Christmas Cranberry Meatballs
Delightful meatballs infused with sweet and tangy cranberry sauce, perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy family dinners.
Ingredients
Meatball Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef or turkey Use turkey for a lighter option or beef for richer flavor.
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs recommended.
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion Chop small to avoid overpowering the meatballs.
- 1/4 cup milk Can substitute with almond milk or dairy-free option.
- 1 large egg Acts as a binder.
- 1 cup cranberry sauce Canned version is fine; homemade is great.
- 1/4 cup brown sugar Balances tartness of cranberries.
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard Adds tanginess; can be omitted if not a fan.
- to taste salt and pepper Essential for seasoning the meat.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, breadcrumbs, finely chopped onion, milk, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix with your hands.
- Shape the mixture into small meatballs, about the size of a golf ball.
- Place the formed meatballs on a baking sheet with space between them.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until they are cooked through and golden brown.
Sauce Preparation
- In a saucepan, combine the cranberry sauce, brown sugar, and Dijon mustard over medium heat. Stir until blended and heated through.
- Once the meatballs are cooked, toss them in the saucepan with the cranberry sauce, stirring to coat.
Serving
- Serve warm as an appetizer or over rice for a full meal.
Notes
These meatballs are versatile and can be enjoyed with different sides. They taste better the next day and can be frozen for later use.
Nutrition
Serving: 1gCalories: 220kcalCarbohydrates: 18gProtein: 15gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 4gSodium: 450mgFiber: 1gSugar: 5g
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