Quick Cranberry Meatballs are a delicious and easy dish to make at home. They combine the savory flavor of meatballs with the sweetness of cranberry sauce. This recipe is great for busy weeknights or when you need a quick dish for parties and gatherings.
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Why make this recipe
Making Quick Cranberry Meatballs is a fantastic choice for a few reasons. First, they are simple and quick to prepare, taking about 40 minutes from start to finish. Second, they are a crowd-pleaser, perfect for dinner or as an appetizer at parties. Lastly, they make use of ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen.
How to make Quick Cranberry Meatballs
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup chopped onion
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
- 1 egg
- 1 cup cranberry sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, onion, parsley, egg, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Shape the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them on a baking sheet.
- In a small bowl, mix cranberry sauce and soy sauce together. Pour the sauce over the meatballs.
- Bake in the oven for about 30 minutes or until the meatballs are cooked through.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Quick Cranberry Meatballs
Delicious meatballs combining savory beef with sweet cranberry sauce, perfect for quick dinners or parties.
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup chopped onion
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
- 1 egg
- 1 cup cranberry sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, onion, parsley, egg, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Shape the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them on a baking sheet.
- In a small bowl, mix cranberry sauce and soy sauce together. Pour the sauce over the meatballs.
- Bake in the oven for about 30 minutes or until the meatballs are cooked through.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
For a lighter option, use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. Mix ingredients well to ensure meatballs hold together.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: None
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
How to serve Quick Cranberry Meatballs
You can serve Quick Cranberry Meatballs in many ways. They are great on their own or over rice. You can also serve them with toothpicks for easy snacking during parties. Consider pairing them with a fresh salad or some steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
How to store Quick Cranberry Meatballs
To store leftover Quick Cranberry Meatballs, let them cool completely. Place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them for longer storage; just make sure to freeze them in a single layer before transferring them to a container or bag. They will stay good for about 3 months in the freezer.
Tips to make Quick Cranberry Meatballs
- Make sure to mix the ingredients well to ensure the meatballs hold together.
- If the mixture feels too dry, you can add a little bit of water or extra egg.
- Experiment with different sauces if you want a unique twist, such as BBQ sauce or sweet and sour sauce.
Variation
You can easily adapt this recipe by using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter option. You can also add different herbs or spices to the meatball mixture to suit your taste, much like I did with these Honey Garlic Meatballs.
FAQs
1. Can I use store-bought cranberry sauce?
Yes, store-bought cranberry sauce works perfectly in this recipe.
2. Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the meatballs in advance and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to bake them.
3. What can I serve with Quick Cranberry Meatballs?
They are delicious on their own, but you can serve them with rice, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread.
Conclusion
Quick Cranberry Meatballs are a simple and tasty dish that anyone can make. With just a few ingredients and easy steps, you can have a meal that is sure to impress. Whether for dinner or a gathering, these meatballs are sure to be a hit!
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