of brown sugar.
Can I add vegetables to the meatball mix?
Sure! Finely chopped bell peppers, carrots, or zucchini can be added for extra flavor and nutrition.
Conclusion
The Cranberry Meatballs recipe brings together the richness of ground meats complemented by the sweetness and tang of cranberry sauce, creating a harmonious blend of flavors. This dish is versatile, making it an ideal choice for both casual gatherings and festive occasions. Whether served as an appetizer or a main dish, these meatballs are sure to be a hit among your guests.
More recipes suggestions and combination
BBQ Pineapple Meatballs
Combine ground meat with crushed pineapple and BBQ sauce for a tropical twist on traditional meatballs. Serve with toothpicks for an easy appetizer.
Italian Style Meatballs
Mix ground beef with Italian seasoning, grated Parmesan cheese, and marinara sauce. Serve over spaghetti for a classic dinner option.
Sweet and Sour Meatballs
Create a sweet and sour flavor by combining ground turkey with a mixture of pineapple juice, soy sauce, and vinegar. Serve with rice for a complete meal.
Spicy Asian Meatballs
Incorporate ginger and green onions into your ground meat mixture and glaze with a soy sauce and sriracha blend for a flavorful Asian-inspired dish.
Herbed Lamb Meatballs
Utilize ground lamb mixed with rosemary, mint, and garlic for a unique and aromatic option. Serve with tzatziki sauce for dipping.
