Why Make This Recipe
Quick Cranberry Meatballs are perfect for those looking for a simple yet delicious dish. These meatballs pack a punch of flavor, thanks to the unique combination of cranberry and chili sauce. They are not just tasty but also easy to prepare, making them a great choice for holiday gatherings, parties, or even a cozy family dinner. With minimal effort, you can create a crowd-pleasing appetizer that everyone will love!
How to Make Quick Cranberry Meatballs
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
- 1 egg
- 1 can (16 oz) cranberry sauce
- 1/2 cup chili sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Form the mixture into small meatballs and place them on a baking sheet.
- In a separate bowl, mix together the cranberry sauce and chili sauce.
- Pour the sauce mixture over the meatballs.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the meatballs are cooked through.
- Serve warm as an appetizer or side dish during Christmas.
How to Serve Quick Cranberry Meatballs
Serve the Quick Cranberry Meatballs warm. They can be placed on a platter and enjoyed as finger food at parties. Pair them with toothpicks for easy serving. You can also enjoy them as a side dish with your main meal. These meatballs go well with a variety of sides like mashed potatoes or steamed vegetables.
How to Store Quick Cranberry Meatballs
To store any leftover meatballs, let them cool completely. Place them in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze the meatballs. They will last for about 2-3 months in the freezer. To reheat, simply bake them in the oven until heated through or microwave them for a quick meal.
Tips to Make Quick Cranberry Meatballs
- Make sure to mix the meatball ingredients well for a consistent flavor.
- If you like a bit of spice, consider adding some crushed red pepper or hot sauce to the meat mixture.
- Experiment with fresh herbs like thyme or oregano for a different flavor profile.
- For a sweeter sauce, you can add a tablespoon of brown sugar to the cranberry and chili sauce mixture.
Variation
You can switch the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version of these meatballs. Additionally, you can substitute the cranberry sauce with other fruit preserves, like apricot or raspberry, for a different taste.
FAQs
Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the meatballs and sauce ahead of time. Store them separately in the refrigerator, and then bake them when you’re ready to serve.
What can I serve with these meatballs?
These meatballs can be served with mashed potatoes, rice, or even on a bed of pasta for a full meal. They also make great appetizers on their own.
Can I use a slow cooker for this recipe?
Absolutely! You can place the formed meatballs in a slow cooker, pour the sauce over them, and let them cook on low for 4-6 hours. This is a great option for keeping them warm during parties.
Quick Cranberry Meatballs
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: None
Description
A simple yet delicious dish featuring tender meatballs in a flavorful cranberry and chili sauce, perfect for gatherings or family dinners.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
- 1 egg
- 1 can (16 oz) cranberry sauce
- 1/2 cup chili sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Form the mixture into small meatballs and place them on a baking sheet.
- In a separate bowl, mix together the cranberry sauce and chili sauce.
- Pour the sauce mixture over the meatballs.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the meatballs are cooked through.
- Serve warm as an appetizer or side dish.
Notes
These meatballs are perfect for holiday gatherings and can be served with toothpicks for easy enjoyment.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: meatballs, cranberry, appetizer, holiday, easy recipe